Late July and August brings a semi-unique time of year to southern Utah.  We call it monsoon season.  It means daily (or almost daily) thunderstorms through part of the afternoon.  This means that there are daily chances to catch a rainbow if you happen to walk out at the right time and stand in the right place.  I had one such opportunity a few days ago.  Check out this monsoon season rainbow.

I walked out the door and there was a brilliant sunset lighting up the clouds with a gorgeous orange and pink color.  The best part was that there was also a portion of a rainbow visible over a rugged portion of the landscape in front of me.  I was so happy that I came prepared with my camera.  I got to work immediately taking photos of the surprisingly photogenic landscape in front of me.

This was way too good of an opportunity so I took several different shots of the scene.  I wanted to make sure that I got the right photo of the fire in the sky combine with the rainbow and the desert landscape scene in front of me.

I also decided to also focus on the big fireball in the sky and include the cliffs.  It made for an amazing skyscape shot and I didn’t want to miss out on that just because there was a rainbow.  I’ve learned that I don’t have to just focus on one shot when an opportunity presents.  I can take multiple pictures of different subjects.  I don’t know which will turn out so it’s best to be prepared that way.

The bright and brilliant orange against the cliff was memorizing and really shows off the dramatic skies which monsoon season becomes well known for in this area.  The orange in the landscape seems to fade away against the brightness of the sky.  There are layers of red-orange in the sandstone.  However, I don’t see them as much thanks to the fireball in the clouds.

I do love when there’s an unexpected landscape photography opportunity which drops in my lap such as this one did.  I hope I’m prepared when they come up.  This time, I found myself delighted to have my camera with me at the right time.

What do you think of these photos?  Do you love that monsoon season rainbow?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below.