Finding the Hidden Gems: A Lesson from Kathlen’s Rock

It is a common irony for photographers: we are often so laser-focused on reaching a specific destination that we zoom right past the treasures hiding in plain sight. For years, we drove the highway seven miles outside of Hanksville, Utah, headed toward Goblin Valley State Park. Each time, we passed a particular rock formation without a second thought, our minds already fixed on the "main event" or the comfort of our hotel.

One day, we finally decided to stop and explore the area. What we found was a stunning subject for our lenses—a formation the internet identifies as Kathlen's Rock. It was a humbling reminder that sometimes the best shots are waiting exactly where you aren't looking.

The Art of the Night Shoot

We returned on a perfectly clear night to capture the formation against the cosmos. Night photography is rarely as simple as "point and shoot"; it’s a meticulous process of balancing artificial and natural light.

• Lighting the Foreground: Our current style involves using LED lights to bring out the textures of the rock.

• Color & Intensity: We use color-correction gels to keep the light natural and ND filters to drop the exposure to the perfect level for the scene.

• Precision Placement: We typically set up just before dusk. As the sun dips below the horizon, we test our light stands, "feathering" the light to ensure it doesn't overpower the foreground or look overly artificial.

Patience and Persistence

The proximity of Kathlen's Rock to the road adds a unique challenge: traffic. To avoid having the composition ruined by the harsh, sweeping beams of passing car headlights, we have to time our long exposures perfectly.

It is a lot of effort for just a few frames—waiting for the right gap in traffic, adjusting stands in the dark, and fine-tuning filters—but when the Milky Way finally aligns with the silhouette of the rock, the result is well worth the work.

The Takeaway: Next time you're chasing a destination, don't forget to look at what's right in front of you. You might just find your next favorite photograph.