My Mirage: The Story Behind the Photo

By Leanna Mendoza

Star Wars Stormtrooper being filmed in the Grand Canyon

My Mirage by Leanna Mendoza

We were traveling in the Utah desert with nothing around except beautiful landscapes surrounding us. From a distance, I saw a white image. Unable to make out the figure, I used my zoom lens to see this! I had to rub my eyes and do a double take. I told my driver (Teresa) “Go, Go, Go!” We got close enough to take this image. It was the most bizarre shooting experience I have ever had. This was literally a movie moment! I was told the next day, while in the Grand Canyon, that Transformers and Star Wars movies had been shot there, since it was so desolate and Marslike.

Advertisement