The Moment of Truth Photo

Photographer’s Note

Despite all obstacles, everything managed to come together for me at the end. When we got up this morning to come here, it was a very cloudy morning, see my previous post. It was getting worst and rain a little as we were leaving to go meet with the Navajo tour guide for our photography tour at the Upper Antelope Canyon. We had a flat tire on the way, waste another 45 minute changing the tire. We got there just in the nick of time. They would have left without us because we there were two other people that was late and we left without them. Which is understandable, they want to make it in time when the light shine into the canyon. By the time we got there the clouds thin out a little, but still not great, so there is a chance there won’t be any light.

We sat there and waited, and here they are, the light beams that we’ve been waiting for. I was only expecting one, but there are two at the same place. The moment of truth is there was not really as magical as I expected, no music playing in the background as the light started to appear. I was lucky enough to have been in my position in the front roll yet far enough to get the whole thing. Remember there are nearly a 100 people in here at the same time. Once you set you tripod down, you can’t move anymore, because there is no place to go, every spot was taken and you would be walking in front of other’s photos if you move.

Antelope canyon is well known not just for its red rock eroded by water from flush flooding and wind. Between the months of May to September, during half an hour at noon, light pass through the natural windows and offer an amazing spectacle of light beams.

My advice: You want to take one of a photograph tour, which cost $50 versus the regular tour of $35, the tour guide will try to stop people from walking in, and you get to spend a little more time in here than the regular tour. The tour guide will try to find you a good spot where you can take some nice photos, since he know where the light will be. If you are not on the photography tour, you get stop or chase around to get out so the photography tour can take their photo without people in it.

If you are not a fanatic photographer who wants to capture the beam of light in the canyon, go to the Lower Antelope Canyon, it is as beautiful, and you can walk around by yourself at your own pace, less people, you won’t get chase around by the photography tour guides.

carper, leo61, hardyuno, sonkai, magalik, avene, jwmunro, phwall, Sistercosmo, mark_mk, Angshu, gervaso, shevchenko, ktanska, belido, s_lush, jhm, PixelTerror, holmertz, cherryripe, BelCan75, bakes888, paololg, Kielia trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

smarcell (14527) 2009-10-21 9:11

Rhe light here is great. The two spots are so beautiful. I think the perfect touch here would a been a person under the light spot.
Regards Stefano

yquem46 (8351) 2009-10-21 9:12

Hi Way
First time that I see Antelope canyon with 2 distinct rays of light entering the cave
Top quality as usual
best to you
patrick

Morac (20749) 2009-10-21 9:14

Bonsoir,

Cette composition est splendide : les couleurs y sont belles et les "jeux" avec les rayons du soleil sont merveilleux.
Cordialement
Marc

carper (65426) 2009-10-21 9:17

fantastic one my friend,
I like the shot a lot the cave is very nice and the light is fantastic, very good photo job here, have a good day.
regard jaap

leo61 (43562) 2009-10-21 9:26

Hi Way!
You captured the sunrays very well.
I like too the nice orange tones and the texture of the rocks in the distance.
Great shot!!!
Regards,leo

serp2000 (9639) 2009-10-21 9:32

Hello, Way,
Excellent! Magic shot! My compliments! Superb exposure!
Greetings from Russia,
Serghei

eversmile (6371) 2009-10-21 9:35

Gloria!!! This is outrageously gorgeous! I'm nearly blind, Way! The light is just fantastic, with the double beams and what looks like a magic sparkling on the rock, but what I even like more, is the general brilliance of the textures and colors, here. That's terrific! Congratulations. It goes straight in my theme on Antelope Canyon.
Regards
Marine

JT50 (995) 2009-10-21 9:41

Hi Way,
Great use of light.
The texture and clarity
of the rocks are superb.
Regards.
Janak

hardyuno (2535) 2009-10-21 10:03

Hi Way,
this is such a great picture. Sharpness, clarity and colours more than outstanding. Great sunbeams and POV.
Thanks a lot for sharing and for the very useful information
Have a nice day
Hartmut

emka (22091) 2009-10-21 10:21

Hi Way, You had a great light finally. Wonderful photo and with two beams! The first day we were in Page we could not find the entrance to the both Antelope canyons, probably it was closed. The next day we went in the morning, going further, resigned, and we spotted it unexpectedly. We were lucky enough to be with the first group, not so many people and with real Navajo guide, who told us interesting things, played instrument and showed all these beams. Only going return way were more people. So we were very happy although not with such a superb result you have here.
I posted photo for you some days ago. Have you seen it?

Warm regards

Malgorzata

yaya13baut (2343) 2009-10-21 10:27

hi Way,
fine post of the famous canyon.
good gradation of shades and colours with this lightened part in the middle of two dark sides.
and these two green rays liven up the composition.
Yannis

chawax (6142) 2009-10-21 10:47

Hi Way,
Wow, great shot ! Everything is perfect here : the point of view, the light, the colours, the sharpness, ... It must be an incredible place, I hope I will see it by my own one day.
Regards,
Olivier

sonkai (1017) 2009-10-21 10:57

Hi again..
..and speaking about dreams..,I have seen many pictures from this place,all of them are amazing,this place is a dream itself,in your picture an incandescent dream too,above all in the outlines on top.I like a lot the footprint of light on the floor,it's beautiful,I think you chose a good moment to take the shot.I could remain looking at this picture for a long long time.
Hugs,
Sonsoles

jemaflor (39649) 2009-10-21 11:03

Hi Way,
very well taken, great result with this light, congratulations !

Bartleby (5074) 2009-10-21 11:56

Thanks for the advice Way! I definitely want to do that some day. The result you got here is nothing short of fantastic. Those shafts of light are wonderful as well as the eroded rock texture. A very successful shot of this famous place.

Philippe

julia74 (507) 2009-10-21 12:55

Magnifique instant et très bien photographié. Vraiment bravo pour cette photo !!!
Les courbes du rocher sont superbes ainsi que les couleurs.
Well done
Julia

avene (11080) 2009-10-21 14:25

hello Way,
seems that our experiences in Antelope Canyon have been very different, it's not fair that you get two sunbeams while I didn't get a single one :)
great shot, no question about that, all the magic is here - the light, the colours, the unearthy shapes, the soft texture of the sand in the foreground. this is one of those unique moments that make up for all the early mornings and exhausting hikes that lead to 0 good photos. fantastic work, my compliments.

best,
Kristine

jwmunro (6373) 2009-10-21 14:39

Hello Way -

I think you came back with a great image. There is little criticize in this image. But more importantly thank you for the details regarding Antelope Canyon and the tours, this is first rate info to be filed away for when I plan a trip in that direction. Well done!

Thank you for sharing.

John

phwall (5695) 2009-10-21 15:33

Hello Way,
Yes, magic shot.
You show us all your photographic skills in this one.
Superb.
Regards
Peter

gneufeld (15233) 2009-10-21 15:56

Hi Way,
Spectacular. I stood in this place and marvelled at the amazing shapes, colors, and the occasional light beams penetraing the upper terrain. Your capture is amazingly sharp and crisp - good on for finding the time and uninterrupted space for a 30 sec exposure - it paid off. Excellent and TFS. Gerald

dkeus31 (26320) 2009-10-21 23:14

hi Way
with the two sunbeams, that's a great picture you made here!
seems so photogenic that place...
didier

devimeuxbe (56188) 2009-10-21 23:17

hello
this place is still fascinating. wonderfull rays of light. Very nice
Bertrand

delpeoples (6539) 2009-10-22 2:24

Hi Way, this magnificent photo has made my day. What a killer shot! The beams of light, the texture and detail in the rockface are just magical. What an experience! Congratulations on this most amazing photo, good things always come to those who wait! Warm regards, Lisa.

Sistercosmo (2647) 2009-10-22 7:52

Hi Way,

terrific shot - simply majestic, the way the light falls in!

Glad you had a good trip. Thanks and take care,
Linda

mark_mk (246) 2009-10-22 8:47

Hi Way,
well here is my promised critique on the Antelope canyon image ;-) There are already so many images of this unique location on TE, so it´s hard to find a new viewpoint. I think you managed to do that, the low POV really works here, the rays of light are very nice, but in my humble opinion the best part of this iamge is this striking orange in the upper part of the image. Can´t stop looking at it, the light is just perfect!!!
Thanks a lot for this image, sooo looking forward to the next posts.

Take care
Mark

sacimar (7592) 2009-10-22 11:15

Hi Way,

WOW! excellent picture... directly to my favorites, the light management with the two rays of sun, the colours and textures of the rock, the shapes create a wonderful composition, congratulations!

Best regards

Sergio

gervaso (5586) 2009-10-22 13:04

Hello, Way!

The lighting is just perfect in your picture! These rays of light are wonderful, and the sharpness is perfect! Wonderfuly done! Excellent job! Congratulations!

jimkil (624) 2009-10-22 14:04

Excellent Way
Its magical this place, you must have done the photographic tour, no-one in sight. Great having two rays, and your colours are gorgeous. I remember mine having a deeper red (must be the time of day), but the oranges here have more shape to them.
Excellent
Jim

shevchenko (10016) 2009-10-22 20:34

Hello Way,
Good pov to show the lights come into the cave through the above hole, intriguing the canyon is tough but the sand is smooth, informative note for remind ordinary tourists visit to the right sites, but I still hope them have a chance to look around this impressive corner.
Ally

patdeph (18208) 2009-10-22 22:16

helo WAy
this is a fantastic place,and with this ray of light,it becomes magic!You were very lucky to have it,and without the people!About the photographic tour,you can read the note of Kristine KM ,"avene",on her picture tittled "requiem for a dream"(I don't know to do the link),this is very interesting,I am sure you will like it!
Regards
Pascale

Angshu (33985) 2009-10-23 0:35

Sabaidee Way
All the earlier pictures I've seen of Antelope Canyon states the location as Arizona -> west-> Page. Your picture is from Utah...does that mean that there are two Antelope Canyons, and you're referring to the other one as Lower Antelope Canyon? A superb picture with two distinct rays spotlighting the sand. Love the texture and the curves of the rocks on the walls. Exposure, sharpness and technicals, top notch as always!
Best Regards
Angshu

ktanska (16695) 2009-10-23 3:59

Hi Way,
One of the most stunning places I've got to know through TE. You indeed have a perfect spot there, rays of light coming virtually from a single place and splitting to two beams. Sandstone layers look just great and earth colours are harmonous and warm.
Kari

belido (16727) 2009-10-23 4:01

Hi Way,

your colorful photos are delightful. Here you present an excellent light management and play with the sun rays. What an interesting place...great photography!
Regards,
Carlos

jhm (83131) 2009-10-23 4:16

Hello Way,

I like your colourfully image, very pleasant for look at, a gift of the nature, a beautiful atmosphere and a pleasant mood.
Sharpness and clarity be superb.
Soft contrast image, excellent perspective too.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

s_lush (2416) 2009-10-23 4:25

Hello Way,
It is hard to believe that there is such a beauty. This place looks even more beautiful with so unusual light. The composition, moment and photo settings were chosen excellently. Brilliant job!
Best regards,
Sergiy

ManuMay (11229) 2009-10-23 9:32

Yes Way!!!

The right moment, the right light, the right colours, the right definition...The Truth coming from heaven as rays of light!!

Wonderful capture!!

Congratulations my friend!!

Havea nice week end...

Manuel

magalik (1402) 2009-10-24 5:37

Hello Way !
I come after everyone but I always come !!
Great new shot Way !
It's really beautiful !!
Impressive place but impressive photo also !
Without tripod moreover...
Incredible this luminosity you succeeded to catch !
I promise I will improve my english to be able to comment your photos more suitably and with my words.
Have a good WE.
Friendly,
Magali

PixelTerror (86620) 2009-10-25 1:38

HI Way,
LOL that's an illustration of the american way of thinking, get more money for the buck, while most pictures of this place show one ray of light only it was not sufficient for you and you needed two !
So you found the right pov and the appropriate timing for it (from the Maya or Inca astronomical calendar ?) and got it the magic picture, the rock structure in the light or the shade are razor sharp. Congratulations !
Have a nice day jY

holmertz (9881) 2009-10-25 3:30

Hello Way,
You are putting on a show in this picture, with those two spotlights on the stage. This is an original composition and a fantastic variety of shapes and brown nuances.
Kind regards,
Gert

cherryripe (19097) 2009-10-25 9:58

Hi Way,
This place seems familiar, lol although we only got one beam of light. Maybe it was the time of year. The sharpness is excellent.
The necessity of a photograph tour is debateable. We hesitated and decided not to take it. With the ordinary tour, Toni spent ages behind - by himself with this view and my guide never stopped suggesting different points of view. Main advantage of the photograph tour is that you know you're going to leave at 11. We had to insist to get on a bus despite arriving early.
Regards
Nikki

BelCan75 (2420) 2009-10-25 10:19

Hello Way,

This is an amazing shot with such beautiful light, great colours and details. You were lucky indeed since there were so many people present. It was worth the wait. Excellent work, I love it!

Greetings,
Ann

baba_flies (8059) 2009-10-25 10:50

Hello Way! TWO beams ... just for you, after all you went through :))) It is and stays forever an amazing place no matter how many photos you see and again no single photo is the same. I keep on saying the same but it still fascinates me how we all see ... maybe also how we want it to be, how it works just for us. Great shot, Way. I am not sure if I could handle all the stress with the people in your way and that you HAVE to make a good shot before they push you forward. But this is me. Have a good week ... Barbara.

bakes888 (18323) 2009-10-26 0:00

Hello Way.
Wonderful photo, you chose a great POV and the beams of light add a great perspective and the straight lines contrast nicely with the curves of the rock walls. Good handling of light and colours. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good week, Paul.

paololg (14043) 2009-10-27 3:31

Ciao dear Way,
I think this photo is more beautiful than reality, you have captured so amazing spectacle of nature, with a picture absolutely perfect. Thank you for sharing with us these two rays of sunshine, giving us an almost mystical vision. Congratulations!
Ciao, have a nice day, my friend!
Paolo

bracasha75 (22267) 2009-10-27 23:15

Hello Way
Fenomenal picture with this breaking light thry this rock
Very very strong feelings here
TFS
Cheers,Braca

Kielia (8659) 2009-10-29 12:07

Hello Way,
I think it is quite difficult to describe such a magical impression! What I admire is your technical skills and this is just another proof and masterpiece. And then you always find the appropriate words in your notes, making the viewer participate in the process of creation and allow him to share your emotions. I take my hat off to you!
Warm regards
Harriet

Bluejeans (32879) 2009-10-30 11:28

Ola Way,
Que magnifico momento com a lua a passar por estes dois buracos no tecto , a textura das rochas é linda com as arestas redondas , boas cores, bom uso da foto na vertical , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Bom fim de semana

subhendu_bagchi (3414) 2009-10-31 2:17

Hi Way,
great piece of photography. Nice play of light and shadow. The rays of sun is fantastic and created here a magical atmosphere. Your light control here is excellent. The rocks are so colourful. Very very good job.
Congrats.
Subhendu

scalerman (25783) 2009-11-03 20:53

Way: just perfect -again - I'll be watching. I'm quite busy now but watching... c

Silversnow (2121) 2009-11-09 14:19

Definitely a favorite right then and there :D
Superb exposure and magnificent composition in this famous canyon, a true dream shot :)

david_P (222) 2009-11-10 2:31

Hi Way,

The light is very beautifull in this !
Very good job :)

TFS !
David

Tweety (3380) 2009-11-15 1:16

Bonjour Way,
Quelle photo ! Le décor est somptueux, les chaudes couleurs sont agréables et bien entendu les deux cônes de lumières sont fascinants. Typiquement le genre de photo que j'aimerais pouvoir réaliser un jour ...
Toutes mes félicitations et bon dimanche.
Christophe

mkamionka (4828) 2009-12-12 3:00

Hi Way,
I remember this fragment of the Antelope Cyn very well. It is just at the beginning. I like your shot very much. Most of all I am so jealous that you managed to see the beams of light, I was there in November and was told that there is no chance for that at that time of the year. Your composition with the beams is fantastic. This photo gives a good imagination of the size and beauty of this place,
great work!
M