My name is Marty Hulsebos and I've been a passionate landscape photographer since the late 1980's. Here's the story of this picture, and below it are ordering options.
Through the Creek to Capture a Dream...
I arrived at Red Rock Crossing in Sedona with a vision burned into my mind. I’d photographed here before, but never from the angle I craved—standing midstream in Oak Creek, the iconic Cathedral Rock framed by arching branches aflame in autumn colors. Others had taken stunning photos here, but this shot would be mine, something extraordinary.
The late afternoon sun was already flirting with the horizon, igniting the landscape with a golden glow. Time was slipping through my fingers like water through a sieve. I hurried to the creek’s edge, the earthy scent of damp leaves mingling with the faint perfume of junipers. The sound of the rushing creek filled the air, a rhythmic gurgle that both soothed and spurred me onward.
I stripped off my boots and socks, shivering as the crisp air nipped at my exposed feet. When I waded into the creek, the icy water gripped my ankles like a shock. A gasp escaped a nearby older couple, who stared wide-eyed at my boldness. “You’re brave!” one called out, but I barely acknowledged them. My focus was unshakable.
The creek bed was treacherous, slick moss-covered rocks threatening to steal my balance. Each step was a calculated gamble as I cradled my camera and tripod like precious treasure. I teetered, heart pounding, but stayed upright through sheer willpower. The water’s chill bit at my legs, but determination warmed my spirit.
Finally, I reached the perfect spot. The branches overhead framed the red rock spires like nature’s cathedral window. I positioned the tripod, each leg an anchor in the rushing current. My fingers, tingling from the cold, worked quickly to adjust the settings. A breathless second passed, and I clicked the shutter just as the sun dipped behind the horizon.
I exhaled, a mix of relief and triumph. The shot was mine. My feet were numb, but I didn’t care. As I carefully made my way back to shore, the evening air filled with the sound of crickets and the scent of damp earth. That photo, born from determination and risk, has since inspired many. It was more than an image—it was proof that chasing a vision against the odds can yield something truly extraordinary.
