Anything for a good picture!

It's a beautiful day. Several hours ago we left the Navajo village of Kayenta and cycled towards Monument Valley. Right outside the visitor centre you have a fantastic view over deep red colored rock formations. A gravel road twists through the desert and we are eating a snack.

"Elmar.."
"Yeah..?"
"You know, what would be a great picture..?"
"What?"
"Well, if you would cycle down that dirt road.."
"Right!"
"No, really! That would be amazing! Such a small cyclist in front of such a huge pile of rock.. I can see it already!"
"Sigh..."

The moment

And so it happened. We decide the point to where my loyal bicycle model should ride his bike. Me, I wait patiently for him to finally capture this great shot. I personally like grand, unspoiled landscapes. I love the overwhelming nature, bold rocks and odd colors. I truly enjoy the space and silence which make me feel so small in such a grand landscape.

The actual shot

It's really hot, but still I insist Elmar should wear his red Gore-Tex jacket. Anything for a great shot! Just as he cycles in front of West Mitten Butte, I position the image in a way the grand 1700 meter high rock formation truly stands out. The small, red cyclist emphasizes the red rock even more. As we agreed, Elmar cycles back and forward on his Santos Travelmaster until I wave. He finally reaches the viewpoint again; "Well, did it work out?" I guess it did.. 

Photo tips

• Try to really see the landscape and consider to add a human aspect to emphasize the grand landscape
• Make sure the cyclist is in the right position while framing the image; out of the center.
• Watch your composition! The horizon should not be in the middle.
• Let the model cycle back and forward and make sure the model knows where he/she should be cycling
• If you do have the opportunity, try to take the images during the early morning or late afternoon hours for better light. But as a cyclist, I know this can be hard to do.

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Paso Agua Negra

4000 meter high.. thin air.. nights are freezing..

Just before sunset we find this incredible spot to pitch our tent. We are high up in the Andes, cycling the Paso Agua Negra. This pass has an altitude of 4779 meter.

No other human being in sight.. or is there?

Temperature

During the day it's hot, we carry more than 20 liters (!!) of water, just enough to drink and cook. We don't brush our teeth, nor take a bath. Then we come upon this small stream, an ideal place to call it a day and to put our tent here. Quickly we clean ourselves, before the sun sets and the temperature drops.

Visitors

Once the stars are showing, we move inside our tent. Dressed in warm clothes, our down sleeping bags wrapped around us, we eat some pasta. Quickly after dinner we fall asleep, tired of the cycling we did today. It's dark when I suddenly wake up of a squeaky sound. Some small rocks crackle and then the sound vanishes.. I fall asleep again...

What was that sound last night? Soon, on the road again.. that question is answered; a hungry and skinny dog decides to accompany us. No matter how fast, high or slow we cycle.. he stays! Poor thing...

Photo tips

• Don't place the subject (tent) in the center of the photo
• Avoid taking photos during midday
• Use colorful subjects for contrast
• Avoid a horizon in the middle of the photo

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