The oval pool of water in The Subway – North Creek converses with the tunnel, implying a similar shape between the canyon pool in the foreground and the sliver of light in the midground. Even some of the variation in the canyon walls seems circular. The Subway speaks to form and repetition in conjunction with …
This is one of David Muench’s most famous images. It stands out from his other “greatest hits” not only for being a black-and-white photograph rather than a color one, but also for how early in his career it was taken. As with many of Muench’s black-and-white images, this photograph was originally shot in color. The …
This photograph is one of the first appearances of Muench’s favorite tree: the bristlecone pine. As time went on, Muench’s love for the subject became more evident. Bristlecones appear consistently over his body of work, both as part of a larger landscape and as standalone subjects. The separation between trees and ground, as well as …
This early photograph of the Grand Canyon shows Muench’s mastery of contrast before he began primarily working in color. For a man obsessed with light, it is surprising that he only worked in black-and-white during the first few years of his career. David Muench has consistently spoken about how Arizona is both inspiring and challenging …
Sandstone Window – Teardrop Arch displays a common composition from David Muench, the frame within a frame, known as his windows. It seemed to be a game for him to find interesting views through obscure viewpoints. Muench often returned to Teardrop Arch as evidenced by the several versions of this shot from different years, always …
Prometheus – Ancient Bristlecone is one of Muench’s most prized images, as one can tell in the physical exhibit by its large print size and unique frame. It contains everything that makes a photograph distinctly David Muench: depth, dynamic leading lines, a dramatic sky, and a vibrant color palette. The implied parallel lines of the rocky …
Limestone Window is a unique image of the Grand Canyon due to its lack of a horizon line, guiding the viewer inside the canyon and through its depths of light and shadow. As the title suggests, Muench uses the limestone formation in the foreground as a framing device for the background. While simply a trait …
