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Hikes & Trips!


Why Simplicity Often Creates Better Images
Over the years, photography has taught me that the strongest images are not always the biggest or most dramatic scenes. Sometimes a single tree, a quiet moment in the snow, or a simple beam of light can create a photograph filled with emotion. This is what I have learned about why simplicity often creates better images.
Carl Mazur
Jul 74 min read


Why Nature Became My Therapy
A personal story about finding healing and peace in nature during a difficult time, centered on a powerful moment at Cedar Breaks National Monument where light, landscape, and faith came together to bring clarity and comfort.
Carl Mazur
Jul 32 min read


Photographing Zion During Monsoon Season
Discover the beauty and power of Zion National Park during monsoon season. Learn how summer storms create stunning waterfalls, dramatic photography opportunities, and why understanding flash flood safety is essential when exploring this incredible landscape.
Carl Mazur
Jun 253 min read


Canyonlands National Park — A Morning That Felt Unreal
A late winter journey through Canyonlands National Park revealed a quiet, almost surreal side of the desert. From the glowing sunrise at Mesa Arch to the drifting canyon fog at Dead Horse Point that moved like slow fingers through the valleys, every moment felt layered with atmosphere and light. Based in Moab, the trip balanced comfort with adventure, offering cool days, crisp mornings, and unforgettable views of one of Utah’s most powerful landscapes.
Carl Mazur
Jun 233 min read


Why St. George, Zion, and Snow Canyon Are a Photographer's Dream
Southern Utah is a paradise for photographers and outdoor explorers. From the towering cliffs of Zion to the colorful landscapes of Snow Canyon and the scenic trails of Red Cliffs, this region offers endless opportunities for stunning photography. Here's why these locations continue to inspire me and why cloudy days often create the best images.
Carl Mazur
Jun 164 min read


Cathedral Gorge: Nevada's Hidden Otherworldly Landscape
Cathedral Gorge is one of the most unique photography locations I've ever visited. With towering mud formations, glowing red and orange canyon walls, and an otherworldly atmosphere, this hidden Nevada gem offers endless opportunities for photographers and adventurers alike.
Carl Mazur
Jun 133 min read


Summer Escapes for Southern Utah Photographers
Escape the summer heat and discover the beauty of Cedar Mountain, Cedar Breaks, Cascade Falls, and Strawberry Point. From colorful wildflower displays and panoramic mountain vistas to herds of antelope roaming the meadows, these high-elevation destinations offer some of the best summer photography opportunities in Southern Utah.
Carl Mazur
Jun 123 min read


Why Zion Never Looks the Same Twice
Every visit to Zion National Park feels different. From glowing sunrise cliffs to dramatic sunset shadows and ever-changing weather, the park's famous red rock formations are constantly transformed by light. Here's why Zion remains one of my favorite places to photograph and what photographers should know before they go.
Carl Mazur
Jun 104 min read


Bryce Canyon: A Horse Lovers Paradise
Bryce Canyon is famous for its incredible red rock formations, but for horse lovers it offers something even more special. Join me as I share why horses and Bryce Canyon create the perfect combination for photography, adventure, and experiencing the beauty of the American West.
Carl Mazur
Jun 84 min read


The Magic of Aspen Trees in Fall
On September 22, 2018, I witnessed some of the most beautiful fall colors I have ever seen on Cedar Mountain near Cedar City, Utah. From the glowing aspens along Webster Flat Road to the colorful mountainsides near Cedar Breaks, this unforgettable photography trip reminded me why autumn is my favorite time of year in Southern Utah.
Carl Mazur
Jun 74 min read


What Happened the Day I Took: "The Horse Kiss" Photo
A winter storm, an unplanned trip to the store, and a camera I almost left at home led to one of my most meaningful photographs. The Horse Kiss was captured in a fleeting moment when two frost-covered horses met in the snow, creating a scene that could never be planned or repeated. This is the story of how patience, presence, and a little bit of luck came together in the middle of an ordinary day that turned into something unforgettable.
Carl Mazur
Jun 64 min read


Some Photos Are Worth the Wait
Photography has taught me that patience often leads to the most rewarding moments. From pushing through exhaustion on long drives and hikes to waiting out storms that seemed to ruin the day, some of my favorite images were captured when I chose not to give up. Sometimes the best light, the most dramatic skies, and the most unforgettable photographs appear just when you think the opportunity has passed.
Carl Mazur
Jun 44 min read


Why Fog Makes Better Forest Photos
Fog has a way of transforming an ordinary forest into something magical. In this personal story, I share why some of my favorite photographs were captured on misty mornings among the aspens of Cedar Mountain. Discover how fog enhances fall colors, creates mood and mystery, and turns simple forest scenes into unforgettable works of art.
Carl Mazur
Jun 35 min read


What Photography Has Taught Me About Life
Photography has taught me far more than camera settings and composition. Through disability, chronic pain, unexpected setbacks, and one of the most important photo shoots of my life, I learned valuable lessons about perseverance, faith, gratitude, and trusting the journey. Sometimes the most meaningful photographs—and the greatest life lessons—come from the moments when everything seems to be going wrong.
Carl Mazur
Jun 25 min read


Why Cedar Breaks Is Utah's Hidden Gem
Often overshadowed by Zion and Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks National Monument may be one of Utah's most beautiful hidden treasures. Discover why photographers, nature lovers, and adventurers continue returning to this peaceful mountain escape year after year.
Carl Mazur
Jun 13 min read


The Ultimate Southern Utah Photography Day Trip
This blog post explores one of the ultimate Southern Utah photography road trips, covering Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Mountain, and Cedar Breaks all within a single day. I share some of the best photography stops, sunset locations, roadside viewpoints, and tips for capturing the incredible variety of landscapes found across Southern Utah.
Carl Mazur
May 274 min read


Finding Peace Among the Red Rocks of Kodachrome Basin
This blog post shares my personal experience visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park in Southern Utah, highlighting its peaceful atmosphere, vibrant red rock formations, and easy-access photography locations. I talk about why it’s one of my favorite places to slow down, shoot at a relaxed pace, and capture beautiful landscape images—especially during softer, cloudier lighting conditions.
Carl Mazur
May 242 min read


Photography Through Pain: Finding Beauty Without Pushing Your Limits
This blog post shares my personal experience with chronic pain and how it has changed the way I approach photography. I talk about finding meaningful, beautiful images without needing intense hikes or physical strain, and highlight easy-access locations in Zion and Kolob Canyons. The post also covers practical tips like timing, hydration, and simplifying gear so photography can remain enjoyable, accessible, and healing at any ability level.
Carl Mazur
May 234 min read


Discovering Kolob Canyon: A Hidden Gem in Zion National Park for Breathtaking Hikes and Photos
This blog post explores Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park as a quieter, less crowded alternative to the main canyon area. I share my personal experiences photographing its red rock cliffs, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails like Taylor’s Creek, along with practical tips for visiting, staying safe, and capturing the best light and weather conditions for photography.
Carl Mazur
May 197 min read


How to Get the Best Photo Shots in Zion National Park
This blog post shares practical photography tips for capturing better images in Zion National Park, based on real experiences in the field. I cover how to prioritize light over location, explore beyond crowded trails, use foreground elements for depth, choose the right lenses, and stay patient as conditions change. The goal is to help photographers find stronger compositions and more meaningful moments in Zion’s dramatic desert landscapes.
Carl Mazur
Mar 74 min read
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