Light, Life, Sunrise - Blue Marble Review

**Light:**This picture was taken at Antelope Canyon. Created by a series of flash floods, the canyon has a smooth finish and intricate array of channels and passageways below the walking surface. As the sun shines down through the slits above, beautiful streaks of light project on the sandstone and create a warm red hue. While walking through the slot canyon I took this picture from a lower angle to create a powerful aura and draw attention to the light stream that stood strongly capturing our attention.

**Life:** This picture was taken for my AP Language visual podcast on Perseverance. Perseverance, to me, is standing up for what you believe in life and continuing despite the setbacks you encounter. I wanted to create a montage of items in my home that were important to me and showcased my personality. The aerial angle was used to signal all I can do is go up, and perseverance is the best trait to have in that process.

**Sunrise:** This image was taken at Arches National Park. Created by a process of weathering, thawing, and crumbling, the arches are special formations that have been formed throughout the southwestern U.S. I took this image during sunrise, hiking up the mountain at 5am, and setting up my camera for the majestic sun to rise up and cast its light along the smooth underbelly of the arch. Standing strong above the horizon, I took this image from a lower angle to highlight the majestic sky and warm colors of the beautiful morning, while also showing the deep canyon below the prominent arch.

Avika Patel is an avid high school photographer in Southern California. In addition to having her photographs published on multiple platforms, she is a twice-published author for almost twenty school districts and the American Association of University Women. When she’s not out with her camera shooting the most beautiful landscapes, you can find Avika programming, playing tennis, or solving escape rooms with her friends!