Beam Me Up
A light beam pierces the sandstone of Antelope Canyon.
A light beam pierces the sandstone of Antelope Canyon.
Read less
Read less
May, 2021Views
79
Likes
Awards
Zenith Award
Curator's Selection
Creative Winter Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Absolute Masterpiece
Peer Award
Superior Skill
All Star
Emotions
Impressed
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 30 rankTop 30 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This is a photo taken in Antelope Canyon, a sacred place on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. It is a sandstone canyon that is only accessible with a native escort. They guard the pristine and beautiful sandstone canyons, understanding that they are a treasure to be preserved for the future.Time
This particular view can only be achieved during a limited window each year due to the positioning of the sun. Additionally, there are only a couple of hours during each day that provides dramatic views of the light beams. Therefore, trips must be booked well in advance of the day. We arrived in the early morning and boarded the truck with a small group of 5 photographers. We then explored Rattlesnake Canyon and Owl Canyon before making our way to Antelope Canyon for the light show. Despite desert heat of over 100 degrees, the canyons were cool and inviting. The time in the canyons felt too short. I could have stayed for days in each one, just to appreciate the formations. Instead, I took pictures frantically, as if I would miss something.Lighting
The light beams are only visible when the dust of the Canyon is stirred up. Luckily for me, our guide was very adept at throwing large handfuls of canyon dirt high into the air, bringing out the striking beams of light. He even strategically placed piles of sand that gracefully washed down the sides of the canyon face. Our photographer guide would clear the way for clean shots once we were set, helping with the other groups that come to appreciate this magical place.Equipment
A good tripod and lens are a must. For this trip, I used my Canon EOS 5D Mark III with an EF 16-35 mm lens to capture the canyon colors and amazing formations. I did also add a battery grip to make sure that I would have a full day of shooting without issues. This also had the added bonus for me that I had a remote trigger for the grip, which made the tri-pod shots much easier and eliminated trigger shake. Locking your mirror up is also a good idea while on the tripod to further stabilize the shot. Flash is not allowed, so make sure that your glass is good to keep your ISO low. The Camera and tripod are all that you are allowed to take into the canyons.Inspiration
I had seen pictures of the canyon and they were breathtaking. I had to put it on my photographer's bucket list. It is only about 7 hours away from me, so I was excited to go. I remember a fellow photographer said to me "Why do you want to go there? There are a million pictures of that place!" I responded to him "But none of them are mine." I am so glad I didn't listen. Not only did I get some of my favorite photos, but it was also an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. You see, I needed to have my right hip replaced and I wanted to go before it was, because it would be a long time before I would ever be able to do something like that again. We were only able to do three of the four canyons because of my bad hip, but it was worth it. My hip has now healed and perhaps, one day, I will go again.Editing
A good photographer knows that taking the photo is only half the battle. Using Lightroom to post-process, I was able to bring to life the colors and lighting of the canyons, turning up deep rich shadows and blazing beams. There are a plethora of YouTube videos of ways to process your canyon pics if you are interested. I spent a fair share of my time looking at the work of other amazing photographers to guide me. Just know when enough is enough.In my camera bag
Since my canyon tour, I have moved on from Canon and their L glass to the Sony a7iii and a7riii with their G Master lenses. Canon makes an amazing camera but it took them a little too long for me to develop their full-frame sensor. I have never looked back. I usually pack my camera with a tripod, a 24-70mm GM, and a 70-200mm GM lens. This seems to meet most of my needs, although I have a full range of lenses from 14mm for night and landscape to 600mm for wildlife. My bag varies a little depending on what I am after.Feedback
If you want to capture an image like this, or you have seen other pictures that make you say "I want to go there!" My advice is to do it! Our lives are short and the days are fleeting. These images, these little slices of time and beauty, live on. You have heard "Seize the day". My motto - "Seize the Shot!"
