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03/10/2003 12:03:25 PM · #1 |
| Hi everyone, I am heading to Arizona for a week in a couple of weeks. I have heard of the huge photography potential. We plan on spending time in the Grand Canyon along with Sedona. Our primary focus is backpacking. Anyone been? Have any must photograph spots to recommend? |
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03/10/2003 12:08:02 PM · #2 |
I've led trips through the Grand Canyon, and I can tell you that almost ANY shot that you take of the canyon will be amazing. I suggest you take the time to take a walk down some of the trails, instead of just standing on the rim of the canyon. If you have the time to go down into the canyon, and spend the night, you will have great opportunities to view side canyons and get amazing photos there too. If you plan on spending the night at the bottom, make sure that you have permits, which are difficult to get at short notice.
As always, bring plenty of water, plan your trips, and have an amazing time! |
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03/10/2003 12:17:13 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Shiva-TPF-:
I've led trips through the Grand Canyon, and I can tell you that almost ANY shot that you take of the canyon will be amazing. I suggest you take the time to take a walk down some of the trails, instead of just standing on the rim of the canyon. If you have the time to go down into the canyon, and spend the night, you will have great opportunities to view side canyons and get amazing photos there too. If you plan on spending the night at the bottom, make sure that you have permits, which are difficult to get at short notice.
As always, bring plenty of water, plan your trips, and have an amazing time! |
Thanks Shiva, I am having difficulty getting permits, it would be ideal to spend a night or two at cottonwood. Trying now for Horseshoe Mesa and Hermit Creek, we will have a ten year old with us, so trying to keep it at a minimum. We will for sure do a day hike if we can't get permits, do you suggest any over another?
Have you ever packed in Sedona?
Now I have to figure out how I am going to see what the Challenges of that week will be :). Also if I want to lug my Digital(heavy) camera with me. |
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03/10/2003 12:28:18 PM · #4 |
Go to Sedona! That's one of my favourite places on earth!
We drove there via flagstaff, which is the most amazing route on Earth. the road hugs the walls of a canyon all the way to sedona. It's lovely. There's some amazing creeks and stuff down there as well. The only problem is that you're not allowed to stop anywhere along the route! That annoyed me a lot, cause there were a lot of photo opportunities.
Talking about the Grand Canyon.. well, I didn't like it as much as sedona. Maybe it was because I didn't get the chance to go down in it though, I dunno. All the pictures kinda looked the same. The whole, 'wow, it's a hole!' kinda picture.
Have fun though! I'm sure since you're going down into it, that your pictures will be amazin!
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03/10/2003 12:39:28 PM · #5 |
Paige,
Getting permits isn't easy. It's been about 10 years, but we would get our permits about 5 months in advance for 12 person trips, I don't want to even think about what it's like now.
The entire country around there is awesome, so even if you don't get to go down into the canyon, I'm sure that there are plenty of other areas that will provide you with great shots.
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03/10/2003 12:50:23 PM · #6 |
| Thanks Shiva and Annida, that's encouraging, sounds like I'm in the good no matter where I am. We will for sure hit Sedona, probably do some hiking there too, wonder if you can hike along the road from flagstaff to Sedona? Are you talking about highway 17, Annida? |
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03/10/2003 03:46:06 PM · #7 |
Hi Paige,
I live here in AZ and go to Sedona quite often. There's plenty of photo op's there. Make sure you go to Midgley bridge, it's the bridge over the road from Flagstaff. That road you want to take is Oak Creek Canyon (Alt. 89). Don't take I17, it's only a freeway, with no photo opportunities whatsoever. It's easy to get permits at Sedona for the trails, and great hiking and pictures. Hope you get some good photos! |
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03/10/2003 04:53:18 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by briphoto:
Hi Paige,
I live here in AZ and go to Sedona quite often. There's plenty of photo op's there. Make sure you go to Midgley bridge, it's the bridge over the road from Flagstaff. That road you want to take is Oak Creek Canyon (Alt. 89). Don't take I17, it's only a freeway, with no photo opportunities whatsoever. It's easy to get permits at Sedona for the trails, and great hiking and pictures. Hope you get some good photos! |
Hey thanks, looks like Oak Creek is a good place to go Backpacking too.
Have you heard of Paria Canyon? Are there any other must see/photograph areas in South/West Arizona? |
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03/10/2003 05:32:41 PM · #9 |
| I must disagree that almost ANY picture you take of the canyon will be amazing. In fact, I find it quite the opposite. It does not photograph well. Sure, you can get a good shot (if you have a wide angle lens), but it will be just like the shots other people have and it in no ways depicts the actual size of the canyon. The best photos will be of interesting things that you find that have the canyon as part of the background. The colors of the canyon itself are rather dull especially if you're taking photos during high mid-day sun. IMHO, you're going to enjoy Sedona more and get much better photos. Of course, the Grand Canyon is great and worth seeing but don't get frustrated if your photos don't "say" what you want. It's a hard subject. If you can register with a guided tour with the local Native American tribes so you can go to the places on their reservation, it's well worth it. Most importantly, have a great time! |
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03/10/2003 09:27:11 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by JasonPR:
I must disagree that almost ANY picture you take of the canyon will be amazing. In fact, I find it quite the opposite. It does not photograph well. Sure, you can get a good shot (if you have a wide angle lens), but it will be just like the shots other people have and it in no ways depicts the actual size of the canyon. The best photos will be of interesting things that you find that have the canyon as part of the background. The colors of the canyon itself are rather dull especially if you're taking photos during high mid-day sun. IMHO, you're going to enjoy Sedona more and get much better photos. Of course, the Grand Canyon is great and worth seeing but don't get frustrated if your photos don't "say" what you want. It's a hard subject. If you can register with a guided tour with the local Native American tribes so you can go to the places on their reservation, it's well worth it. Most importantly, have a great time! |
Thank you Jason, there is a hike through the Havasupi reservation that I was looking into, is this what your talking about?
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03/10/2003 10:56:06 PM · #11 |
Make sure you have your haze and/or UV filter and by all means: DON'T FORGET YOUR POLARIZING FILTER! Otherwise, everything will be hazy and inconsequential. My favorite places down there are a bit further north: in the Glen Canyon/Lake Powell area, and even further north to my favorite photograph spot on earth: Capitol Reef Nat'l Park.
If you are hiking and you've never been to this area before, I think you will first be struck by the panoramas, but if you're like me, you'll start to discover the smaller things: lizards on rocks, the desert varnish, the amazing color of the rocks at sunrise and sunset (they're different). In fact, when it begins to get sunset-ish, make sure your camera has plenty of memory! And get up early: your best shots will be when the sun is low.
I wish I was going with you!
David |
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03/10/2003 11:14:29 PM · #12 |
In addition to all the great suggestions above, one of my favorite areas is the painted desert.
In the same vicinity is Petrified Forest National Park. |
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03/11/2003 12:27:19 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by dsidwell:
Make sure you have your haze and/or UV filter and by all means: DON'T FORGET YOUR POLARIZING FILTER! Otherwise, everything will be hazy and inconsequential. My favorite places down there are a bit further north: in the Glen Canyon/Lake Powell area, and even further north to my favorite photograph spot on earth: Capitol Reef Nat'l Park.
If you are hiking and you've never been to this area before, I think you will first be struck by the panoramas, but if you're like me, you'll start to discover the smaller things: lizards on rocks, the desert varnish, the amazing color of the rocks at sunrise and sunset (they're different). In fact, when it begins to get sunset-ish, make sure your camera has plenty of memory! And get up early: your best shots will be when the sun is low.
I wish I was going with you!
David |
Hey David, great tips. we were also thinking of visiting your state too, Kanab, Hurrican St. George area. Do you have any suggestions/must see's in this area? |
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03/11/2003 12:49:48 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Paige:
Hey David, great tips. we were also thinking of visiting your state too, Kanab, Hurrican St. George area. Do you have any suggestions/must see's in this area? |
Hey Paige! I'm heading out to the Grand Canyon area this Saturday. Can't wait cause I've never been. I thought about hiking to Havasu Falls, the most beautiful waterfall I've ever seen. I've heard of a view off of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon that someone said is the most amazing view. They said it was a drive out of the way to get there 60miles and I believe it is called Tuweep, I gotta find out again. I'm planning on hitting the Grand Canyon and then go back up into Zions, if your in the St. George area that is a definate place to go see as well. Also, I don't know how hard it will be to get a permit, but I'm going to try to get lucky and get a day pass the day to go to "The Wave" You have to go to the Kanab BLM office the day before you plan to go to see if you can get a permit. The Wave is amazing, I saw a picture of it and ever since it has been a goal to go. Anyway, have fun! |
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03/11/2003 10:28:50 PM · #15 |
If you'll be in St. George, one nice place is Snow Canyon, and make sure to take the southern road from Kanab to St. George; it's more picturesque. Kanab has the Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Basically, you're in the most wild and beautiful place on earth wherever you go down there. Get lots of memory cards, or bring your laptop. You'll constantly be taking pictures! As the challenge this week deals with looking down, what better place to do that than the Grand Canyon. The North Rim is a bit nicer, but the south rim has the visitor center and a few shops. But to get a winning shot, you'll have to wait for the light. Be paitient! It's worth the wait! I remember waiting at Canyon Lands Nat'l Park for three hours until sunset. My brother was with me and kept saying, "Let's go! I've had it waiting around!" But I put him at bay, pointed to my camera and to my car keys, indicating that I had the car and was therefore in charge. When the sun was finally setting, even he was shocked. I had picked the perfect spot: blazing stone and magic light everywhere--and I went through 5 rolls of film in an hour. Closeups. Panoramas. I got them all. When we showed slides later on (ditigal cameras weren't around then), and I showed the dozen or so really good keepers from that episode, my brother was the one who said, "These are the pictures we waited for for three hours"! Magic things happen in the desert as sunset and sunrise. I hope you get the winning picture next week. I'll be looking for it, Paige (and Jubei).
David |
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03/11/2003 10:47:03 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by dsidwell:
If you'll be in St. George, one nice place is Snow Canyon, and make sure to take the southern road from Kanab to St. George; it's more picturesque. Kanab has the Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Basically, you're in the most wild and beautiful place on earth wherever you go down there. Get lots of memory cards, or bring your laptop. You'll constantly be taking pictures! As the challenge this week deals with looking down, what better place to do that than the Grand Canyon. The North Rim is a bit nicer, but the south rim has the visitor center and a few shops. But to get a winning shot, you'll have to wait for the light. Be paitient! It's worth the wait! I remember waiting at Canyon Lands Nat'l Park for three hours until sunset. My brother was with me and kept saying, "Let's go! I've had it waiting around!" But I put him at bay, pointed to my camera and to my car keys, indicating that I had the car and was therefore in charge. When the sun was finally setting, even he was shocked. I had picked the perfect spot: blazing stone and magic light everywhere--and I went through 5 rolls of film in an hour. Closeups. Panoramas. I got them all. When we showed slides later on (ditigal cameras weren't around then), and I showed the dozen or so really good keepers from that episode, my brother was the one who said, "These are the pictures we waited for for three hours"! Magic things happen in the desert as sunset and sunrise. I hope you get the winning picture next week. I'll be looking for it, Paige (and Jubei).
David |
Awesome! Will be driving through St. George and Kanab, can't wait to get there, I won't be going until mid April, but Jubei was headed there today, can't wait to hear/see Jubei's trip.
The road to the North Rim isn't open now, unless there is a secret one I haven't heard of.
Read a bit today abot Havasu Canyon, that area sounds very beautiful with awesome waterfalls and canyons, put in for a reservation, it's on Havasuipi tribal lands on the Colorado river so don't know how difficult it is to get a hiking/camping permit. Crossing my fingures.
I was wondering how I was going to store my shots, don't have a laptop and buying more memory isn't possible right now. I will probably take my 35mm too (shhh), it takes better shots than my digital, has better optics :(. Those at least I can post in my portfolio and share, unless there's something wrong with uploading my scanned SLR shots, hmmm haven't thought about that until now.
Are you going to post any of your Canyon Lands photos in you portfolio? |
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03/11/2003 10:47:37 PM · #17 |
With regard to Sedona, Oak Creek is definitely one of the best places to take photos. If you hike in the late afternoon, you can stay to photograph the sunset on Cathedral Rock. It's stunning in front of the river where the red rocks cast reflections. I found the morning light wasn't as brilliant as the early evening light. Right before sunset the red rocks light up like fireworks. Airport Blvd. also offers a great sunset vantage point. Sedona will refresh your spirit and inspire your creativity!
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03/11/2003 10:49:36 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by progersct:
With regard to Sedona, Oak Creek is definitely one of the best places to take photos. If you hike in the late afternoon, you can stay to photograph the sunset on Cathedral Rock. It's stunning in front of the river where the red rocks cast reflections. I found the morning light wasn't as brilliant as the early evening light. Right before sunset the red rocks light up like fireworks. Airport Blvd. also offers a great sunset vantage point. Sedona will refresh your spirit and inspire your creativity! |
Hey thanks, do you know if you can backpack/camp near there? |
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03/19/2003 03:43:42 AM · #19 |
[quote=Paige]Awesome! Will be driving through St. George and Kanab, can't wait to get there, I won't be going until mid April, but Jubei was headed there today, can't wait to hear/see Jubei's trip.
The road to the North Rim isn't open now, unless there is a secret one I haven't heard of.
quote]
Paige the Grand Canyon is Awesome. I had never seen anything like it. It kind of plays with your eyes with how massive it is. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get all the shooting I had hoped to get in. The wind was fierce and it rained every day that I was down there. I didn't want to ruin my camera so I didn't take it out that much. I was really upset about that because there were some hikes I would have down with my camera if it wasn't raining. We camped on the North rim. From what I had read on the internet in several places where we stayed has the best view of the canyon. It is a place called Toroweap and it is awesome! It is a 61 mile primative road there. On the maps it says that the road is impassable when wet, so either I am just stupid and extremely lucky, or just a great driver because we made it there in a NEON! It had started raining when we were 40 miles into the trail and so we just trudged on. The dirt turned to this red mud that was like ice and my friend had to get out and help my poor car up this big hill. It was quite an adventure. My car was covered in mud. The view from Toroweap is just awesome. There are no rails/fences/nothing on the edge. You can crawl to the edge and look down and it's just a 3500 foot drop. Kind of scary! And yes, I'm sorry to say, I did what about any college male would do, pee off the edge just to say I did it. haha. I had about 30 minutes or so that the clouds had broke long enough for us to set up our tent and pull out my camera. I'll have to post some of the shots somewhere. I got a couple good ones, one I just love with some awesome lighting on the walls of the canyon. Then it started to rain again so I put my camera back in the car. After that we started cooking dinner and I walked out to the edge just to sit. It was still drizzling and the clouds broke to the west and the sun shown through. The most amazing thing I've ever seen appeared. There was this rainbow from the Colorado River up the canyon and bowed out. It wasn't one of those that looked far away. It was right there, huge, wide and bright. It is the most awesome site I've ever seen, totally breathtaking. I ran back to the car to grab my camera, who cared if it got a little wet then, this was too awesome. By the time I had gotten back it had faded and wasn't as Grand. I was so disapointed because I would have loved to share that site.
Getting out of there the next day was a little better. It only took 3 hours to drive that road instead of 4 and a half. Still a wet and slippery, but Jason didn't need to get out and push, he almost did though. If you are anywhere near the North area and it isn't raining I would totally suggest a trip there. Awesome awesome place. Overall the trip was cool, just wish it didn't rain and storm. |
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04/07/2003 07:15:21 PM · #20 |
Thanks again everyone! I just printed this thread out and will be taking it with me. So far we are backpacking in the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Mesa and headed for Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon.
We are leaving this weekend, so excited! |
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04/07/2003 09:12:26 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by Paige:
Thanks again everyone! I just printed this thread out and will be taking it with me. So far we are backpacking in the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Mesa and headed for Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon.
We are leaving this weekend, so excited! |
Hope yo have a great time! I too am leaving for AZ this weekend, by motorcycle from Wisconsin...
I'm hoping for some great photo ops. |
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04/07/2003 09:18:22 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Originally posted by Paige:
Thanks again everyone! I just printed this thread out and will be taking it with me. So far we are backpacking in the Grand Canyon to Horseshoe Mesa and headed for Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon.
We are leaving this weekend, so excited! |
Hope yo have a great time! I too am leaving for AZ this weekend, by motorcycle from Wisconsin...
I'm hoping for some great photo ops. |
Awesome Kirbic! Looking forward to seeing your shots. Be safe on that Motorcycle.
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04/07/2003 11:52:55 PM · #23 |
Make sure you share some of your journey with us, Paige. I was just able to go to Eastern Utah near Dinosaur Nat'l Monument and hike around the desert there. I saw a lot of petroglyphs and other stuff. I put some interesting shots in my portfolio, if you're interested.
Message edited by author 2003-04-08 00:41:45.
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04/08/2003 12:42:09 AM · #24 |
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