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Upper Antelope Canyon

May 15, 2014 by Barb 13 Comments

When I first saw photos of Antelope Canyon a few years ago I was thunderstruck. Was there really such a place? It looked surreal, magical, heavenly. As it turns out “Antelope Canyon is the most visited and most photographed canyon in the American Southwest. It is located on Navajo land near Page, Arizona.” (Wikipedia)

And as usual I never considered that I may go there some day but after a series of fortunate events (the main one being that we bought a place in Arizona to get away from our harsh long winters) there I was. Living a dream.

The following photo is my bucket list shot and I didn’t even see it until I got home and uploaded everything to my computer. I caught a sunlight shaft! It wasn’t even on my radar because we weren’t at the canyon at the right time.

Granted, it is not THE sunbeam in the second room that occurs when the sun is directly overhead between the months of March and September. But I will take it. Some people go there specifically to catch that one shot and leave horribly disappointed if it doesn’t happen. Not me. I was in awe from the moment we got there. I really did not have any expectations. The light is low and the tour we were on did not allow for tripods. Yes I admit it. I set my camera on auto and took almost 500 shots, hoping to get something, anything.

antelope canyon, keeping with the times

I’ve taken a long time to post this because I haven’t quite figured out how to process Antelope Canyon photos and I wanted them to be perfect … but if I leave it any longer, I won’t get around to just telling my story.

Our guide pointed out the bear. Can you see it?

antelope canyon, keeping with the times

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Caution: photo dump …

antelope canyon, arizona, keeping with the times

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I must say it reminds me of those pictures of baby ultrasounds … a womb … no metaphors here, just an observation.

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These are not people I know – I just wanted to demonstrate what it really looks like in there! There are many, many tourists and you usually have to shoot straight up to get an image with no one in it.

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After about a 20 minute ride bouncing along a dry, sandy, riverbed we arrived (along with hundreds of others).

antelope canyon, arizona, keeping with the times

You cannot visit the canyon on your own, you have to sign up for a tour. We went with Antelope Canyon Tours and they were fantastic! We thought it might be frustrating and chaotic, but no, these people were all business “chop” “chop” which is the only way to handle the hoards.

I stumbled across this great article at Gary Hart Photography and he describes the experience far better than I ever could in a hundred years. It’s a must-read if you are planning to go (I wish I had). Thank you, Gary Hart if you are reading this …

 

 

Filed Under: PHOTOGRAPHY, TRAVEL Tagged With: arizona, landscape

Comments

  1. Sarah C says

    May 15, 2014 at 6:58 am

    This is amazing and an opportunity of a lifetime! I love the layers of color and texture. And yes, the ultrasound image is right one! Beautifully done!

    Reply
  2. Barbara Hurst says

    May 15, 2014 at 7:23 am

    so good Barb, I have to admit I know I would have left my camera on manual because I always want to be in control. I am so glad you had the for thought not too because I know I would have been so disappointed. Sometimes you just have to let good of control and know when to do it. Love each and every one and all the photo dumping the best kind.

    Reply
  3. Kathy S says

    May 15, 2014 at 8:51 am

    Amazing and Beautiful pictures..BUT..They make me dizzy looking at them!!

    Reply
  4. Charlotte Wilson says

    May 15, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Barb,
    these shots are magnificent! Absolutely Georgia O’Keefe-ish.
    The last time I was out west was in the early ’80s. I had a film camera when we arrived at Monument Valley. I thought I was getting the photos of a lifetime until I went to unload my film and realized it was empty.
    I am so happy to hear that you are in a warmer climate. Arizona is so pretty.

    Reply
  5. TexWisGirl says

    May 15, 2014 at 8:56 am

    just beautiful! it reminds me of silken or linen fabrics being blown in the wind! lovely!!

    Reply
  6. Jo-Anna says

    May 15, 2014 at 9:04 am

    Wow how stunning! What a fantastic experience for you!!

    Reply
  7. Dotti says

    May 15, 2014 at 9:57 am

    Wonderful photos, excellent tips … because now I want to go there! We were in Page years ago but we did not do Antelope Canyon. We may have to schedule a return to Arizona!

    Reply
  8. Claudia says

    May 15, 2014 at 10:37 am

    Awesome photos! What an incredible experience. That Mother Nature is something else!

    Reply
  9. Viv says

    May 15, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    wow oh wow what shots I’m so glad you got what you went for they are timeless..

    Reply
  10. Seeing Each Day says

    May 16, 2014 at 2:49 am

    It could be mistaken that many of these photos are paintings – there is such a brilliant flow in these captures. Have a good weekend, Renee.

    Reply
  11. Cathy H. says

    May 16, 2014 at 10:18 am

    Breathtaking! I would have been so overwhelmed that I would have been shaking too bad to take photos! I love the abstract look and the amazing textures you’ve captured…and that shaft of light…stunning!

    Reply
  12. Kelly Kardos says

    May 16, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    What absolutely gorgeous photos. Magnificent really. Id love to visit someday.

    Reply
  13. Kate says

    May 29, 2014 at 10:37 am

    This series moves me every time. =)

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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