photos from the canyon itself!

A note about access … the canyon is only accessible via guided tour. It is on Navajo land and the tribe runs the tours. As far as I know, there is no way to get in just by yourself.

There are two types of tours: a $30 for half an hour where they rush you through the canyon with 10 other groups (total 100+ people in there – it gets crowded) so you can see the beams of light as the sun makes its transit across the sky, and a $50 one where they do the rushing and then give you another hour to explore, with the guide being a helpful resource as opposed to actively herding you. I of course recommend ponying up the extra $20! Ask for the “photographer’s tour” option when you book.

I cannot remember which guide company we went with, but I believe all the money just goes to the Navajo Nation so there’s no point in shopping around… they are not in competition and offer identical services. Here is one:

Home

during the photographer’s tour segment (when the general population has been herded out) all the tour guides from all the companies are very friendly and accessible and helpful in pointing out places to stand to take good photos, and rock formations. And of course they carry shovels and are always happy to load the sandfalls! Did I mention I highly recommend the photo tour?

(I have no idea how to get in under the full moon if that is your gig, but I am sure if you inquire with one of the tour companies, they may be able to assist you in that endeavor.)

and one more thing to note: make sure to bring a fast (f/1.4 or f/1.8) lens, or one with image stabilization (Nikon VR, Canon IS, dunno what Pentax, Sony, etc call it but they all have the option)… my exposure times in these photos ranged from 1/20s to 1s at ISO-400 using my f/3.5 VR lens.


Sandfall.



Beam of light: catch it while you can.


Move on to the next one.


A ribbon of bright sky.


Hell’s kitchen table. See if you can spot the devil. Hint: he is playing piano, and wearing a hat with floppy dog ears.


Two faces, or a vase?


Beam me up, Scotty.


Edvard Munch was here.


One of those ever-present dripping clocks.


Letterbox edition.


We take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this bat.


What is this outside world of which you speak?


Outside, looking in.


Fireworks display.


It took me a good while to decide on an orientation for this photo. If it turns out to be upside down, all viewers will receive a refund.


The thing in Wyoming.


Downward-flowing stream.


Picture in picture.


What’s brown and sticky?


The sphinx.


Saving the best for last: an anti-bear.