Open for suggestions regarding photographing Utah! (Page 2): Jim is correct, there is so much to photograph that you can get lost In the moment and missed something that you really...

wattsimages

Jim is correct, there is so much to photograph that you can get lost In the moment and missed something that you really wanted to see.

having a plan is the only way, it will relieve the stress of trying to figure it out as you go. The guides Jim mentioned is a great option, getting good maps, and there are several books covering this subject.

http://www.amazon.com/Photographing-Southwest-Volume-1-Southern-Utah/dp/0916189120

Also there are many resources online, http://mapcarta.com is one of my favorites.

Jim is also correct about the midday sun being terrible for photography. My typical day trip like this would be, starts about an hour before sun rise, set up for the morning light, go back to camp, have breakfast with my wife, go out hiking from a while (or driving), nap, an early dinner, go out and shoot golden hour, then Blue hour, them back to camp.

Of course you may get lucky and have some weather, in which case you can shoot all day just have rain protection for your Camera.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

idaholover wrote:

Is gas hard to come by?

Not really, but pay attention to your gauge. Things are further apart than they appear on the map! There are some stretches where services are pretty spread out. I make a habit of topping off whenever I think I might be taking a remote detour and I'm at half a tank or less. But I'm also a bit compulsive at times!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

idaholover wrote:

Going to Canyon Lands and down to Monument Valley! Will have a Sony a6000 and a Nikon 5000 with wide angle and zooms to 300! Have CP and ND filters for the Nikon. I assume a tripod is a must. Any techniques, tricks and tips would be appreciated.

We look forward to your pictures.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

idaholover wrote:

Is gas hard to come by?

Depends on what you eat and drink......Sorry, just had to.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Photographer Jim wrote:

Not really, but pay attention to your gauge. Things are further apart than they appear on the map! There are some stretches where services are pretty spread out. I make a habit of topping off whenever I think I might be taking a remote detour and I'm at half a tank or less. But I'm also a bit compulsive at times!

When do you think is the best time to go? I always think the Fall, I may be wrong.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Photographer Jim wrote:

That rig will suit you just fine. There are actua... (show quote)

All great advice but don"t forget Arches NP it's only a couple miles from Moab. My wife and I spent 2 weeks their, there's over 1500 miles of ATV trails around Moab.

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

Photographer Jim wrote:

That rig will suit you just fine. There are actua... (show quote)

Thanks again, I probably have more than enough ideas to keep us busy. We will be tent camping KOA's out of our Jeep. We intend to go back more than once, and, haven't even begun to scratch the surface here in Idaho.

Teacher Loc: Alabama

You will be better off using a tripod rather than a monopod. THere are times when a monopod might be useful, but taking long exposures at dawn and dusk will require a good tripod. Also hiring a local guide, even for a morning, is a good idea. THere are plenty around Moab. Case in point, on the drive out of Moab heading for Mesa Arch, you will pass MANY beautiful petroglyphs (rock carvings) and hieroglyphs (ancient rock paintings).These are unmarked and unadvertised to prevent vandalism. Dinosaur tracks are also abundant but unmarked. There is just so much photograph in "Kodachrome" country that several trips will be required. Good luck and be careful on the rocks.

idaholover wrote:

I like the monopod idea as I have a couple that double as a hiking pole.

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

Bultaco wrote:

All great advice but don"t forget Arches NP it's only a couple miles from Moab. My wife and I spent 2 weeks their, there's over 1500 miles of ATV trails around Moab.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

Teacher wrote:

You will be better off using a tripod rather than ... (show quote)

I think I remember reading somewhere to turn the lens Vibration Control off and to use a remote shutter release. Correct? For those types of shots that is.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

You will be amazed at the scenery of Utah--it changes every 5 minutes. I feel fortunate to have been there 3 times and would love to go back many more! But the first time is a bit overwhelming--follow all the great advice you have gotten here.

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

plessner wrote:

You will be amazed at the scenery of Utah--it changes every 5 minutes. I feel fortunate to have been there 3 times and would love to go back many more! But the first time is a bit overwhelming--follow all the great advice you have gotten here.

We know we are blessed to live in and near beautiful scenery. Thanks for the recomendation. :thumbup:

Teacher Loc: Alabama

Mounted on a tripod, that is correct.

idaholover wrote:

I think I remember reading somewhere to turn the lens Vibration Control off and to use a remote shutter release. Correct? For those types of shots that is.

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

My favorite guide to that area is Sandra Hinchman's "Hiking the Southwest's Canyon Country." She's no photographer, but she seems to have been everywhere in the four corners area, describes many of the side hikes and drives in inviting detail, and even suggests itineraries.

idaholover Loc: Nampa ID

cbtsam wrote:

My favorite guide to that area is Sandra Hinchman's "Hiking the Southwest's Canyon Country." She's no photographer, but she seems to have been everywhere in the four corners area, describes many of the side hikes and drives in inviting detail, and even suggests itineraries.

:thumbup: I'll check REI here in Boise, they should have it, I'd guess.