Antelope Canyon, Arizona
This image was taken in Antelope Canyon, near Page, AZ in January, 2015. Antelope Canyon is one of many 'slot canyons' in northern Arizona, and is a ...
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This image was taken in Antelope Canyon, near Page, AZ in January, 2015. Antelope Canyon is one of many 'slot canyons' in northern Arizona, and is a photographer's paradise. This particular view is called "Abe". If you look closely on the right side of the image and use your imagination, you can see the countenance of Abraham Lincoln from below his chin.
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Oct, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This is Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. Northern Arizona has a multitude of "slot canyons", which are basically narrow canyons carved by monsoon rains. Through the years, certain formations have been given names by explorers of the canyons, and this one is called "Abe", because if you look at the right side of the wall you can see the countenance of Abraham Lincoln if you can imagine looking up at him.Time
This image was captured at mid-morning during late January. The weather was Sunny and Cool. Because of the season, the colors are almost pastel. During the Summer when the Sun is high in the sky, the colors become more vivid and rays of light come into the canyon at mid-day. Here you can see vivid color at the top of the canyon and more subdued hues as you get lower.Lighting
It would be great to get pictures during each of the four seasons, because the direction and intensity of the Sun's rays make for very different color and texture in a slot canyon. Since this is a winter image, the more intense light stays around the top of the canyon and becomes more subdued and pastel-like as you get lower. During the Summer, the higher Sun makes for some interesting shafts of light coming down to the floor, which when mixed with dust thrown into the air, is very dramatic.Equipment
For this image, I used a Canon EOS T3i with a Sigma DC 18-50mm f2.8 on a tripod with a wireless remote. Camera settings for this image are 0.8 sec., f8, ISO 3200 at 18mm. I have since upgraded cameras twice and glass once, but still get very good images out of the beginner level DSLR, proving that the camera is only as good (or bad) as it's operator. Since we were in a low light situation, the tripod and the wireless remote were invaluable to ensure a sharp, detailed image.Inspiration
As an Arizona resident of thirteen years, my wife and I have used our spare time travelling throughout the state to see its many natural attractions. This trip was taken to celebrate our wedding anniversary and included trips to Vermillion Cliffs, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River. Antelope Canyon has some of the more interesting formations in it, but requires a guided tour, some of which are specially designed for photographers.Editing
This image was post-processed using Canon Digital Photo Professional. Although DPP is fairly basic, it is useful in making highlight and shadow adjustments which came in handy with this image. Other than that, I tweaked the exposure a little bit to emphasize the detail in the canyon walls. Fortunately, we had time to experiment with different camera setting to get it "right" in the camera as often as possible.In my camera bag
Since I have upgraded equipment since this image was captured, I carry different equipment. My camera is a Canon 6D Mark II, and I carry two lenses, A Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM. I also carry a 2x extender (so I can get out to 400mm), Polarizing and Neutral Density filters. I own three Canon DSLRs, and all of them have an articulating LCD monitor to make imaging at awkward angles simple. I chose the 6D Mark II because it offered a full frame sensor and an articulating LCD monitor. That's a lot of heavy stuff that I carry in a backpack-style bag, but when I'm having a good day, there's no limit to the possibilities.Feedback
My favorite advice is to get a guided tour in a popular canyon. The tour guide knows where the cool features are and will point them out to you. Since your camera will be pointed up for most of the images, the guide can also help you find the best position for your shot. Take your time and get multiple images of each feature at different settings (or bracket) and you will probably get the image right in the camera and minimize the need for post-processing.
