I had to run out to get some film today, and as I was driving home I watched huge cumulus clouds building to the east, behind the Superstition Mountains. I thought what a great backdrop they would make directly behind the Temple. If the midday light wasn't so poor and it wasn't 108 degrees, I probably would have headed to the Temple to photograph.
     The scene reminded me of one several years ago at the Temple when some huge storm clouds started to build and the lightning started to fly. I was photographing on the Temple grounds, but the Temple is so tall when you're standing close that it obscured the clouds I wanted to include. I knew I had to change my perspective, and that meant moving west down the street toward Mesa Drive.
     A couple of full-time missionaries were watching me work and asking me questions, so I brought them along and put them to work. I had them carry my pack and tripod while I lugged the ladder. I set the ladder and tripod up right in the middle of First Ave. and had the Elders direct traffic around me. It worked well and I was able to concentrate on the unfolding scene to the east. My only worry was lightning, but we never had a strike even remotely close by. For their trouble, I gave some pointers and let the Elders each use the ladder to get their own photos while I watched for cars.
     I'm always asked if I used any filter on this image. The answer is no. The sun had just set and was lighting up the clouds in the western sky. You can see their reflection in the west-facing windows of the Temple. It's kind of a surreal light, but it works well with the surreal background.