Broken Arch
Broken Arch is a striking sandstone formation in Arches National Park, named for the prominent crack running through its span that creates a layered, fractured look without compromising the structure itself. Unlike many arches in the park that require long hikes or distant viewpoints, this one sits at the end of a relatively short trail and lets you walk directly beneath and through it, which opens up some compelling compositional options. Shooting from inside the arch looking outward frames the surrounding desert and slickrock in a natural window, while positioning yourself farther back on the trail gives you a clean full-arch silhouette against the sky. Early morning light picks up the warm red tones of the sandstone beautifully, and overcast days reduce harsh shadows inside the span. A wide angle lens works well for close-up drama, but stepping back with a short telephoto helps compress the desert landscape behind it. (Arches National Park, Utah, United States)
