Why and How: Photographing the Dragon’s Tongue of the Black Canyon in Colorado

If you are a photographer with a passion for strange phenomena and landscape photography, then photographing the Dragon’s Tongue of the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park will be a real challenge for you.

The Dragon’s Tongue is a phenomenon that combines a form of landscape, a particular light, and a point of view.

In this article, I share with you my first experience with the Dragon's Tongue in the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park in Colorado. This memory will remain forever etched in my mind.

The glowing red dragon's tongue of the Black Canyon in the state of Colorado in the United States.

The Short Story of This Article
The Phenomenon of the Dragon's Tongue
Why You Should Photograph a Dragon's Tongue
How to Photograph a Dragon's Tongue
Finally

The Short Story of This Article

Since I have been arrived in the United States in 2001, I have been passionately following in the footsteps of Ansel Adams who imparted a deeper meaning to the landscapes of the southwestern United States.

Each year I complete at least two landscape photography projects in the United States to create collections of fine art photography. My goal is to share my passion for these wonders of nature. It was in 2013 that I first heard about the Dragon’s Tongue phenomenon.

It is a particular play of light that illuminates a rock face. The orange and red colors are so intense that they can be compared to a dragon's tongue.

The first time that I witnessed this occurring was in the Canyonlands region in Utah. A photographer showed me some pictures he had taken. I was amazed at the beauty of the phenomenon. However, I understood that he was not actually willing to give me the GPS coordinates of where he had taken the picture.

During the years that followed, I tried in vain to photograph this natural phenomenon.

It was only in August 2020, after seven years of waiting, while I was working on a photo project in the Black Canyon in Colorado, that I was finally able to realize my dream.

A local photographer, Vince Farnsworth, gave me the exact location to photograph a Dragon’s Tongue. It was not easy. It took me four mornings to photograph the phenomenon.

In the rest of the article, I explain how it happens and what the necessary conditions are.

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The Phenomenon of the Dragon's Tongue

I am going to explain this phenomenon of the Dragon's Tongue from the Black Canyon because I believe that it is the best. I hope to have the opportunity to verify if the theory is also valid elsewhere.

The Dragon’s Tongue appears during the spring and summer months. Maximum intensity is reached in April and August.

First of all, you must be in a particular position relative to the sun. The sun has to rise at 75° east from the north.

It is necessary to arrive early in the morning to be in the right place, as it is a morning phenomenon.

The photographer explained to me that it was possible to see it at other times of the year, but the intensity of color and contrast was much less at other times.

On the other hand, the sky must be clear to have the maximum effect of the light.

Another factor is that the sun must shine. It must begin to rise in the sky unobstructed by clouds.

Finally, you need to place your tripod perfectly to achieve the maximum effect.

Photographing a Dragon's Tongue requires great preparation, patience, and precision.

I would even say that photographing a Dragon’s Tongue correctly is a real challenge.

On the first morning, the cloud layer was too thick for the light to penetrate. I waited three hours, but by the time the sun appeared, it was too late.

On the second morning, the sun was nearly clear except for a cloud that prevented me from taking my pictures.

On the third morning the sky was clear. The sun was rising brightly. Unfortunately, I was not in the right place. I was 330 feet (100 meters) too far to the left. By the time I was able to transport all my equipment to the right place, the sun was too high in the sky. But at least I knew where to be for the next morning.

On the fourth morning, I had a few minutes before sunrise. The temperature was 33 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius). The sky was clear. I was witnessing the phenomenon. It was a fabulous and intense moment. It was as if a cascade of glowing red light poured down the cliff in front of me. I was extremely excited and incredibly happy to finally be able to capture this magical moment.

I captured at least 30 photos. I kept two of them that I think are the most beautiful.

The glowing red dragon's tongue of the Black Canyon in the state of Colorado in the United States.

Why You Should Photograph a Dragon's Tongue

You have certainly understood that a Dragon’s Tongue is a natural phenomenon resulting from the reflection of light through a rock face.

This scene may seem obvious to photograph. But believe me, it is a real challenge. The conditions to be met are so particular and difficult. As I said before, you must be patient to reap the rewards.

But the challenge itself is worth the effort, and this is the ultimate reason for why you should choose to photograph a Dragon’s Tongue.

For a second reason, I would say that this is a unique moment to create different and impactful photos. It is not always easy to find new scenes to photograph. With this phenomenon it is an opportunity to surprise an audience that is seeking something new.

For a third reason, I would add that the symbolism behind such a scene is extraordinarily strong. Your audience may interpret it in many different ways, sparking contemplation and discussion.

Personally, I find that a Dragon’s Tongue looks like a cascade of light that is a source of life. It reminds me of a source where we can drink to regain new energy and move forward with a refreshed vigor. However, this symbolic interpretation can also be quite personal.

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How to Photograph a Dragon's Tongue

As I said before, photographing a Dragon’s Tongue is a real challenge because you have to find the perfect location.

It is also technically difficult because the sun has to face you. The reflections are numerous. Personally, I use a small reflector that I hold over the lens with my hand to avoid reflections.

All focal lengths are possible. It all depends on how far away you are from the scene.

On the heights of the Black Canyon, I used focal lengths of 20 mm, 35 mm, 70 mm, and 130 mm. I tested many frames and compositions.

If you prefer a short focal length such as 20 mm, you will integrate the dragon tongue in a very wide landscape. You will then be able to better locate the phenomenon.

If you choose a focal length such as 130 mm, you will make a closer shot to better describe the phenomenon and make it more explainable.

A tripod is absolutely necessary to ensure the stability of the camera. Also, I recommend a remote shutter release to avoid moving the camera at the time of shutter release.

I like to photograph f/16 landscapes because I find that the depth of field is important. Moreover, I find that the rendering of details is excellent. To specifically photograph the Dragon’s Tongue of the Black Canyon, you may want to use the f/16 aperture so that your shutter speeds will be about a quarter of a second at ISO 100. You will understand better why a tripod and a remote shutter release are necessary.

Another problem may arise that you will have no control over, which is the wind. The point of view is located on a height that is exposed to all wind directions. You will have to be careful because the wind can cause vibrations that will blur your photos.

Your tripod will need to be well insured to remain fixed in its exact location.

In summary, I recommend that you have a camera, several lenses, and a remote trigger. All that is left is to find the right point of view. Be patient when taking your pictures.

Finally

I hope this article will make you want to venture out and photograph the Dragon’s Tongue of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in the state of Colorado in the United States.

This scene will be the opportunity of a lifetime. You will be able to create an extraordinary photo that will have a lot of impact.

Do not get me wrong, the process is quite difficult. You must not be discouraged but keep the idea of the reward in your mind. It will come.

There are many places in the world with the Dragon’s Tongue. The main problem comes from the fact that you have to know where to place it to immortalize its image forever. Perhaps this could be a new challenge for you? I hope that you enjoy seeking out these special locations during your future adventures.

Fine Art Collections In 1 Click.

Low Key Photography: A Creative Photographic Technique to Make Your Photos Unique

When you make nature photos, you are certainly trying to create interesting images that not only make sense, but more importantly, that they have an impact.

I pursue the same goal for my fine art photo collections.

That is why I use the low key technique for my nature photos, in wildlife photography, landscape photography, and underwater photography.

In this article I share with you what I know about this creative photographic technique.

This article will help you understand how to implement a new tool in your photography toolbox. By implementing it, you will make your photos even more interesting and instill in them true meaning.

Black and white low key photo of pink flamingos on Lake Magadi in Kenya.

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The Little Story of This Article
Welcome to the Dark Side of Photography
Should We Talk About Chiaroscuro or Low Key Photography?
Definition of the Low Key
Etymology of the Term "Low Key"
A Bit of History to Understand Chiaroscuro in Photography

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Page 5

The Little Story of This Article

When I started creating black and white art photos, I quickly turned to the high key technique. Indeed, this photographic style corresponded very well to my state of mind and perfectly reflected my moods. I love the great outdoors. I like the freedom to move where I want and when I want. I love the wind. I love to inhale and exhaled the scents of nature. I also like to reflect the energizing emotions that nature radiates in my work, allowing my viewer to escape for a few moments.

However, as I wandered through Europe and the United States, I realized that I wanted to show more and more a mysterious and darker nature. I also wanted to translate the melancholy I often experienced in places I returned to after a few years.

The climax of when I identified my curiosity for this dark, bittersweet nostalgic style occurred during a trip dedicated to the rut of the deer. The weather conditions had been difficult. I had resigned myself to photograph deer stags in the undergrowth, and I knew that high key was not an adapted style. I had to show the scenes in a different way. It was at that time that I considered low key for some of my fine art print collections.

I had not considered publishing an article on this subject, this idea never crossed my mind. Until, one day it did. The idea came to me after a fascinating discussion with an intern at one of my workshops, Annik M. We were in the woods in Charente-Maritime in search of a deer. Annick wanted to make a special photo. During one of our blinds, she asked me if chiaroscuro could suit her photographic approach. After this long discussion, I wanted to share my thoughts on chiaroscuro in nature photography with as many people as possible.

This article was born from this exciting discussion with Annik. I thank her for her questions and willingness to learn.

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Welcome to the Dark Side of Photography

You have learned that photography is just about light. With the low key I welcome you to the dark world. With this technique you will not only write your pictures with light but also with shadows. The stronger they are, the more emotional your photos will be.

Low key photography allows you to break many of the rules of photography. You can create your own boundaries.

The low key photo is the privileged domain of textures, details, lines, shapes, and curves.

If you are ready and willing to join the dark side of photography, I welcome you to a world without limits.

Should We Talk About Chiaroscuro or Low Key Photography?

The terms “chiaroscuro” and “low key” refer to the same style of visual arts.

The term chiaroscuro is an Italian term that is more suited to painting.

The term low key is an English term more suited to photography.

In the rest of the article, I will use the word “low key” when referring to this concept.

Definition of the Low Key

Low key photography is a creative technique of photographing rather dark scenes and then using light to highlight specific areas of a photo.

In a low key photograph, light tones meet dark tones without any real gradation.

A low key photo is characterized by deep blacks, dark tones, and many shadows.

Why and How Creating Wildlife Photos in High Key Black and White.

Etymology of the Term "Low Key"

The term low key appeared in 1895. Its English source comes from the expression "low keyed". It evokes an audible sound that is quiet and very deep. It has been used in photography to evoke the calmness and quietness of dark tones.

It corresponds perfectly to the dark tones which are very deep.

If you have to keep in mind the sense of low key you have to consider depth, thickness, and calmness.

A Bit of History to Understand Chiaroscuro in Photography

In this paragraph, I use the term “chiaroscuro” because I am referring to its origins. This paragraph seems to me to be particularly important to make you understand why you should choose to use low key in your future photographs.

The photographic low key draws its sources from three styles of painting: sfumato, chiaroscuro, and tenebrism.

I am not going to give you a lecture on art history, but by understanding these three styles, you will immediately have in mind paintings by famous artists. When you develop your photos, you will be more easily inspired, and you will know which artistic direction to choose to create your photographs.

First, let us return to the Renaissance to fully understand the artistic revolution that took place. Before the Renaissance, the color black was never used as a dominant color in painting. It was present but in a discreet way.

With sfumato, chiaroscuro, and tenebrism, the color black becomes essential. It is often the dominant color.

Sfumato was invented by Leonardo da Vinci. It is a technique of soft transition between shadows and light. There is no abrupt transition between tones. The principle of sfumato was to create different layers of paint to create a gradation between light and dark tones. Leonardo da Vinci thus eliminated the brutal borders and softened the reading of these paintings. The Mona Lisa painting was created using the sfumato technique.

The chiaroscuro is the second technique of the renaissance which promotes dark tones. It was developed by Rembrandt. The painter gives an extraordinarily strong direction to the light that falls on the subject. The result is an illuminated subject with a dark background. The chiaroscuro uses strong contrasts between light and dark tones to allow the creation of a 3D effect in a 2D backdrop. I want to remind you that 3D and the creation of depth is a visual work that exists within 2D form. It is still a flat piece of paper, and yet the use of chiaroscuro makes it appear as if the scene is lifted from the paper and brought to life. Even today, we still talk about Rembrandt light.

The third technique that originated during the Renaissance and which uses dark tones is tenebrism. It was developed by Caravaggio. It is a technique derived from Chiaroscuro. While chiaroscuro uses a shadow-based technique to give an illusion of volume to the subject, tenebrism strongly reinforces dark tones. Sometimes these tones are black in order to keep one or two areas in the scene well lit. The transition between light and dark tones is not gradual. Caravaggio's goal was to create only dramatic scenes without the concern of creating a 3D effect to his paintings.

The most interesting thing is that these painters, who became legendary artists over time, have been criticized for using black as the dominant color in their paintings. They were accused of wanting to hide defects and errors in their works through the use of black.

My advice at this stage of the article is to take an interest in these three painters as well as Rubens to look at and study how these precursors and artistic inventors created their paintings. Believe me, this is a real source of inspiration for your future nature photography.