How to Photograph Antelope Canyon in 2020
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- Wondering how to photograph Antelope Canyon in 2020 when all the photography tours are apparently done with? Here's how.
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On today's photography vlog, I walk you through some of the most iconic photo locations in the US Southwest, starting with Antelope Canyon. And a lot of people are thinking that you can't actually photograph the canyon anymore. The truth is that a couple of places like lower and upper Antelope Canyon have decided to stop allowing tripod in. But, luckily there are still some other options. This is how to photography antelope canyon in 2020.
On this vlog, I also explore some other photo locations in Arizona like Horseshoe Bend and Coalmine Canyon.
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I'm glad to hear that there are still some tours left for Antelope Canyon. I remember hearing about all the different photography tours pulling out of there. A tour at nighttime would be so incredible!
Brendan, first great and informative video today. Ironically the first video I every watched of yours was when you did Antelope a few years ago. Me and the wife were making plans to go visit back then and was researching Horseshoe Bend and Antelope. At the time we were researching Antelope, they had just stopped the photo tours at Upper and Lower. I did a little research and found Canyon X and after checking out reviews, we decide to book a photo tour there.
It was outstanding and so glad we did, more so when we drove pass the Upper & Lower area and seen all the people and buses there waiting to get shuttle through the more well known Lower and Upper. Canyon X and the family run group there were excellent and well worth the extra 6 mile drive.
Our guide was outstanding and with exception of one couple on a short tour (not Photo tour), me and the wife had it pretty much to our own for nearly 3 hours. Got some great tips and good information from our guide, but it the end-was a joy to be left alone and able to explore and take the time to get good shots along with a few portfolio ones to boot.
We then went to Horseshoe and were able to enjoy some very good time there with some amazing photos. One thing that I recommend to anyone shooting at Horseshoe in the later part of the day, if they go for the sunset, make sure to allow that extra .5 to 1 hour time after the sunset, for then is a great time to get really spectacular shots of the skies and the canyon and river. That whole area is truly a magical place and should be a bucket list item for any landscape photographer.
Last I want to emphasize how great Canyon X and the people were there, thank you for helping get it better known to many out there and maybe bringing to consciousness to other landscapers a great and highly recommended alternate to the massive crowds and restriction in place at the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon (best left to the tourist for sure).
Best to you and Jodie,
This photo at 7:07 is absolutely Fantastic. I couldn't get my eyes off... Hugs from Brazil.
Obrigado!
Hahaha i was going to ask if you bracketted your shots but you beat me to it!! Looking forward to visiting Antelope Canyon in May 2022!
Some serious pucker value to a lot of these vantage points. Not sure I could get that close. Rock on!
So cool to see that you got a slot canyon to yourself(small group). When I took a photo tour of Antelope Canyon it was insane how many people were crammed in there. Overall it was a beautiful place to see, but miserable with too many other people. I'm glad to see that they've come up with a solution. I'm really enjoying this AZ series. Can't wait for the next one!
this is the reason I started to watch your videos , welcome back
I am so happy that I shot horseshoe bend BEFORE the railing and all the rules were installed.
I started going to Upper Antelope Canyon around 1983. At that time, it was totally unorganized. No tours (or their conveniences). A tribal fee of $15 if the guy showed up to open the wire fence at the highway. No guides. No time limits. No nothing! Over 25 years, all of that went away, leaving an industrialized access with mandatory tour bus access, guides, and a $60 fee. I think I preferred the later, more organized process, as I had come 1,500 miles to get those photos. My first time, I used a 6x9cm view camera. The last time around 2005, a Pentax 67. Today, you cannot do that at either Upper or Lower Antelope. Access is more like a Disneyland E-ticket. (Stay in line and keep your hand on the shoulder of the person in front of you. No stopping.) I've never been to Canyon X. It was yet to be "developed" the last time I visited the area. Videos show it to be a decent substitute for Antelope, and it has tours tailored to the needs of the photographer, although the price is now up to $133. IMO, well worth the price for a one and only experience, but not all would agree.
I hit Canyon X 2 yrs ago after you made the suggestion. Had the whole place to myself for as long as I wanted. They are the nicest people as well. Your time at Horseshoe bend...it looked empty compared to when I was there....it was tripod next to tripod around the whole rim.
Thanks, Brendan! Last July I went to Arches National Park and yes I took the picture of Mesa Arch - one of 10 billion images! I hesitated to go but decided to anyway - I arrived about an hour past sunrise and to my surprise there was no one there! I got a great shot of the Arch with the glow underneath and detail in the landscape behind. I have wanted to get unique shots and still do, but as you pointed out I got the iconic shot just because I thought it was beautiful and I enjoyed my time there. Thank you for reinforcing in my mind that taking images just to please me is OK!! - Oh, I also got MANY fantastic shots some of which were unique!
Gary McClure Mesa arch is in Canyonlands NP, not in Arches tho!
@@mitchelnieuwland835 Oh -- yes I went to both places -- I knew that! Thanks for correcting me! I also went to Dead Horse State Park while I was there! Thanks again!!!
This was fun to watch. Since I was in Mike & Chris's group its cool to watch you work and feel like I was there with you too. :)
Our group was better 😜
@@c.mcevoy5487 Our group saw a third area... #winning LOL
I'm be there in April, thanks for the tips!
Incredible to see how much infrastructure they've put in since 2017. That overlook at Horseshoe and the paved path down into Canyon-X = unreal. Needed I suppose. Still always hard to see. Great stuff. Thanks for the update!
@Adam Craig Agreed, always sad to see it happen. But healthy and needed for the destinations. At the same time, there are a world of amazing places out there. So, I always just try and pivot - embrace them for what they are when I get to see them, and balance that with chasing new spots. It's actually how I found Canyon-X a few years ago, right as they opened it up. While Antelope had an assembly line of people, we were a few miles away and had 6 other people in the canyon in the 3-4 hours we were there. The one I always kick myself for, is not making it to Machu Pichu 10 years ago.
Love those canyons
Just did Canyon X last month. Regular rather than photo tour (didn’t know it was offered when we booked), but still spectacular - just shooting handheld. Will definitely go back on the SS Minnow for the 3 hour tour - what a magical place.
Wowser, great stuff! I’ve heard your name and just subscribed to your channel from here in the UK! Inspiring stuff, I’m an Ex UK military Survival specialist, and a wildlife photographer and fairly new to the RUclips scene! Learnt a lot, thanks👍😁
Thanks Richard! Appreciate the sub. If you dig back a bit in the videos I have a bunch of UK content!
Brendan van Son cheers Brendan I will be sure to check them out, all the best 👍
Great video. I need to get there
Another nice one. I have to confess @12:48 “the treasure hunt, bucket list ass.....pect” I thought you were gonna say something else!
Hahaha
Hello Brendan,
Ramon here from Bulgaria. Brother, I want to say thank you for sharing such amazing images with us. Second I am loving the shot at 7:07. The image speaks volumes, to be honest with you. I really like the curvature of the rocks leading to the peaks. Great done as always. Cheers
Thanks dude! Hope you're enjoying Bulgaria, it's a beautiful country
@@BrendanvanSon thank you so much. I moved here from the state's to raise my family.
Hey Brendan, I was at Antelope Canyon X in Dec. 2019 (based on your recommendation). There was about a foot of snow when I went, which I actually loved. Very interesting conditions and very few people. Thanks!
It’s amazing! Only discovered horseshoe bend last week and it’s already gone to the top of my bucket list shot
It's a cool spot. Also check out dead horse point state park
Wow that place is beautiful to film and shoot, awesome vlog my friend 👏🏾👏🏾👁👁
Hi, I was in Page Aug 2019. The Horseshoe bend car park opened about 30mins before sunrise so I paid, got parked and had my camera set up for sunrise. I would have preferred sunset but was only in Page one night and the family wanted to do the sunset cruise on Lake Powell - awesome light. Shame that due to idiots taking selfies falling off they have fenced a section of the rim at Horseshoe Bend. Family and I took the Horseshoe Bend Slot Canyon combo tour which includes a private section of Antelope Canyon and private section of land on the rim of Horseshoe Bend. I only got about 45mins actual photography time but I was allowed to be on my own with no one looking over my shoulder. I regret in my month touring in the USA I didn't spend more time in Page - it's epic area so for others reading this take a tip from me and allow a few days here if you can. Finally.... I totally agree, take the photos of the places you want and it doesn't matter what others think. There is a reason why places like Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Mesa Arc etc are iconic!!
As of 4 about December, it's open at sunrise. Although they do open 5-10 min early. It's a bit of a dash... But probably still possible
I so need to expand my skills with my cameras before visiting - hope it's not too late while others ruin our chances to appreciate these great places our Nation and significant one provides! Thank you so much for showing your settings on your awesome and inspiring photos!
~Debi~
Really envious that you are there this time of year with so few people. When I photographed Upper Antelope Canyon last year, it was literally wall-to-wall people. But, I loved being there anyway. I went to Horseshoe Bend on a tour that had it's own private access and offered our tour guide $10.00 to push me up to the edge, since I'm afraid of heights, so that I could get a shot. (Just joking with him.) Your video reminds me why I went there and why I want to go back.
As someone who lives in Utah, these 2 places are still on my bucket list. On a related note, have you thought about doing a quick video on the unique and fragile nature of the desert, specifically about cryptobiotic soil and the irreparable damage people can cause to it just by walking on it? I see it all the time here, people who are unaware they are causing damage that will last 100's of years
Great episode BvS, loved the images, colours and tones were beautiful 👍
Thanks!!
Brandon, If you are still in town, I will take you out to photograph the burrowing owls in Buckeye.
Excellent, Brendan. Love your compositions and all the info..
Thank You so much, will be going there in April just to do this shoot.
Thanks for all the great info Brendan!!
I hate that they shut down the tours at the Lower Antelope Canyon. That was my favorite! More constricted, but less crowded.
Drove past Horshoe Bend when it was 2am or so on my last trip out to UT/AZ. Next time I suppose. Lol
Well, it all sounds cool, but locals who do tours made a statement that they no longer would be doing photography tours since Dec 20 2019, period.
Honestly, I was in Kanab (UT) when that message was posted. I had a tour scheduled (but not paid) for the Antelope canyon but when I arrived there I saw a group like of 20 people that have done an appointment for the same time as I did. I just decided to skip it for good. And I feel like I wouldn't do it anytime soon because of the crowds.
For those who are interested, there are at least 6-8 slot canyons you can go to, it just depends on how far you'd like to drive and hike.
Denis Canyon X is still holding tours according to their web page and as Brendan mentioned it appears that one can make an appointment for a photo tour maybe a week or two out. Right now they have slots available through the whole month of February and March as well as some towards the end of January. Here is their web site and well worth the by pass of the more famous Upper and Lower one to go just another 6 miles north. www.antelopecanyon-x.com/antelope-canyon-x-photography-tours/
Been on my bucket list.
Spectacular shot of Horse shoe bend B! Wish I could've explored more when I went to Grand Canyon but I wasn't with the best of company to do that type of thing.
Perfect timing as I'm going to Vegas in April! Do you have links to the company you mentioned who do the tours?
Murvalous just to let you know Antelope Canyon would be the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon.... Both canyons are run by separate company’s... and it is all tour guide... Upper Antelope Canyon has 4 company’s that Operate that canyon. The lower has 2 company. You can look it up Adventurous Antelope canyon Tours, Navajo Tours, Antelope Slot Canyon, and Antelope canyon Tours, each company has different prices and you do need Reservation before you go out there. Lower Antelope company’s are Kens Tour, and Dixies Elises Tours. Canyon X is a brand new company like what he said in the video how he he mention that their were only a few people and no building there. You can choose any location too go and see.. all canyons are perfect too see.
Adelbert Begay any idea of the one that does sunrise at horse shoe bend? I heard the car park only opens a7 sunrise so ideally I'd like to go earlier to make sunrise
Murvalous honestly “us” local people we park are vehicles along the road and walk too the sight... the walk ain’t long it’s 0.5 miles the sunrise is coming from the east so if you seen photos of the sunrise you will have too be there early before the sun too capture those type of picture or witness the moment. I recommend Sunset it’s much better and you would get the sun setting behind the vermillion cliffs
Adelbert Begay thank you!
Iconic locations - you've gotta photography them! We did a driving tour from the UK in 2012 - Vegas - Grand Canyon - Monument Valley (the coolest place in THE WORLD!!) - Antelope Canyon - Horseshoe Bend - Arches National Park - Bryce Canyon (got hypothermia waiting for a sunrise shot..) - Zion - The Grand Staircase Escalante - Capitol Reef - The Goblins, all these places are jaw-dropping! If you go there, why wouldn't you take the 'iconic photo'? I've learned so much about photography since I visited these places, that I want to go back to improve on the images I already have, but THE WORLD IS TOO BIG, and there are loads of other places still to visit. When you're there, take the shot - you may never get the chance again!!
your bracketed photo is a #banger!!!
Horseshoe bend is 1000’, not 100’ high. It, along with the canyons, is such an epic place to visit. Unfortunate about the commercialization of the region. It would be trampled if there weren’t some kind of control.
Crazy how different Canyon X is now. I went out there in 2012 and it was still very untouched for the most part so it's crazy seeing parking gates, signs, and walkways. Don't ever see myself going back to Horseshoe Bend though, last time I was out there my wife and I sat out and watched the meteor showers all night. I'd rather remember it that way instead of what's it's become :)
Hello Brendan, all the best to you in 2020
Nice images ....
Some spectacular scenery and images to match, great vlog
Beautiful photos Brendan! I hope to go there one day.
I hope you make it there too!
Ah! so your L bracket doesn't get in the way of the flip screen too much, but it looks like you can't get at the usbC port. How about the port for the shutter release?
The way I have Ellie set up, nothing gets in the way.
Brendan have you ever visited Jerome, AZ? the winding roads leaving the city are very photogenic.
Yes, really cool town. Amazing scenery there.
mate what do u do with your photos... the good ones or the ones you love etc? cool video so thanks
Wow alone in an Antelope canyon, there was no way to be alone with the tour I had, not to mention the rushed visit!!
When we were in Arizona they closed the canyon to tourists because of a snowstorm so hoping to go again and get some awesome images. Your video is really helpful. Do you always shoot in manual or do you use aperture priority more? Thanks.
Wonderful video with great advice
Thanks, Jeff!
HI, BVS, have learned so much fro you videos! Was hoping to visit Horseshoe Bend at sunrise May 6, 2020, and try to get a good photo on top of a wonderful experience. Was disappointed about the restricted access! Tried contacting horseshoebendtours.com, spoke to "Iris" on the phone. She knew very little, but said they weren't offering tours before 10:30 AM (which matches what's on their website). Any tips? Very disappointed. Thinking about completely rethinking the day, maybe do Coal Mine Canyon instead ...
Really enjoy watching your videos, very information and inspiring. What type of 360 camera are you using? What do like best about it? What do you like least?
Curious to see what it could be done with a good quality fisheye lens
What is the price for that canyon x 3 hour tour?
What an amasing place
Also as I'm going to be in Vegas and then have 5 days after does anyone know of good photo tours I could go on? Happy for ones that last a few days too
The last time I was in Page, I had booked a photo tour of UAC specifically to see & photograph the light beams and when we got there it was so crowded that our guide gave us the option of skipping the attempt to get the light beams (I had seen them and photographed them previously) and go to Rattlesnake Canyon. Much like your experience at Canyon X, we had Rattlesnake Canyon to ourselves. Although we didn't see any light beams, overall, it was a much better experience.
In your video, did I see a guardrail at Horseshoe Bend? That is new.
Yeah, they've built a guard rail and pay at path of the canyon. Lots of improvements have been made
@@BrendanvanSon it is a great spot for astro photography. If the moon is bright enough and high enough to even dimly light up inside the canyon @ Horseshoe Bend then a moonlit shot with a full star field is amazing.
Which tour? I'm trying to find some good tours post my Vegas trip
@@Murvalous these are the people that I used for the tour of Upper Antelope Canyon: www.antelopecanyon.com/
They are located in downtown Page. I have booked through them a couple times and I can recommend them. BTW, if you like BBQ, there is a really good BBQ just up the street on the opposite side of the street.
Hi! Need some advice. I will be visiting Arizona/Nevada/Utah area this year and am wondering what lenses would be best to take for a FF camera. I see you travel a lot so guess I'd ask :) Would something like a 24-105 do most of the work? I'd probably also take something wider in the 14-16mm range, probably a prime, just to cover those super-wide shots. Did you find much use out of a 70-200 or greater telephoto, is it worth taking?
BVS, what kind of gloves do you have? I have been looking at getting some, but most of the reviews I read about photography gloves complain about not being warm enough in really cold conditions, especially at the tips of the fingers where the flaps fold back. I'm wondering if I should just get some good warm e tip gloves since I shoot with canon eos r (utilize the touch screen) and a trigger remote. I would love your thoughts.
There are actually numerous "horse shoe bend" equivalents in the area.
Hey Joe, would you mind sharing those spots? It could be great!
@@Adesfire74 I can do better than that. Here is a link that shows the locations and other details. BTW... most horseshoe shaped river bends are much more difficult to access. The horseshoe bend is popular because it is easily accessible. Among those on the links list... the San Juan River "Goosenecks" near Mexican Hat UT is probably the closes and easiest to access... similar to horseshoe bend.
tomtill.com/212-southwest-river-canyon-bends/?v=7516fd43adaa
@@joemoya9743 awesome, thank you so much! I will check your link right away
Was this before you got your Drone back?
Horseshoe bend is open 24 hours, do not allow sunrise to shoot?
It's not anymore. It's sunrise to sunset since December.
@@BrendanvanSon Thank you!
@Brendan van Son, just out of curiousity, do you know if Canyon X gets the Sun Beams like Upper Antelope Canyon?
It does when the sun is high enough, yup.
@@BrendanvanSon Thank you. I thought that the Light Beams were unique to Upper Antelope Canyon.
@@R.Hogarth Naw, you can even get them in places in lower canyon in peak summer. BUT, essentially, Canyon X is way upper antelope canyon. It's the same system, just farther up.
Too many people seems to be a trend now days. Is it the location or the idea of posting you've been to the location? 🥂
Even in Australia we have those iconic places where the tourist bus’s out number the cars in the parking areas. It kind of spoils it but it can be entertaining. The tourists are at times little better than a pack of angry seagulls all trying to get the same chip.
I tried to book an Antelope Canyon photo tour in 2018 but all dates were sold out. Now that's no longer an option? 😭😭 How far ahead do you have to book a Canyon X tour?
You can probably book canyon X a week in advance and you're good!
Brendan van Son another reason to visit during the winter. I bet it's more like months for summer tours.
I'm always skeeved by people and equipment at canyon edges that aren't safely tethered to anchors bolted into the rocks or trees in case of unforseen accidents; it just straight up gives me the willies. And all these people absoutely **must** set up right at the very bleeding edges of these places. **shudders**
I could have used the new information about Horseshoe Bend in November 2019. ;D
It was so frustrating to get up at night, drive out to Horseshoe Bend, and have the journey end in front of an iron gate which hadn't been there a couple of weeks earlier.
The most frustrating part though was that they had us (7 cars whose drivers allhadn't known) wait until sunrise before they even let us in. By the time I had finally made it to the viewing platform, half of the canyon hadalready been touched by the sun, and I was close to crying. :(
13👍👍❤👇..woow super bro💖