Upper Antelope Advice

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 11, 20183,760 views8 comments

I'm going to be in the Page, Arizona area in early May to help celebrate my "older than dirt" birthday. When I was here in 2011, visiting both Upper and Lower Antelope canyons, I promised myself that I would never visit the Upper Antelope again, mainly because of the hassle of visitors shuffling past me every couple of minutes. My current plan was to visit only Lower Antelope but since finding out that tripods are not longer allowed, I am faced with the decision whether or not to visit Upper Antelope one last time.
Laurent Martres' book "Photographing the Southwest" vol. 2 recommends using the Begay/Bigthumb family as tour guides (Adventurous Antelope Canyon Photo Tours) because "they have access to the canyon from the south entrance and have crowd control privileges for their clients". That seems like something that would help with my crowd control issue. I'm wondering if any NPN members have used Adventurous Antelope tours for the Upper Antelope Canyon tour and were they satisfied with their experience.

Thank you for any comments that you may have.

ID Mark III
40 mm
f 14
-1 ev
17-40 mm
iso 400
tripod

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on February 11, 2018 at 6:13 PM

Never been so can't help, but lovely image.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on February 11, 2018 at 8:22 PM

Beautiful curves and lighting you captured. Some of the brighter areas seem to have oversaturated magentas, so I migh dial that back if possible. Sorry I can't help you with the tour question.

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on February 11, 2018 at 8:59 PM

I can not help you with the tour, but this is a lovely view, Paula. The warmth in this scene is gorgeous as are the graceful lines etched in the canyon walls. BTW, happy birthday and good luck with the tour.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on February 11, 2018 at 9:44 PM

I have not been to Upper before, have heard of the stories of the crowds, but am considering their tours that incorporate some other canyons in addition to Upper.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Reno DiTullio on February 11, 2018 at 11:32 PM

Paula, many years ago I did a full day tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, the guide dropped me off at 10 a.m. and picked me up a 4 p.m. The length of time allowed me to move back and forth through the canyon staying out of the way as other guided tours came through, most of the guided tours were only an hour long. I don't know if a full day, unguided tour is still available, but it is certainly worth it if the opportunity presents itself. If so, bring water, snacks and lots of "film"; I was shooting a Pentax 6x7 in those days so had my pockets filled with rolls of 120 film. My six hours in the canyon allowed me to experience all the color changes of the canyon walls as the sun moved across the sky, from the pale, muted reds to brilliant reds and oranges; the canyon is mesmerizing, as is your image. Good luck.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 130 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on February 13, 2018 at 2:19 PM

Nicely done image, Paula. Sorry I cannot help you with any tour info, as I have never been there.
--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on February 13, 2018 at 3:43 PM

I haven't been there in close to a decade. They shuttled us through the slot like a herd of cattle. But the guide did say you could get more shooting time at a higher rate at certain times of the day.

Regarding your image. I would bring down the highlights in the center. Color is a personal preference but I would opt for reds and oranges instead of purple. Having been there and seeing your image brought the feelings about the place. Careful composition to create a great image down there just requires a lot more time, relaxed time.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on February 15, 2018 at 6:31 PM

A lovely mix of purple, magenta, and pinks, Paula. You've handled the contrast well and the great shapes along the sides add very nicely.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments