The Scene: Captured in Arches National Park, this vertical composition features the iconic Balanced Rock—a 128-foot tall monolith—standing against a dramatic sky. The desert floor is a rich tapestry of red sand and scattered sagebrush, punctuated by a fresh layer of winter snow. The defining element of this photograph is the perfect sun dog encircling the summit of the rock. This rare optical phenomenon occurs as sunlight refracts through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, creating a luminous ring that frames the massive geological formation.
 
Artistic Note: The composition uses a low-angle perspective to emphasize the staggering height and precarious balance of the upper rock member. The presence of the halo adds a sense of the "divine" or the "ethereal" to a landscape already known for its spiritual qualities. The contrast between the grounded, heavy red sandstone and the light, circular prism in the sky creates a powerful visual balance. The scattered snow in the foreground provides a cool brightness that lifts the shadows and highlights the rugged textures of the Entrada Sandstone.
 
2:3 Aspect Ratio