The view from Cape Royal on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring vistas in the park. Under the moonlight, it takes on a mystical and other-worldly feeling, especially as the first light of the dawn breaks over the horizon behind you painting Wotans Throne in subtle light.
Moonlight at Cape Royal
August 18, 2019 | North Rim of Grand Canyon
Moonlight from Cape Royal
North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park
I photographed this scene on the first morning of my Full Moon from the North Rim photography workshop. My goal was to demonstrate the photographic possibilities of shooting wide-angle scenics under low-light using long shutter speeds and higher ISO values. To photograph the scene I used the Fujifilm GFX 50R medium format mirrorless camera body and their excellent GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR lens (18mm equivalent). The exposure settings were ISO 800, 30 seconds, and f/4.
I'm new to the Fujifilm GFX system but their cameras are so intuitive that I feel like I've been using it for many years. I've had no difficulty transitioning to their menus and controls. The detail in the image is absolutely incredible, and the noise from shooting at ISO 800 is minimal and will be nearly invisible in print including large prints.
To say that I'm excited to use this camera system is an understatement. Well done Fuji.
Posted in Trip Reports, Grand Canyon and tagged North Rim, Grand Canyon, Cape Royal, Moon, Moonlight, Wotans Throne.