Monday, May 20, 2013

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!


Rattlesnake Canyon (4 of 4)
Wonderful lines


Rattlesnake Canyon (2 of 4)
Jennifer demonstrating how narrow it is


Rattlesnake Canyon (1 of 4)
A fun arch inside the canyon


Rattlesnake Canyon (3 of 4)
A color version of the S curves

Sunday, May 19, 2013

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


Antelope Canyon at Night (4 of 4)
Looking at the entrance - with the interior light painted by our guide


Antelope Canyon at Night (3 of 4)
The first chamber, with a few stars peaking out


Antelope Canyon at Night (2 of 4)
Looking up

Upper Antelope Night Guide
Getting started

Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Wave - 2013

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


The Wave 2013 (4 of 8)
Secret passage to The Wave


The Wave 2013 (2 of 8)
Jennifer hanging out on The Wave


The Wave 2013 (1 of 8)
Desert flowers


The Wave 2013 (5 of 8)
The classic view of The Wave


The Wave 2013 (6 of 8)
The heart of The Wave

Friday, May 17, 2013

Zion - Day 2

We had a great day of hiking in Zion!

Zion Day 2 (2 of 4)
River walk to the narrows


Zion Day 2 (3 of 4)
Tree growing along the narrows

Zion Day 2 (4 of 4)
The Three Patriarchs

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Zion - Day 1

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


Zion Day 1 (1 of 1)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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.
Bryce Day 3 (3 of 3)
Nice, soft pre-sunrise light

Bryce Day 3 (1 of 3)
We were treated to a terrific sunrise

Bryce Day 3 (2 of 3)
Hoodoo detail (Thor's Hammer in the foreground)

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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...


Bryce Day 2 (1 of 6)
The Milky Way over Bryce Canyon


Bryce Day 2 (2 of 6)
Detail shot of the hoodoos


Bryce Day 2 (3 of 6)
Expansive shot showing the rocks transitioning into the valley


Bryce Day 2 (4 of 6)
Don't stare into the sun!


Bryce Day 2 (5 of 6)
Soft light away from the setting sun


Bryce Day 2 (6 of 6)
Just after the sunset

Monday, May 13, 2013

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.

Bryce Day 1 (1 of 6)
Late afternoon sky


Bryce Day 1 (2 of 6)
Jennifer bundled and ready for sunset


Bryce Day 1 (3 of 6)
Dramatic clouds


Bryce Day 1 (4 of 6)
Jennifer on the edge


Bryce Day 1 (5 of 6)
Sunset colors


Bryce Day 1 (6 of 6)
Post-sunset blues

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