Early morning in Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve in California lies within the Sand to Snow National Monument. The desert oasis at Big Morongo Canyon is one of the 10 largest cottonwood and willow riparian habitats in California.

I visited early morning one chilly December day, when the sun was coming out and the frozen dew was just thawing.

frost

I love the details of the dew drops.

colorful morning dew

As I was adjusting my camera to catch the above photos, the sun melted away the frost and started to light up the background. To get the next shot, I kneeled down and did some acrobatic arm twist to get close enough and not fall over. I think it was well worth it.

I love how the background catches the light from the rising sun and complements the whole composition.

the sun lighting up the background

My visit to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve was part of a photography workshop held by the Desert Institute. I will be back in the area for another photography workshop soon.

This post was inspired by A Photo a Week Challenge: Depth of Field.

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