Rattlesnake Canyon

We had the pleasure to explore and photograph a small slot canyon called Rattlesnake Canyon.  It's very short and very narrow (and a couple of latters in place to enter).

Jennifer was assured it's called Rattlesnake canyon for it's shape, not for it's residents!

Wonderful lines



Jennifer demonstrating how narrow it is



A fun arch inside the canyon



A color version of the S curves

Antelope Canyon at Night

Last year we explored both Upper & Lower Antelope Canyon.  Upper Antelope is guided only - and the only way to describe it is as a zoo.  It's incredibly beautiful, but the tour companies run hundreds of people at the same time through the small slot canyon.  The amazing light beam photos you see can be deceptive - as they almost all involve a brief moment of holding the flood of people back for a quick shot.

We had an opportunity to experience Upper Antelope in a different way - though a small night tour.  It was just us with 1 other photographer - and amazing peaceful.

Our guide was Lionel Bigthumb - an incredible guide and accomplished photographer in his own right.    We highly, highly recommend him out of the multiple slot canyon guide options in Page, AZ.  http://www.navajoantelopecanyon.com/tours.html



Looking at the entrance - with the interior light painted by our guide



The first chamber, with a few stars peaking out



Looking up


Getting started

The Wave - 2013

We were fortunate enough to win the online lottery for tickets to hike "The Wave" 2 years in a row.



Secret passage to The Wave



Jennifer hanging out on The Wave



Desert flowers



The classic view of The Wave



The heart of The Wave

Zion - Day 2

We had a great day of hiking in Zion!


River walk to the narrows



Tree growing along the narrows


The Three Patriarchs

Zion - Day 1

Just one photo to share from our first full day in Zion.  Classic sunrise shot from the Towers of the Virgin.

Bryce Canyon National Park - Day 3

Our last day at Bryce was a travel day from Bryce to Zion.  Laurence took the opportunity for a sunrise photography session and Jennifer went for a morning run.

Nice, soft pre-sunrise light


We were treated to a terrific sunrise


Hoodoo detail (Thor's Hammer in the foreground)

Bryce Canyon National Park - Day 2

Day 2 at Bryce Canyon started just after midnight for Laurence in an attempt to capture the nightime sky.  We've never seen so many stars - and we grew up rural!

Clouds moved in later in the day - to Laurence's delight as they tend to make for better photos...



The Milky Way over Bryce Canyon



Detail shot of the hoodoos



Expansive shot showing the rocks transitioning into the valley



Don't stare into the sun!



Soft light away from the setting sun



Just after the sunset

Bryce Canyon National Park - Day 1

We have embarked on our 2nd trip to the American Southwest.  Last year we visited the Grand Canyon, Page Arizona (to hike the Wave, Horseshoe Bend & slot canyons), and Sedona.

This year we flew into Las Vegas, loaded up on supplies and drove to Bryce Canyon.  Jennifer had been once before on a family station wagon childhood trip (Shoutout to Stephie, hanging out in the back!).  Laurence had never been to either Bryce or Zion - so this trip begins with 2 classic SW National parks, then on to a 2nd hike to The Wave, a few more days in Page, then a longer stay in Sedona.

Bryce is stunning - we strongly encourage anyone who has never been to plan a trip.  It's a small park in size - but packs a punch.  It's over 8,000 feet elevation, so hiking involves some extra huffing and puffing, but it's worth it.


Late afternoon sky



Jennifer bundled and ready for sunset



Dramatic clouds



Jennifer on the edge



Sunset colors



Post-sunset blues