How (not) to photograph the Grand Canyon

This is a case of a photographer photographing another photographer. The following pictures were taken by Hans van de Vorst from the Netherlands at the Grand Canyon, Arizona . The descriptions are his own. The identity of the photographer in the photos is unknown.

 

 

Grand Canyon 1

I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this solitary rock in the Grand Canyon .
The canyon’s depth is 900 meters here. The rock on the right is next to the canyon and safe.
Watching this guy on his thong sandals, with a camera and a tripod I asked myself 3 questions:

1. How did he climb that rock?
2. Why not take that sunset picture from that rock to the right, which is perfectly safe?
3. How will he get back?

After the sun set behind the canyon’s horizon he packed his things (having only one hand available) and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes. At that point he had the full attention of the crowd.

Grand Canyon 2

This is the point of no return. After that, he jumped on his thong sandals…

The canyon’s depth is 900 meters (3,000 feet) here.

Grand Canyon 3

Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to land lower, which is quite steep
and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock.

Grand Canyon 4

Look carefully at the photographer. He has a camera, a tripod and also a plastic bag, all on his shoulder or in his left hand. Only his right hand is available to grab the rock and the weight of his stuff is a problem. He lands low on his flip flops, both his right hand and right foot slip away… At that moment I take this shot. He pushes his body against the rock. He waits for a few seconds, throws his stuff on the rock, climbs and walks away…

‘The Elixir of Life’ Exhibition at The Smithfield Gallery

Cerise Art Agency is delighted to present for the first time in London the works of two outstanding contemporary Bulgarian artists.

The Smithfield Gallery will host for one week only a selected collection of oil paintings by Diyan Dimitrov and sculptures by Dimitar Stoyanov. Accomplished painters and remarkable observers, they came to tell the story of their search for balance and harmony, and ultimately – the Elixir of Life. The beautiful tale takes us on an amazing journey where pain and bliss transcend from dream to reality, from past to present. We share and associate with their inspiration, visions and expectations admiring the power of their images. Their love of reflection, shape and colour stretches beyond the fragile frame of the human life and explores its existence wonderfully embedded with the nature. Humanising the animals and plants in their paintings is a further step in highlighting the role of the surrounding world as a friend, teacher and witness.

The exhibition is a rare opportunity for the London public to enjoy the works of Diyan and Dimitar and to mark their debut into the local scene. With their paintings and sculptures selling in many private collections in Europe, we are sure they will be well received in London.

Diyan Dimitrov was born in 1977 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He graduated the National Academy of Fine Arts and has been exhibiting mainly abroad, with most of his works being held in private collections. Diyan works in the field of composition, portrait and  still life. An accomplished painter and astute observer, his paintings are his travel-log to the Modern day romanticism. Diyan works between London and Varna, Bulgaria.

Dimitar Stoyanov was born in Bulgaria and specialized in the field of miniature woodcarving and iconography. His works are deeply rooted in the Bulgarian culture and spirituality, which also provide a source of inspiration and beauty. As well as working strict to the tenets of the Bulgarian Ortodox Church, Dimitar has managed to transfer the essence of his philosophy to more contemporary and modern mediums.

The exhibition will take place at The Smithfield Gallery, 16 West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9HY from 22^nd November until 28^th November. Opening times 10am-6pm. Website www.thesmithfieldgallery.com

Press party on 23rd November 2009 from 6pm

Private viewing and official opening on 24th November 2009 from 6pm

Twitter Exhibition Open Day on 27th November from 10am until 6pm