Mesa Arch - Canyonlands National Park - by Elly Lyons

Have you ever faced the darkness before dawn, knowing that every second counts toward a moment that could slip away forever?

The morning air was cool against my skin as I made my way through the stillness of Canyonlands National Park. The sky was a deep indigo, the stars barely hanging on as I arrived at Mesa Arch. My breath was steady but my heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and fear. I had traveled a long way to capture this moment, and the thought of missing it sent chills down my spine.

I was the first one there, a shadow in the predawn darkness, staking out the prime spot for what I knew would be a fleeting masterpiece. The quiet enveloped me, broken only by the occasional rustle of wind through the shrubs and the distant sounds of wildlife as dawn approached.

As the sky began to lighten, I felt the pressure mount. Other photographers started to arrive, their footsteps crunching over the rocky ground, their eyes narrowing as they realized I had claimed the best vantage point. They surrounded me, their presence a growing tension as they subtly tried to edge me out. The fear of heights gnawed at me as I stood so close to the edge, but the fear of missing the shot was greater.

The first rays of the sun broke over the horizon, flooding the arch with a warm, golden light. The red sandstone glowed like fire, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. I framed the shot, hands steady despite the adrenaline rushing through me, and pressed the shutter. I knew I had it—the perfect photograph.

As the sun rose higher, I stepped back, letting the other photographers take their turn. The journey was complete, and I had captured not just a picture, but a profound experience that would stay with me forever.