Have you ever stood on time’s edge? That’s the feeling I experienced when I first saw Box Canyon in Washington State. This series of six black and white photographs is my attempt to capture the raw beauty of this ancient landscape and the sense of perspective it instills in anyone fortunate enough to witness it. Box Canyon’s timelessness connects us to Earth’s ancient beauty.
As I set up my camera to capture the Entiat River carving its way through the canyon, I couldn’t help but feel humbled. This geological formation has been 65 million years in the making – a timescale almost impossible for our human minds to comprehend. The chasm, spanning about 500 feet and plunging 75 to 150 feet deep, is a stark reminder of the Earth’s immense power and the patience of natural processes, instilling a deep respect for the forces shaping our world.
One highlight of this series is Fishtail Falls, a cascade that plays hide-and-seek among the massive boulders and logs. As I watched the water find its path over, under, and through the rocks before dropping another 15 feet, its persistence struck me as a perfect metaphor for life. We all face obstacles, but we keep shaping our path like the water. Such resilience and adaptability can inspire everyone.
As a photographer, I love the stark beauty of black and white. In this project, I wanted to strip away distracting color and focus on the interplay of light and shadow, the rock’s textures, and the water’s movement. In doing so, I invite you, the viewer, to look beyond the surface and contemplate the deeper stories etched into this landscape.
I encourage you to let your imagination wander as you explore these images. What forces shaped these rock outcroppings? How many countless raindrops and snowflakes contributed to the flow of the Entiat River over millennia? What stories could these ancient walls tell if they could speak?
But this project isn’t only about admiring nature from a distance. It’s an invitation to consider our place within it. In an age where we’re disconnected from the natural world, places like Box Canyon remind us of our roots and responsibilities. They challenge us to consider our environmental impact and what we want to leave for future generations.
I also hope these images spark a conversation about preservation. As climate change alters landscapes across the globe, how can we ensure wonders like Box Canyon remain for future generations to experience? What role can each of us play in protecting these natural treasures?
Landscapes like this have a universal appeal. Regardless of where we come from, or our individual experiences, standing in the presence of such ancient beauty has the power to unite us. It reminds us of our shared heritage as inhabitants of this remarkable planet.
I invite you to share your experiences and thoughts as you view these photographs. Have you visited Box Canyon or similar natural wonders? How did it make you feel? What responsibility do we bear for these locations?
Capturing these images, I’ve expressed my awe, respect, and connection to the natural world. I hope they reflect your connection to nature, time, and life on Earth.
Thank you for taking the time to explore this project. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and continuing this dialogue about our place in the world and our responsibility to the landscapes that shape us.
View my Behind-the-Scenes Video on YouTube: Capturing the Roar: Behind the Lens at Box Canyon
Further Reading:
Photography Project: Spring in the Washington Cascades Foothills
Photography Project: Foggy Alpine Landscapes, Mt Rainier National Park, Washington