By Ambika Balasubramaniyan
Great Salt Lake – I had flown over it many times but never had made the time to explore the area. Frankly, I did not expect much – I knew I would have to contend with mosquitoes and the marshes. I had the opportunity to explore the area as a Photo Guide with Arizona Highways Photoscapes in Fall 2022. What a visual treat the area is….!
We spent a bit of time at Antelope Island State Park. This area is a great introduction to the Salt Lake – its landscapes, wildlife and birds! With lots of opportunity for reflections, the causeway & island allow for amazing opportunities both for sunrise and sunset. Dramatic skies add to the visual fest the area provides.
The island has resident antelope and a fairly large herd of bison. We were treated to a male keeping his harem in line – arrayed upslope from us, they were dynamic subjects that provided ample opportunities for images for the group.
The island has resident antelope and a fairly large herd of bison. We were treated to a male keeping his harem in line – arrayed upslope from us, they were dynamic subjects that provided ample opportunities for images for the group.
While the antelope are bit harder to locate, you will encounter the bison in several areas. They make for good subjects – just make sure you adjust your exposures to account for their dark bodies!
Area also has owls – we saw both burrowing owls & barn owls, mocking birds, and even some other critters.
Silver Lake was a treat – fall color with reflections, busy beavers building their beaver dam and we heard we missed the mamma moose and calf by just a few minutes. Fall treated us to more great images along the road to nearby passes.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham City is another great destination for birds and landscapes. The marshes at the mouth of Bear River are the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem and are an oasis for waterbirds and wildlife
Among other species, we saw Ibis, Pelicans, Western & Clark’s Grebes, Red-winged Blackbirds, American Avocets, Coots, Swallows and several other songbirds.
We added a bit of americana with a visit to the Golden Spike National Park at Promontory UT. Golden Spike National Historical Park preserves 2,735 acres of land surrounding a 15-mile stretch of the original Transcontinental Railroad.
Costumed characters add color to the story of the coming together of the nation – hopes and aspirations of a nation coming into its own.
We wrapped up our time with more fall color in Logan Canyon – alongside 2nd dam & the roads made for some creative intentional camera movement opportunities. I find photo workshops almost always stretch and grow my creative side in addition to sharpening my photographic skills
Retrospectively, this is a great area for explore – consider joining us next year on the Gems of the Great Salt Lake Workshop with Sandy Zelasko. I can guarantee you will be in for a visual treat and will hone your craft as a photographer thanks to some great instruction and some amazing photo opportunities!
Ambika Balasubramaniyan is a Photo Guide with Arizona Highways PhotoScapes.
