Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park in Utah is one of those iconic locations that just about every photographer has a shot from.

And why not?

With sunrise light reflecting off the canyon wall below, the arch above glows a surreal red. Add in a wonderful landscape for the background and you have the makings of a wonderful photograph.

Click on photo for larger view

Summer is the most popular time to photograph here with throngs of photographers around to capture the light. The area to photograph from is relatively small, allowing for a handful of photographers at once. Getting to this location early and getting your spot is key, yet doesn't always guarantee an easy shoot as I have heard stories of fights and photogs standing in front of other photographers just to get their own shot.

But what does it look like when no one else is there photographing?

Short video of myself and Paul Blackmore having Mesa Arch all to ourselves.

Perhaps it was because it was in the dead of winter. Maybe it was because snow flurries were forecasted for the morning and the chance of sunlight was slim. Or maybe it was because it was so gosh darn cold. Whatever the reason, my friend Paul Blackmore and I found ourselves photographing there by ourselves for the entire morning back in 2009.

Nearly catching frostbite and taking a chance on the sun coming out that morning was completely worth it.