Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Thanks!

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Thanks for the tip!

fantom Loc: Colorado

Are they discontinuing the photo tours permanently or just for the time of the year when they don't get the sun rays into the canyon---and therefor fewer photogs.

You will want to go to Horseshoe Bend in the morning. I was there before sunset and was shooting directly into the sun and got no good pix. Could barely even see it. I was very disappointed until I got back to the motel and took a nice shot of their Horseshoe Bend photo in the lobby. Yuk yuk, been there, done that.

bertloomis Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

I was at Horseshoe Bend several weeks ago from 1 hour before sunset until it set. Here is my advice: 1. Don't go at this time. The light is coming straight at you, it is quite harsh, and the bend is in shadow. If you are lucky and the sun is setting behind some clouds the lighting will not be so harsh. But this is a desert and clouds are usually in short supply. 2. Go at a time when the bend is lit then add a more interesting sky in PP. 3. The max wide angle on the lens I had was 25mm and it was not wide enough. You need at least 18mm and wider if you have it.

My pictures, SOOC, were pretty bad due to the bend being in shadow and the over powering light of the setting sun. But they edited pretty well.

The bend overlook is owned by the town of Page, Arizona, and they charge $10 per car parking and entry fee. It is a 3/4 mile hike from the parking lot to the overlook.

The place was crawling with tourists and photographers. Many of them got very close to the edge of a 1,000 foot drop, quite unsafe. There is only a safety rail on a very small part of the rim, from which you can get the best view of the bend.

I found the people at the rim at least as interesting as the bend itself and I took more photos of them than I did of the bend.

If you see an interesting sky in any of these photos, it is because I added it in PP.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

This small section is the only part that has a safety rail. The whole thing needs to have a rail. The people get way too close to the edge of this cliff, 1,000 feet above the river.

(Download)


(Download)

GEANNIE

It is cold in the canyons which makes the batteries drain quickly so make sure you have extras.

chuibob

The upper Antelope Canyon is always more crowded than the lower Antelope Canyon. If you have to choose, definitely go to the lower Antelope. Better photo ops.
Your 17-40 is wide enough to do well in the canyon. If you have a medium zoom, like a 24-70, 24-120 or the like, take it with you. Lower Antelope is very narrow in places. Make sure you take a photography tour.
Horseshoe bend. I just got back from there and was at the gate well before sunrise.. The gate doesn't open until sunrise, so don't get there at 4:30AM. I used a 14-24, and did well. The best photo ops are just before the sun rises over the horizon. After that, the scene has a lot of contrast. I stayed till 8:30, and decided to leave since it would take another couple of hours to get even lighting on the horseshoe.
We only encountered a few photographers. Many people came in tour buses, and they just used their iphones. There's a hike to get to the viewpoint, so be sure to be at the gate about 30 minutes before sunrise. There is a $10 fee to get into the parking lot. I'm attaching a photo of horseshoe for you.
Chuibob

gwilliams6

We did Grand Canyon in the morning, then drove to and did the Upper Antelope Canyon and made it to Monument Valley by sunset, all in the same crazy day. But it was amazing. There are Upper Antelope Canyon tours all year unless weather forces then to close. These three shots were all made the same day. Sony A9 camera. Sony 24-105mm f4 lens. Next time we will do Horseshoe Bend.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

Dayton

What direction were you facing when you took the shot of Horseshoe Bend? East or West?

gwilliams6

s

Dalbon

If you don't do Monument Vally then you'll miss a beautiful area. Take a tour with an Indian guide and he'll take you places you couldn't go by yourselves.
David

jwohlhueter

Shot Mesa Verde three years ago. Arrived 45 minutes before sunrise. Mine was the 23'rd camera and tripod. I set up on the far right end of the arch. Still got some good shots. Tip: just minutes after sunrise most of the photographers start to leave. Move right in you'll get some great shots. Shot Antelope Canyon 4 years ago. Huge crowds. Our guide helped those w/ tripods secure enough room. It wasn't easy. My articulating view screen was invaluable. Tip: This is a very very uniquely beautiful location. Take the beauty in, stay calm and try to be patient with the crowd. You'll get some great shots.

gwilliams6

S

pilot64 Loc: Atlanta, GA

You need sunshine for a good canyon tour. Don't go early before the sun gains altitude. I Did the lower canyon tour, lots of climbing and descent, the upper is flatter and easier. Horseshoe Bend will be crowded in the summer and on weekends. December will help you with the crowds. It is a tough walk (uphill both ways - not kidding), can be very crowded. Your 17-40 should be OK, you can also stitch views together if you take a series of shots. If you do Monument Valley, you have to take a tour for the best shots. I would recommend Phillips for tours there. All tours are native americans (you are on navajo land).

duane klipping Loc: Bristow iowa

I have no desire to go to a place that has been shot a billion times. It would mean nothing to have this in my portfolio at this point. The commercialization of this place will be its downfall. I do nothing in tours such as this anymore. We can thank Peter Lik and social media for this.

Photolady2014 Loc: Southwest Colorado

Is the best angle where the railing is? I suppose I could go the day before and scout angles. Thanks for the info! Thanks for the good info!