Eclipse Pilgrimage : Art, Alignment, and Public Lands
Alignment | əˈlīnmənt | noun
Arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions.
A photographer is always seeking interesting or unique light. An eclipse of the sun creates both interesting and unique light and shadow. In 2019, Reuben Wu, Matt Lief Anderson, myself, and a couple of other photographers flew halfway around the world to capture a total solar eclipse in Chile for the Circle of Confusion project. This time, the Annular eclipse crossed over our backyard, stretching from Oregon to Texas. Tracing along the moon shadow’s path, many terrains, geologic features, and public lands could suit the task of capturing the celestial event, but where to focus? An initial scouting mission from Lakeview, Oregon, to Denio, Nevada, revealed some promising locations. The latter provided all the necessary ingredients for compelling image capture and became our intended viewing location.
Mock up by Reuben Wu
Plans were made, flights booked, and rentals were in motion.
The 10-day forecast indicated heavy cloud cover for the desert areas around Denio, NV. Instantly, we inspected weather outlooks for hundreds of miles along the eclipse path. Oregon would likely be completely overcast, Utah less so, and a gradient of cloud coverage in between. Scanning the map for public lands and topographies that would provide the additional features to frame the eclipse led us to the Schell Creek Range outside Ely, Nevada. Driving into the area the blue and white weather radio sign recommended 92.7, KDSS. Within seconds of being turned on, the announcer launched into the details of the Ely, pronounced ee-lee, Solar eclipse festival. Worries about being at a crowded location manifested. At least our intended destination was an hour away, chosen based on its proximity to the line of totality and apparent access via forest service roads. However, the remotely chosen location in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest was blocked off by private property from one direction and impassable, weather-wrecked dirt byways from the other. Spotting a brown and white sign indicating public land campgrounds, we sought a place to regroup, only one day away from the eclipse. In addition, the almost 400-mile location change had deterred multiple people in our crew, leaving our capture plans incomplete.
Slideshow images by Matt Lief Anderson
A rehearsal 24 hours out proved the location could work, but we needed one more person. A search headed out to find someone to join us. We were looked at like crazy people; however, a volunteer was found by the afternoon. The day had been spent preparing; the evening was spent sharing ideas, destinations, and snacks around the campfire.
Slideshow images by Reuben Wu
The morning had still to rise when preparations were already in motion.
The hill climbed, everyone in their chosen starting positions,
the moon took the sun.
Photo by Matt Lief Anderson
Each photographer would capture their own alignment of all the elements. Each image distinguished by their choice of camera, lens, settings, and position on the hill below our subject, shooting straight up into the sun. Thanks to Reuben’s direction, Matt’s ability to seek out the right person for the task, and the myriad of factors that gave us a clear sky and mountain framing to capture our own version of what occurred in a shared instant over thousands of miles of earth’s surface. Afterward, time was spent enjoying the surrounding area, looking to understand the area the planetary circumstances lead us.
Followed by a drive home along America’s Loneliest Highway, along with a few detours following other brown and white signs.
Although rarely spoken about in terms of outdoor recreation, art is often confined to schools, community centers, and other buildings designated for such use. Art trends as an urban pursuit, although art, defined loosely as emotive visual or auditory communication, happened outdoors before there were doors. Taken outside, it takes on names like “wildlife photography” or “landscape painting.” Although everyone on this eclipse pilgrimage makes a living from photography, it is a unique opportunity to come together to create. Each person’s perspective and technical knowledge rub off on everyone else in planning. Yet, in the moment, each person is completely on their own to capture their vision of the moment’s circumstances.
