Canyons of The American Southwest No 616OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

What is it about this type of canyons?

Around 2011, my approach to landscape photography took a drastic detour. After years of covering, and re-interpreting iconic landscapes, I felt the void and need to move into deeper places. Places that required a..."technical passport", in the form of harness, ropes, knots, climbing and canyoneering gear.
As I acquired the skills, I also had to adapt my photographic gear. Huge DSLRs with multiple lenses was no longer a sane option to take down these places. The years that I spent refining my knowledge of optics and exposure proved invaluable in the choosing of new gear and how to use it under adverse environments (water and sand) and adverse light conditions.

The rewards have been very sweet.
I will have to admit, that for a time, the descents into these places were to exhilarating, that I thought: "Who cares about photography? - I do not want to interrupt this moment".
But eventually, the other side of the coin shows up: "I do not want to forget this".

So, what is it about these canyons?
They are beautiful, but hidden. They are dangerous, yet they call you in. But most of all, somehow they make you feel more...alive.