Subway Cave Exit

The exit of the Subway cave in Zion National Park delivers one of the most dramatic natural frames you will find anywhere, where a wide, low cave opening frames a sweeping canyon view beyond. The contrast between the dark cave interior and the bright, sun-drenched sandstone and greenery outside creates a natural vignette that works beautifully as a foreground framing element. Position yourself inside the cave and shoot outward, letting the dark rock arch wrap around your composition. A wide angle lens in the 16-24mm range works best here to capture both the cave ceiling above and the canyon floor below. Expose carefully for the bright exterior or use bracketing, as the dynamic range is extreme. The hike to reach this point requires a permit and involves wading through water, so plan ahead and keep your gear dry. Midday light flooding into the canyon can actually work in your favor here, illuminating the red rock walls outside the frame. (Springdale, Utah, United States)