Slot Canyons

chrismoore

Though Antelope Canyon is a photographic icon, there are many slot canyons hidden in the Arizona desert and Escalante areas. Earlier in November we ventured out to a remote slot canyon for a mid day shoot. It was literally in the middle of nowhere, and I promise I couldn't find it again if I tried. Unlike most landscape photography, these canyons are best photographed in the early afternoon in a cloudless sky, when the high sun casts reflected light on the canyon walls. It is amazing to walk in and watch dull sandstone transform into a jewel of rich color when the reflected light hits just right. Here are a couple photos from that day.

I shot all of these using a depth of field blend-- multiple exposures at f/11 each with a slightly different focus-- and blended manually in PS so that the entire comp is sharp. While I made some cropping, contrast and saturation adjustments, the colors are real. When the camera is presented with golden warm light in one area, it reads shadows as cool blues, creating a neat effect.

Thanks for looking, and feedback is always appreciated.

wfeller

Very intense. I like the 3rd one the most.

squirl033

Antelope Canyon is of the most amazing places i've ever been... you're right, the colors are amazing! i really like the first one... looks like rainbow colored salt-water taffee! and the lines make for a neat abstract composition.

Doug Solis

some beautiful shots. I like them all. If this was not shot at Antelope were you close, was it on Navaho land?

JC

very nicely done.

Enlightphoto

Chris:

All are sweet. My fav's are 1 & 3. I also think a tight square crop on the top middle part of #3 would be an excellent print candidate. (Above the 'nose' and a little in on each side.)

chrismoore

Thanks everyone. I see what you mean with the crop, Gary. Definitely frames it better, though it wouldn't be able to print very large. Doug, yes, Navaholand it was.

squirl033

chrismoore wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I see what you mean with the crop, Gary. Definitely frames it better, though it wouldn't be able to print very large. Doug, yes, Navaholand it was.

Was this at "Canyon X"?

chrismoore

squirl033 wrote: »

Was this at "Canyon X"?

Hmmm. never heard it called Canyon X, but I know its known to a few photogs. No one ever mentioned a name.

hawkeye978

Great set, Chris. I love the blues you got in the first two.

TreyHoff

I really like No. 1, nice job! I haven't tried a DOF blend. Is it really necessary if shot at f16/22? I guess it depends on the focal length as well.

chrismoore

TreyHoff wrote: »

I really like No. 1, nice job! I haven't tried a DOF blend. Is it really necessary if shot at f16/22? I guess it depends on the focal length as well.

Not totally necessary, no, but it helps a lot. These were shot at 200mm or so f/11 so it was necessary with those settings. In a controlled setting like this I much prefer to shoot at f/11 because its more towards the sweet spot for most lenses. f/22 would give good DOF, but its usually soft. The blend is fairly easy, just involves overlaying a series of 4-5 images and using layers and masks to keep the sharpest area for each.

TreyHoff

chrismoore wrote: »

Not totally necessary, no, but it helps a lot. These were shot at 200mm or so f/11 so it was necessary with those settings. In a controlled setting like this I much prefer to shoot at f/11 because its more towards the sweet spot for most lenses. f/22 would give good DOF, but its usually soft. The blend is fairly easy, just involves overlaying a series of 4-5 images and using layers and masks to keep the sharpest area for each.

I have noticed some of my images being soft at f22. Thanks for the tip....next time I'll try the blend!

Hikin' Mike

I do like the first one, but they're all great!

PrevailingConditions

Chris,

As the others have already commented, this is a great set of shots! I like that they're different from the "typical" slot canyon shots and that each has a unique feel to it. Very nicely done.

Mike

bgarland

Chris, nice captures of the canyon.

I love exploring slot canyons. Do you remember the name of this one? Was it up near Peek-a-boo slot? That one and it's close neighbors are pretty remote.

zoomer

Amazing place well shot.
Nice work on keeping the light subdued to bring out the shadow and light detail, with best color.

chrismoore

bgarland wrote: »

Chris, nice captures of the canyon.

I love exploring slot canyons. Do you remember the name of this one? Was it up near Peek-a-boo slot? That one and it's close neighbors are pretty remote.

The Utah and Arizona desert are scattered with these, this one in particular was closer to Page than Peek a boo, but I do not believe that it has a name and I honestly couldn't find it again if I tried.

Sam

I meant to comment on this earlier. Images 4 and 5 don't stand out for me. Kinda flat, uninteresting.

Images 1 and 2 are very nice, good color, interesting lines, natures abstract, good crop composition.

One could shoot there for days and weeks continually finding new angles, compositions and light.

Sam

Awais Yaqub

3rd is awesome, looks like a face!