iPhotographer Loc: San Diego

Went to both Lower and Upper Antelope Canyons May 2015. Signed up for two different tour guides for the same day. I would recommend doing both Upper and Lower canyons as they each have their own charm and opportunities. Although I read the same as you about wrapping my camera, I did bring a bag but never used it.

I mounted my D810 with attached Nikon 17-35mm on my tripod and set it for Aperture priority (F8), ISO 100. With a remote the exposure time was usually between 4 and up to 10 seconds. The colors captured with a longer exposure makes the difference between a picture and a photograph.

That same day, I raced to Horseshoe Bend and caught the below photo just as the sun was disappearing into the horizon.

The month of May was not crowded as others had witnessed and the weather was very pleasant. After taking close to 600 photos, I don't know if I will ever have a need to return to the canyons to capture better than I got on this trip.

You will definitely enjoy it.

linelink

Tours are still available. The photography tours are more expensive. $130. and up, depending on the company you book with. Instead of being bunched in with the dust and the masses with cell phone cameras, you are with a group of six to twelve photographers. You now must have a DSLR, Film camera, or mirrorless. No phone or point and shoots. Tripods are mandatory, and your guide will check out your equipment before you are allowed to leave for the canyon entrance. The camera settings which others have suggested are useful. However, the light will vary depending, on time of day, the structure of the various canyon corridors, and number of people in any given area. It will be very crowded. Your guide will do their best to move the masses away from your small photography group. You will have a few minutes in each area to get your money shots. Try to book on sunny days, not an issue from April to Sept., but those months bring the crowds. Lower Antelope Canyon is far less crowded, just as colorful, but it lacks those light beams which are captured in the adds. Camera covers are very useful when crowded, as sand and dust are kicked up everywhere. Your guide tosses sand in the air to aluminate the light beams and camera cover and or protection will be helpful, especially if you are using an expensive lens with "zoom". Try to relax, you have two hours to get great photos. You will be constantly, adjusting settings. It's wise to bring a penlight or rather small flashlight to do so. A dust bulb, soft cloth, shutter release, and water for yourself will all be useful. Sorry to be so long winded, but on my first attempt I was ill prepared. Had better luck the next time.

LarryN Loc: Portland OR & Carbondale, CO

Wonderful shots. How did you go about arranging for a private photo tour?

corpsol Loc: Cape Cod

Beautiful photos! Thanks for the information and advice. Glad to see that you had read about the camera wrap. For a while I thought I was hallucinating. To be proactive I will bring a cover for the camera.

corpsol Loc: Cape Cod

Thanks for your response and advice.

frank bruce Loc: Albuquerque,N.M

Nice!