Photo of the Day
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands
This Month in Photo of the Day: Nature and Weather Photos
Mesa Arch in Utah's Canyonlands National Park is one of the finest places for a photographer to start the day. This 4x5 negative was exposed with an old lens, a 121mm Schneider Super Angulon. It was a favorite of Ansel Adams. While an excellent optic for its time, it only had single-layer coating and was subject to more flare than modern lenses. In this instance, it created a starburst pattern with rainbow streaks that add greatly to the character of the image.
(This photo and caption were submitted to My Shot.)
U.S. National Park Week is April 20-28. Download park guides in our National Parks by National Geographic app and get ready to explore.
Get tips on photographing national parks »
See pictures of national park landmarks »
Zoom in on an infinite photograph of national parks »
Go Further
Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
Environment
- Why are so many dead whales washing up on the East Coast?Why are so many dead whales washing up on the East Coast?
- What the Air Quality Index measures—and what to do when it’s code redWhat the Air Quality Index measures—and what to do when it’s code red
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
History & Culture
- Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer - Soccer is the world's most popular sport. But who invented it?Soccer is the world's most popular sport. But who invented it?
- 2,000 years of shipwrecks discovered on ancient sea route2,000 years of shipwrecks discovered on ancient sea route
Science
- 5 green towers inspired by nature and striving to protect it
- Paid Content for Advertiser
5 green towers inspired by nature and striving to protect it - Sugar doesn’t actually make kids hyper—here’s why so many believe it doesSugar doesn’t actually make kids hyper—here’s why so many believe it does
- When it’s too cold, these octopuses just rewire their brainsWhen it’s too cold, these octopuses just rewire their brains
- What is yerba mate—and is this caffeinated drink really good for you?What is yerba mate—and is this caffeinated drink really good for you?
- Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.
Travel
- 5 of the best new nature books to explore the UK's wild isles.5 of the best new nature books to explore the UK's wild isles.
- 4 wild and wonderful places for outdoor adventures in Canada4 wild and wonderful places for outdoor adventures in Canada
- Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer