Stone Spiral – Antelope Canyon

by Frank Schröter Photography

In Antelope Canyon, curved sandstone walls open up a narrow view of the bright sky. The nearby surfaces appear in subtle shades of pink and violet. Behind them, individual sections glow a warm orange. Overlapping edges and rounded ledges lend the rock formation an almost spiral-like movement. The portrait-format photograph follows these lines, allowing the opening in the centre to become a tranquil counterpoint to the multi-layered surfaces.

A broad wall stretches upwards along the left-hand edge of the image. On the right, curved surfaces alternate with deep shadows, whilst a small ledge further structures the space. The fine striations in the rock run in different directions, linking the large forms with small details. The eye can wander along these traces without having to linger on any single point.

The photograph was individually developed and retouched. As a wall hanging, it depicts both the spatial depth of a gorge and an almost abstract arrangement of arches, lines and fields of colour. Depending on the viewing distance, either the fine textures or the sweeping curve of the rock faces come to the fore. The subdued light ties the different elements of the composition together.