I’ve never been a patient person in my professional life. My early staff was afraid of what they’d find if I worked the overnight shift.  I once moved a whole wall overnight. Other times new sound systems or other kinds or hardware were discovered the next day. I’m certain I’ve offended many people by my lack of patience over the years, not the least of which my wife.

My patience was tested one day while on a photoshoot at Antelope Canyon and that day's experience totally changed my ability and understanding of the practice of patience. It’s meditation of a sort and a pure form at that. The outcome turned out to be the most popular photo I ever had the good luck and pleasure of capturing a moment in time, that is, if sales in dollars and square footage is the measure.

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I was at Antelope Canyon, a series of narrow slot canyons where you often feel as if you’re in a cave instead of a canyon. There are many areas where there is barely any sunlight coming through. At some point I noticed a spot where the sun changed the scene over time and the wind would occasionally blow some sand into the air. It was rather windy this winter day. I set up my camera and took a shot. There was something about the spot and yet nothing spectacular about the photo, yet the tripod quickly came off my back and was set up soon enough.

I started shooting every half a minute. After about 40 minutes the light had changed significantly. I was losing faith and considering moving on to the next place to shoot.

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Suddenly an apparition of a woman’s profile appeared. It lasted maybe 2 seconds. I don't think it lasted any longer. 

Sixty-five photos into the shoot I had the picture I call Ghost Bride. She stands facing left at a profile. Her strong nose a rock, literally. Her graceful neck displays what appears to be a string of pearls if only a refraction of light. Below her necklace you can say the bodice of her dress 

The rest of her body and dress consisted of sun, sand blowing, rock, and reflections. As the time progressed she came into view and just as quickly disappeared as the sun and wind moved on.

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I hope you enjoyed reading about how Ghost Bride came to be. She is available on the Arizona Treasures Calendar.