Antelope Canyon, Page, AZ

I’m more proud of these photographs than any others I’ve taken.  Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon in Northern Arizona (near Page).  It’s actually on an Indian reservation and thus you must pay for a guide to escort you to the canyon.  Most of the photographers that I’ve studied through my journey have photographed this location.  One unique aspect is that the best time to shoot is high noon.  This defies most rules of lighting for landscape photographer, but as you’ll see in these pictures the sun rays shoot through the slots and make this a magical setting. 

We took a family trip to the Grand Canyon about 3 years ago and I came very close to making a side trip to Antelope Canyon.  At the time I decided my photography wasn’t ready, but this was a place I knew I wanted to visit.  This time when a trip presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up.  Hope you enjoy these pictures, these are my favorites!

f/16, ISO 100, 4 Sec

f/8, ISO 100, .3 sec

f/16, ISO 100, 20 sec

f/16, ISO 100, 1 sec

f/16, ISO 100, 6 sec

f/8, ISO 100, .3 sec

f/16, ISO 100, 3 image HDR

Horseshoe Bend - Page, AZ

During a recent business trip to Phoenix, I was able to spend the weekend photographing some areas of Arizona that I haven’t been to before.  Thanks to my AWESOME wife and family for allowing me to take this “Russell” time!  The photo adventure started in Northern Arizona – specifically just outside of Page.  I arrived at Horseshoe Bend late in the afternoon and was able to capture some late day shots when the sun was hot.  Woke up the next morning to capture the early sunrise!  Very pleased with these pictures – awesome location.

After seeing Horseshoe Bend in late afternoon light and early sunrise light - I definitely think the sunrise was much better!  Both of these shots were from different angles as the sun began to light parts of the deep canyon. 

Yes I know....I'm a dork...and those that know me would agree with this!  Continuing with a new trend I've started in my location photography...the self portrait.

The rock formation around this drop off make for some very interesting foreground shots.  This was taken slightly before the sun actually rose - shot at f/16 for 1.3 seconds.

I particularly liked the way the light made this foreground rock so bright in the image and yet the rest of the canyon was still covered in darkness.  You can see the sun rising behind me as the light begins to show into the canyon.

This was from the afternoon before.  The light was at a very harsh angle - tough to shoot.  This is a 3 exposure HDR image.

Antelope Canyon still to come - my favorite shots to date....