The Wave

Gallery USA

We were very lucky to have the opportunity to make this shot. The Wave is located in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, where the access is strictly limited to 20 people per day. Because the demand is usually much higher, there is a lottery every morning for the next day in Kanab. We were so happy when we heard our names in the first lottery round (I had never won any lottery before) because there were more than 120 people this day. When you win the lottery, you receive the permit and a simple map with a series of photos to find the access to the place. Even though, many people had not found it, and lost the chance to see it. The place is just amazing and it's hard to believe that something like this was created naturally. This shot is an iconic one, but the similar rock patterns are visible in the large area around. The rock itself is very fragile, and you can feel and hear how you destroy it with your trekking shoes - that's why the limitation.