In late 2024, while on a rafting expedition through the Grand Canyon, Orion Willits captured a rare and otherworldly moment: the Northern Lights illuminating the canyon’s vast expanse. The photograph was taken during a late-night “Day of the Dead” party, when an unusual pink hue in the sky drew his attention and instinctively led him to reach for his camera.

It wasn’t until five days later, after the trip had concluded, that Orion and his group learned of the passing of their close friend, Michael Gardner, who had died while climbing in the Himalayas. In retrospect, the image took on a deeper significance. Beyond its extraordinary visual beauty, it became a quiet, personal symbol — a moment that felt, in some unspoken way, like Michael reaching out one last time.

Options: 

Fine Art C-Type (Chromogenic) Print – Unframed
Museum-quality photographic print on premium paper using a chromogenic process (C-Type). Delivered unframed—just the high-resolution print, ready for custom mounting or framing.

Acrylic Glass Print
Printed on a fine art paper and then face mounted to a thin layer of crystal clear acrylic. This creates a full borderless art piece, ready to hang and stand out. 

For other printing and framing options, or for international orders please contact Orion