Other Areas to Photograph
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| Antelope Canyon: Both upper and lower antelope canyon
in Page are spectacular and should be seen while in the Page
area. To get to either canyon from Page take 89 local
(main street) to Coppermine Road, follow Coppermine to 98 and
make a left. Take 98 about 2.5 miles to the sign for Upper
Antelope Canyon on the right. To get to Lower Antelope
make a left on 222 just beyond the entrance for Upper Antelope
Canyon. Entrance fees for either are about $20 per person.
If you visit Upper Antelope Canyon you should go during the
morning as this is when the ray of light enters the canyon.
You should get the "Photographers Tour" which will allow you to
stay in the Canyon longer. After paying for your ticket to Upper
Antelope you take a 5 mile drive down a wash in an open vehicle
to the mouth of the canyon. On the left side there is a canyon
called Rattlesnake Canyon (http://eujingoh.com/pics/antelopecanyon/index.html)
which is rarely visited, I haven't been there yet. You
should also bring a tripod and a rain cover for your camera,
especially on a windy day when sand will be constantly blowing
into the canyon from above. A small flashlight might also
help. Flashes are worthless in the canyon. Normal
focal lengths would be 24mm to 200mm or so, I tend to emphasize
compositions at the longer end of this range. Bracket
heavily and use spot metering.
Lower antelope canyon also has many good opportunities, there are some ladders to climb so bring a light pack. Both canyons are closed after heavy rains or when rain is threatening. At the Upper Antelope parking area you can also get a pass for Waterholes Canyon for about $10. Waterholes is appropriately named, it is usually wet and may be muddy. The one time I was there I ran into a midget faded rattlesnake which was situated right where I needed to place my hand to climb up a small ledge so - hike ended. The aerial map following shows how close the parking is for the two parts of the canyons, both can be done in one day. Do not bother with either if the sky is overcast, for these canyons everything is about light. |
| Horseshoe Bend: |