I saw an image similar to this one on-line:

I knew based on my search criteria that this image was of Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona. I was busy planning a photographic trip to the area and wanted to find this location. I contacted other photographers who had images taken from this location on their websites to inquire where the image was taken. Some of them did not answer (I understand this response as we work hard to find locations and we are not about to just give up all the secrets)(although, this blog is giving up a lot today) others gave me directions and maps to a different place miles from here. I did not get any helpful responses. So how do I find this place?

          I did what any respectable person would do, I asked Google maps to find Cathedral Rock. Google gave me this map:

If Google give you just a map simply click on the left bottom (where it now says "map" in the green box), it will say "satellite". Next click on "3D" (icons right bottom). That gives you this screen:

You will notice that Google tells you to hold the ctrl (pc) or command (mac) key and drag with your mouse to move the landscape in 3D. So let's do that. Before we do, go back to the image I began with. Look at the peaks. Now move down and rotate the image until the peaks look like the peaks in the image:

Surveying this image you will notice that the peaks now look similar to the ones in the first image. So now we know that the image was taken from this angle. We now move the scene backwards and forwards to look for the foreground, which I identified as the dry patch just off center to the left bottom. I went back to the 2D mode and zoomed right into this area to find out if I was right:

 This confirmed that I had the right spot because I can even see the cactus. Now I followed the various footpaths visible in the image to the nearest road. Click on the "map" (bottom left) to see the map better and plan your drive.

          Voila, I had the spot. Some people may use what I shared here to find iconic locations to go and copy the famous images already in existence. If you want to be a trophy hunter photographer, fine; those images are good as they have not become iconic for nothing. However, if you just copy the images of others you will never learn and grow and develop your own style or vision.

          Try to find your own shot. Get your unique take of the place. Stretch yourself. Here are two images I made: