Southwestern Adventure: Antelope Canyon

What an amazing place!  Every corner and every turn seemed like there was a photographic opportunity.  It's no wonder so many photographers have a foundation of Antelope Canyon photos.  The light bounced around the walls to create a rainbow of colors inside.  Blue, purple, red, orange and yellow.  It was a bit more difficult than I thought to get a decent photo without someone in the crowd walking through it or getting the exposure right in the ever changing light.  I found that Manual mode was the only way to get the exposure I wanted and stopping down about 2 stops gave me an overall better exposure.*  The most important thing I could recommend for a place like Antelope Canyon is to protect your camera!  I (luckily) did my research beforehand and found that guides will throw dust up into the air to create the light beam effect, and with dozens of people walking through on the sandy floor dust is bound to get into the air.  The essentials in protecting your equipment?  A plastic bag (whether you make it to fit over your camera or you buy a camera specific one) and lens filter (a cheap one is probably best although you don't want to sacrifice too much quality).  After spending a few hours in the canyon I came out with one dirty, pretty much useless, filter.  Imagine if that was my lens!  All those tiny particles of sand scratching the glass, I was glad I did my research.  Some other things to keep in mind if such an occasion arises that you happen to get the opportunity to photograph such an amazing place; do not change lenses, stick with a wide angle lens, and go to the tour booth set up just to the east, down the road from the sign for Antelope Canyon Upper and get the 11:00-1:00 photo tour.  It is well worth it.  The guide for my tour was excellent and made sure everyone got the shots they wanted. 

I did a bit of experimenting with my Singh-Ray ND Graduated filters and was pleasantly surprised by the results.  With so much range in light there were several blown out shots that had potential.  With the help of my 3-stop graduated filter I was able to hold back enough light to catch the details in the brightest spots that were naturally visible to the eye.  On shots 2, 3 and 6 of the series below the variation of light was so broad I couldn't get it all without compromising one way or the other in exposure.  However, with the graduated filter I was able to get the correct exposure of the darker (blue) areas while holding back the brighter (yellow) areas enough to get the detail in the rocks. 

Essentials:

• Tripod - it sounds crazy to take one with the lack of space and crowds, but there is no other way to get the photos you want.  Long exposures are a must.  Not only is flash not allowed, it does nothing for the photo.
• Protection - plastic bag for camera, lens filter.
• Shutter release cable.
• Singh-ray ND graduated filters.
• Patience!  You have to realize everyone else feels entitled to be there, too.  Get your shots and be considerate of others' shots.

*note:  The blacks in these photos are essential to accentuate the depth and rich color of Antelope Canyon.  

Where Inspiration Comes From

Most of the time when I go out and take a picture I have an image in my mind that I want to capture.  I preplan the location, the time, the angle. But most of my inspiration comes while on site.  And sometimes I think that is the best and truest form of inspiration.  The preplanning and pre-visualization gets me there to the location, gives me an idea before going out, but once I’m on site that’s when the true inspiration comes.  That is when I can say I came back with my own unique image instead of trying to copy a photo I was initially inspired by.  I want my true vision, not someone else's.  My inspiration while on site can come from several things that inspire me on a daily basis.  

Yesterday, I headed out for some kind of modern architectural photos and started at the Salt Lake City Library.  Such a great building, architecturally, photographically.  I knew this would be a good start.  I’ve photographed this building several times and have mostly come back with mediocre photos in comparison to the actual building.  So I set out again to find some kind of new angle.  I arrived on scene, tried the door and was informed by security that the library had closed at 6 o’clock.  I was a bit disappointed, but decided it would be fine and to focus on the exterior of the building.  Not being able to go inside turned out to be a benefit for my images.  Looking through the windows of the library gave me the inspiration and new take on the building I was hoping for. 

A few weeks earlier I set out to take photos of the Salt Lake City and Council building.  The photos were nothing new, but when I turned around from the location I was focusing on I was instantly inspired by a scene of lit windows looking into three separate levels of a building.  Like looking through a window into someone’s life or a building’s life.  

ISO 100  39mm f/22 25 sec

At the Salt Lake City Library that same kind of looking through the windows feel gave me the different angle I was looking for.  The interior design along with the modern architecture reminded me of the AMC television show Mad Men.  A clean cut, 60’s inspired, timeless, modern look.  The lighting drew out long shadows of the furniture and architectural lines, giving the scene a little more drama.  Looking through the windows also reminded me of the digital renditions architects use in their drawings.  Like what they would show a client to illustrate how great their building could look. 

 ISO 100 40mm f/8 1/125 sec Singh-Ray Warming Polarizer

 ISO 100 40mm f/8 1/50 sec Singh-Ray Warming Polarizer 

 ISO 100 40mm f/8 1/40 sec Singh-Ray Warming Polarizer 

 ISO 100 40mm f/8 1/200 sec Singh-Ray Warming Polarizer

I set out with an image and subject in my mind and came back with a different kind of image representing my subject in a different way.  I went out pursuing modern architecture, black and white, dramatic skies, clean lines, wide angle views and came back with my own unique images.

Film

Holga 135 BC.  Just got a roll developed and found this.  The colors are so vivid and the composition so simple.  It's always exciting to get a roll of film developed, although it can get expensive.  Digital's instant gratification just isn't the same.  

Architectural Lines

I've always gravitated toward simple, clean, classic design, whether it's in my photography or my attempt at fashion and design.  I find inspiration in clean lines, pattern and simplicity.  Architecture has always fascinated me and though it's not my photographic specialty I do enjoy photographing it and am often inspired by it.  So I've decided to start some kind of project of architectural lines and attempt to portray it  as I see it.

Reflections of the sky in a modern building downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

Downtown Salt Lake City Library.

Simple, architectural, clean.