Contributions of the group Desert Southwest

Spy Satellite Target

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:31:55 +0000

Taken in the desert near Casa Grande, Arizona. These markers are located close to the RV park where we spent many winters.

The "target" is a group of concrete pads in that shape. There is a benchmark in the exact center. The operators of the spy satellites would take photos of these markers, and then check their locations against the exact positioning of the benchmark.

Image taken with phone and processed with GIMP.

Spy Satellite Target Benchmark

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:32:39 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

Spy Satellite Target

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:32:00 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

Hoover Dam 2012

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 22:35:08 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

In contrast to the 1950's black and white photo, here is the Dam in 2012, taken during our road trip (eventually) to Alaska.

One of the things to notice is the lens failure on the left side. This became more noticeable over time, and the lens I was using had to be thrown in the "don't use" box.

Also note the low water behind the dam. The water level continues to be a problem.

By the time we took this photo in 2012, there was a highway bridge downstream of the dam. In the 1950's you had to drive over the dam when passing between Arizona and Nevada. Now the road crosses the dam, and stops. You have to turn around. The architecture of the dam itself has been preserved and shows quite an art deco style to it, not visible from here.

Image processed with GIMP.

Sunset and Tree, Utah

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 20:37:19 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

We joined some friends, driving on highway 128 out of Moab, Utah. The river canyon offers spectacular scenery.

As we walked from their hotel to the river, I saw this tree, lit up by the low sun.

Grabbed an image with the phone, no processing except to lower the size. Looks nice on a black background.

Cholla Spines

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:18:42 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

A desert view, taken at sunset.

Image processed with GIMP.

Natural Bridge (HFF)

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 21:54:57 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

A view of one of the natural bridges in Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah.

You can see the "bridge" just to the right of the center of the image.

Oh yes, there is a fence, too.

Image processed with GIMP.

Long Shadows, Quartzsite

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 15:35:20 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

Taken just at sunset in Quartzsite, Arizona. Our motorhome is in the foreground, that of our friends is in the distance. We spent a week, camping with them (and 10's of thousands of others) in this beautiful desert area.

Image processed with GIMP.

Grand Canyon Sunset

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 17:18:51 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

We were visiting the area, and parked our RV at a National Forest campground near the entrance to the National Park.

This setup allowed us to visit the canyon rim at all hours, rather than trying to keep a schedule for a day trip.

We got to the rim an hour before sunset, and set up our cameras. We took a large number of photos, while a crowd of visitors closed in on us. Fortunately, our tripods kept the most curious away.

I like this image, with deep purple colors on the rock formations, and just a sliver of the last sun's rays.

See:

swansonphotos.com/arizona

Yosemite Valley View of Half Dome

nobody@ipernity.com (Kathleen Thorpe) — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 18:49:07 +0000

Kathleen Thorpe has posted:

Thank you all for visiting and for your gracious and appreciated comments! I wish I could thank each of you personally. Have a great creative day!

Please do not use my photograph without my express consent. All rights reserved.

Kathleen

Purple Wildflower

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:14:20 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

Taken at the Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona. I used the Panasonic GX85.

The wind was blowing all of these delicate wildflowers around. It was difficult to get a clear shot.

Processed with GIMP.

See:

swansonphotos.com/saguaro

Paraglider in Sunset, Quartzsite, Arizona

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 21:19:36 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

We had some spectacular sunsets during our visits in Quartzsite. I was taking sunset shots, when the paraglider flew overhead. I was able to wait until they were in the frame for this shot.

For the Sunday Challenge, this offers several layers of yellow, from the bright sun to the deeper orange.

See:

swansonphotos.com/arizona

Cactus Blossom

nobody@ipernity.com (Robert Swanson) — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 21:38:40 +0000

Robert Swanson has posted:

Taken at Saguaro National Park, Tucson, Arizona.

See:

swansonphotos.com/saguaro

Acoma Pueblo Pottery

nobody@ipernity.com (Kathleen Thorpe) — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 16:18:22 +0000

Kathleen Thorpe has posted:

Mount Zion Ranch Buffalo Cabin Topaz Filter

nobody@ipernity.com (Kathleen Thorpe) — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 14:48:57 +0000

Kathleen Thorpe has posted:

This lovely ranch is just outside Zion National Park.

Thank you all for visiting and for your gracious and appreciated comments! I wish I could thank each of you personally. Have a great creative day!

Please do not use my photograph without my express consent. All rights reserved.

Kathleen

Great Sand Dunes NP (# 0170)

nobody@ipernity.com (Don Barrett (aka DBs travels)) — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 08:30:02 +0000

Don Barrett (aka DBs travels) has posted:

There's actuall several humans in this picture, along the crest of the dunes.

Sunset at the Marlboro Point

nobody@ipernity.com (funtor) — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 22:01:45 +0000

funtor has posted:

view over the Canyonlands Nationalpark

Natural pattern

nobody@ipernity.com (funtor) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 22:02:19 +0000

funtor has posted:

Turret Arch

nobody@ipernity.com (funtor) — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 22:06:08 +0000

funtor has posted:

seen through the North Window, Arches NP, Utah

The Green Heart

nobody@ipernity.com (funtor) — Sat, 16 Jul 2016 22:03:07 +0000

funtor has posted:

Zion NP