Posted by Peter Cross on February 7, 2011 at 11:49 PM
On another forum, I saw a resurrected post from 2006 which had a number of beautiful images of a place called Coal Canyon somewhere in NM or AZ. It was on Hopi land. The series got rave reviews from other forum members. Me? I was rather shocked at the whole affair as the author said he realized that the Hopi often did not allow photography or other means of recording a scene, but after talking with some locals, they determined that no one would be around, so they went in and spent time taking (taking in both senses of the word) their images. I find this very unehtical and in the long run may lead to more restrictions on photographers or other people wanting to visit various tribal sites. I nade a reply stating my objections to what they had done if I read their post correctly. Am I over reacting to this post? Does anyone know the current status of this particular place or of the Hopi to photographers?
Peter
Posted by John Mumaw on February 8, 2011 at 7:50 AM
Coal Mine Canyon is near Hwy. 264 on the Navajo Nation. It has a public access dirt road to a parking area at the head of the canyon, and even some old picnic tables and campfire pits at that parking area. I suspect the photographer was invoking a bit of 'drama' in this particular case, not to mention lacking knowledge of the actual location of the Navajo/Hopi boundary.
Like John, I often smile when I read photographers "heroic" descriptions about venturing to far away places that I know in reality are easily accessible. As John mentioned, there is a public road leading to this place, and no special permission is needed.
That said, the reservations have been inundated with photographers recently, leading to the closure of some canyons and unpleasant encounters with angry locals. This is very unfortunate and, in my opinion, completely unnecessary.
It always pays to be respectful, and even more so when it comes to Native American tribes who are protective of their ancestral lands, regardless of what's formally "allowed". Remember they lived there for hundreds of years before any of our current laws were imposed on them.
Sadly, these places are overrun because they are over-hyped as "secret" or otherwise difficult to access, both online and in guide books. Really, there's endless opportunity to explore the Colorado Plateau on uninhabited public lands and without being disrespectful to the local population. Just let go of the icon checklist, pick up a map and/or ask a local guide and enjoy all the wonder that this land has to offer.
Guy
Posted by Peter Cross on February 8, 2011 at 1:09 PM
Thanks for your insight John and Guy. I appreciate knowing a bit more of the local scene. I'm always somewhat agitated when people rationalize doing something with a no one will know or artistic pursuit rationale.
A good number of the reservations in New Mexico don't allow photography on tribal land at all. The train between Santa Fe and Albuquerque even gives you an announcement to put away cameras when you cross the boundary. A lot of the pueblos felt exploited by early photographers publishing images of their ceremonies and such, and there's still quite a bit of resentment there. They're mostly concerned with cultural-type photography, but there's no exceptions for landscapes, and the restrictions do keep me out of a number of promising areas. But I heartily agree with Guy: if you can't find landscapes to photograph in the southwest without ticking off the locals, you're not looking very hard.
All will be resolved when the adventurous photographer publishes the images. Resolved by the tribal attorneys that is!
No property release for the published photos?
They'll talk it over in court, and he best not forget his checkbook!!!!
Posted by Peter Cross on February 8, 2011 at 6:16 PM
When I was in Gallup last summer, we visited Zuni and hired someone to guide us around the pueblo. I also purchased a $10 photo permit for that day. I thought it was a good way to put some money directy into their pockets. Same with buying handcraft objects locally. The Zuni put an absolute prohibition on photographing any of their ceremonies. I'm fine with that as I'm the visitor and I must abide by their rules. I would hope that if photographers followed the rules set down by the tribes, that some of the animousity would lessen through time, But certainly going off and doing whatever one wishes to do is not going to help the situation at all. But I guess there is always the allure of the forbidden or the grass is greener syndrome. Even though some of the tribal lands are extensive, they still pale in comparison to all of the public lands in ther West.
Peter
Posted by Scott Fricke on February 9, 2011 at 9:22 PM
As the old saying goes, "Integrity is what you do when no one is looking".
Posted by Julie Roggow on February 15, 2011 at 4:48 PM
So, the answer written in stone is that photography is not allowed in Coal Mine Canyon, right? I doubt I will be lacking in places where I will want to take photos. Too bad for the local community and closest city, Tuba. I know there are hotels, gas stations, grocery stores.. there. They will be losing out on tourists dollars that will end up just filming somewhere else.
Oh, well.
It's my understanding that Coal Mine Canyon is on Navajo Lands and therefore accessible and "available" as long as you're a good guest, while Blue Canyon is off limits.
If that's not correct, I'd appreciate hearing differently.
Discussion
9 repliesPeter
That said, the reservations have been inundated with photographers recently, leading to the closure of some canyons and unpleasant encounters with angry locals. This is very unfortunate and, in my opinion, completely unnecessary.
It always pays to be respectful, and even more so when it comes to Native American tribes who are protective of their ancestral lands, regardless of what's formally "allowed". Remember they lived there for hundreds of years before any of our current laws were imposed on them.
Sadly, these places are overrun because they are over-hyped as "secret" or otherwise difficult to access, both online and in guide books. Really, there's endless opportunity to explore the Colorado Plateau on uninhabited public lands and without being disrespectful to the local population. Just let go of the icon checklist, pick up a map and/or ask a local guide and enjoy all the wonder that this land has to offer.
Guy
Peter
All will be resolved when the adventurous photographer publishes the images. Resolved by the tribal attorneys that is!
No property release for the published photos?
They'll talk it over in court, and he best not forget his checkbook!!!!
Peter
Oh, well.
It's my understanding that Coal Mine Canyon is on Navajo Lands and therefore accessible and "available" as long as you're a good guest, while Blue Canyon is off limits.
If that's not correct, I'd appreciate hearing differently.