julesreyesmarko Loc: Los Angeles

I eventually would like to take a trip and photograph slot canyons. So looked at some photos here on UHH and was quite impressed. I'm from LA and would like to know where these places are and what was used gearwise and settingwise. Also, are there any near Los Angeles. Let's see your photos, and impart your knowledge on us.
Cheers :thumbup:

richardp1958 Loc: Los Angeles

I haven't been, but one of the popular slot canyons is Antelope Canyon, just outside of Page, AZ. I believe this is easy to get to, ie no long hikes.

Add Loc: S.W.Florida

Not sure,but I think there is some sort of permit now required for that area around Page,check before you go.While there,drive the Paria River Road,many photo opps,but don't do it in the rain.Same for slot canyons.

Add Loc: S.W.Florida

Not sure,but I think there is some sort of permit now required for that area around Page,check before you go.While there,drive the Paria River Road,many photo opps,but don't do it in the rain.Same for slot canyons.

hunter7

There are two slot canyons just outside Page, Arizona. The upper one is Antelope Canyon, the lower one is nearby. Both are on the Navaho Indian Reservation. All you need to visit are an entrance fee at the entrance. Twenty years ago, Antelope Canyon was great, with relatively few visitors. Now, it is like Grand Central Station, or like cattle herds during roundup time. The other canyon is much less visited. If you have never visited a slot canyon before, the experience is overwhelming. Try to visit during the midday hours, when the sun shines through the ceiling gaps of the canyon.

greymule Loc: Colorado

Canyon Country Utah has plethora of slot canyons. It's $125 to go to antelope canyon for 6 hours with other photographers.

Take a look at Laurent Martres Books, Photographing the Southwest Vol.1 and His shorter Canyon country book.

BTW- My neighbor told me how they create the light rays on Antelope Canyon: The guide throws a handful of dust in the air.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Check out Bruce Barnbaum's work with slot canyons - I believe he was the first to do published works in Antelope Canyon .....oh yeah...and no dust either.

clicktime Loc: Yucca Valley Ca.

Zion National Park is good for slot cyns, I want to go there this year but everyone tells me to wait till November for the trees to change color. I guess as far as settings go I would take a few filters like a polorizer. A wide angle on a diagonal in a slot canyon gives a cool effect. Defently take a tpipod. Be carefull to take the proper cloths for wet and cold. You might be hiking in water waist deep to get that great shot you want. There is a bit of danger involved in the rainy season, once you get in those canyons it takes time to get out and if a flash flood happens you can't get out fast enough. The park watches the weather up stream very closely and they close the canyons if any rain is possible. Go from LA the night before and get a hotel so you can get sunrise pics first thing from on top the slots. Be ready for a all day hike. It is best to go with a friend for backup if you twist an ankle, lots of climbing and no cell phone coverage in the slots. I get my info from a TV show that aired on KABC 7 about 6 months ago called Motion. Maybe I'll see you there I look for the well dressed guy in a suit and tie and cameras hanging all over him.

relbugman Loc: MD/FL/CA/SC

Antelope Canyon was really nice several years ago. Now it is a heavy tourist attraction, but still pretty fine. You'll get a guide if you register in Page; some of them are experienced, if amature, photographers -- you can ask at the office. I don't know what you get at the on-site registry. There are also Photographer Tours -- don't know what they are. For pics, in my experience over several years (I lead trips to the area; out of many photos, I'm satisfied with only ONE!): a) Don't include any sky unless you compensate exposure for it; the contrast is extreme. b) If you do, pick a place that you want to be properly exposed an half click on it then shift to the shot you want and complete the shutter release. Expect burn-out at the edges. c) Use your experience to judge your exposure. d) Don't block the narrow path (watch your tripod!!) but use the walls for support -- the other visitors have paid as well as you, they deserve consideration too. (I'm not on my regular computer, and can't send my one now.)

glasgow71 Loc: Pahrump NV

So many slots...so little time! Antelope Canyon is outstanding, but can be a pain. However, several years ago I went in December and there were just a few of us there all day. The Zion Narrows are probably my favorite but some would argue this is a SPECTACULAR narrow canyon with 2000 ft+ walls, not a slot. One area among many you might consider is Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. There are numerous slots available for exploration, particularly off the Hole in the Rock Road out of Escalante, like Peekaboo, Spooky, Zebra, Tunnel, and others. I've attached a couple representative pics. Be prepared for tight spots and wet boots.

Zebra Slot Canyon


Spooky Slot Canyon

greymule Loc: Colorado

Here are a couple from Escalante-

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

take a good knife too in case one has to cut off an arm or leg.....way to claustrophobic for me there - i'd best stick to brick walls circa 1960

julesreyesmarko Loc: Los Angeles

lol, hope to see you there.

julesreyesmarko Loc: Los Angeles

Thanks for all the info everyone. And love the shots, amazing. The books sound promising.

JoeV Loc: Wisconsin

Attached is one taken at Escalante National Staircase. I was inspired by this thread to redo the photo with HDR processing, and am quite pleased with the result. This one is right along a highway...forget the name of it. Also, was taken from inside the slot looking out of the entrance. Took it with a Canon "bridge" camera