One thing I've learned over the years is that people prefer the familiar. I've been asked to try new and distinctive perspectives and unusual angles, but consistenly my best-sellers are the solid, familiar views. Variations on those perspectives are always possible thanks to the constantly changing light, sky, and vegetation.
     I've returned many times to photograph the front of the Mesa Temple, in all kinds of conditions, in varying seasons. This image was made late in the summer on a warm, overcast day. The sun was low in the western sky but was diffused somewhat by the clouds. The light was soft and warm and the colors tended toward pastel.
     As I usually do, I waited for the light to change and made several sets of exposures as conditions varied. The particular image I selected wasn't dramatically different from the others, but the "glow" of the Temple and the position of the clouds made it my favorite. On a whim, I converted the image to sepia in Photoshop. The response was way beyond what I ever imagined. This image has been by far my most popular.
     I've been told, "This is the picture I've waited years to have", or "Now I have a Temple photo that goes with my furniture/walls". Many people tell me they're tired of blue-sky Temple pictures. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful for the response. It's also humbling that so many people choose this representation of such a sacred place to display in their homes.