Light-Chasers - the Idea

Jim McGee, the Publisher of Vivid Light Photography and I teamed up in December 2001 on a trip to Zion National Park in Utah. Contrary to what you might think, managing editors of photo magazines don’t get out much, so this was a nice break for Jim. We were blessed with some fabulous weather for most of the three days that we were there. The day we visited Kolob Canyon, a good hour north of the main portion of the park, however, was less than ideal. It was overcast and kind of windy, but beautiful just the same.

We were set up there hoping the light would improve. I happened to look out toward the southwest and could see some breaks in the clouds. I said Jim, “Let’s head back, I think we can catch some good light if we hurry.” Jim was driving, and as the passenger (I’m used to driving), I was nervously looking around sensing that the light was changing and knew that I needed to put something in front of this light.  With traffic and speed limit considerations, Jim was doing the best he could to get where I thought we needed to be. I was okay with that until we reached Highway 9. “Jim,” I said, “you better get a move on, it’s gonna happen.” “What’s gonna happen?” “The Light, man! The Light!”

Jim understood and picked up the pace. As we got closer to Mount Kinesava, I pointed to a spot just up ahead. We slid to a halt, Jim popped the trunk, and we were shooting in under a minute. “Wow! This is outrageous.”

Mount Kinesava Sunset

The light was unbelievable. Mount Kinesava looked like it was made out of gold.  We shot for about fifteen minutes, shooting some other subjects as well.

When the light was all gone, we headed back to Springdale for dinner, I looked over at Jim and said, “You know, I feel like those guys who chase tornadoes, what do they call them?” “Storm chasers,” Jim said.

I was quiet for a few seconds then something clicked in my tiny little brain and my eyes opened wide. “That’s it, YES! Light-Chasers, that’s what we are.” Upon arrival back home in New England, I immediately registered the name Light-Chasers as a web site.

gary@light-chasers.com