As we say … #UtahIsRad … that’s why I moved to Utah. I took these photos during a hike-and-photo class by REI Outdoor School at Brighton, the ski resort at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah.

One of the reasons why I moved to Utah is the mountain are RIGHT HERE.

I run plenty on the road, which I can do anywhere.

But from my new place, I’m 15 minutes (maybe 20) from Parley’s, Millcreek, Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood canyons.

Each canyon has dozens of trails. Acres of territory. Streams a plenty. And peaks, peaks, peaks to summit.

Why I Moved to Utah: Video Recap

Ski lifts, messing with perspective, running water, flowers, a mountain lake and friendly chipmunks.

If video doesn’t load below, click here.

 Class Highlights

Perspective. Rule of thirds. Composing around a primary object. Lines. Contrast. Color. Get low, shoot hi. Vertical panos. Tell a story. Lighting. Focus.

These are a few of the things I remember.

I shot all these photos and the video with my iPhone 5s using the native camera app and stock lens.

Had a great time with the small crew of six or so in this class. Many thanks to REI. I was with them on Black Friday to #OptOutside and I’m with them now on #UnitedOutside.

A few weeks after class, I went to our hiking route. This time I continued past Lake Mary to see her other two sisters, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine. And then all the way up to Sunset Peak.

I shared three separate images from the peak, but here’s the money shot just for you blog readers (click to view full size):

Why I Moved to Utah - Sunset Peak

Ok ok. So BACK to the original Brighton trip …

REI Outdoor School: Photo Class and Hike

My collection …

Why I Moved to Utah

Why I Moved to Utah - Flowers on Evergreen

Why I Moved to Utah - Ski Lift

why-i-moved-to-utah-shoes-on-grass

Why I Moved to Utah - A Tall Pano

Why I Moved to Utah - Up the Trail

Why I Moved to Utah - Rising Ski Lift

Why I Moved to Utah - Two Chairs

Why I Moved to Utah - Yellow Flowers

Why I Moved to Utah - The Path Up

Why I Moved to Utah - Lines

Why I Moved to Utah - Grass Textures

If video doesn’t load below, click here.

Why I Moved to Utah - Chairs Sky Sun

Why I Moved to Utah - Look Up

Why I Moved to Utah - On We Go

Why I Moved to Utah - Rocks

Why I Moved to Utah - Tags

Why I Moved to Utah - Everyone

Why I Moved to Utah - Treescape

Why I Moved to Utah - An Old Tree Stands

Why I Moved to Utah - Destinations

Why I Moved to Utah - Trees

Why I Moved to Utah - More Yellow Flowers

Why I Moved to Utah - Rock Face

Why I Moved to Utah - Lake Mary T

Why I Moved to Utah - Lake Mary

I don’t play Pokemon. But the way this rock split looks like a poke ball.

Why I Moved to Utah - Looks a little like a poke ball

Why I Moved to Utah - tree tops and tips

Why I Moved to Utah - Flower on Rocks on Trees