This story begins many years ago. We were going through an art gallery that was filled with extraordinary photography. We were awed and inspired by the images. Then we came to a photograph that had curves, lines, textures, and warm colors similar to the photo above but on a much larger scale. We asked the man at the gallery where the photo was taken, but he didn’t know. I remember Dave commenting that it would be so cool to travel around the world and take amazing photographs. We were already in the process of planning our big trip, so we continued talking and dreaming and added photography to the plan. When we discovered that this beautiful place was in Arizona, we HAD to visit. This was truly the fulfillment of a dream!
Antelope Canyon is located in northern Arizona, near Page. It is owned and operated by the Navajo and you must make arrangements to have a Navajo tour guide take you through the canyon. There are two tours to choose from, the regular tour and the professional photographers tour. Because of the low light, it is recommended to have a tripod and set your camera for a long exposure. We spent time researching several photography web sites for tips and recommendations.
Our Navajo tour guide took this photo of us. The canyon was not very big and was very crowded even though it was past high season. It is really stunningly beautiful. Our one hour tour went by so quickly. At a certain time of day, the sun shines through the opening at the top of the canyon and casts a beam inside. The tour guides throw sand into the air and the dust makes the sun beam etherial. This time of year the sun beam was smaller and at a bigger angle. But during the middle of the summer, the beam is more vertical and larger and makes for amazing photos.
This photo is not in good focus. The area filled up with people quickly, since everyone wanted to see the sunbeam. I was trying to take the photo over everyone’s heads.
Marcus Aurelius’ quote:
Dream big dreams; only big dreams have the power to move men’s souls.
Dave & Nancy,
I love the photos. What a neat, neat place you guys got to go! I’m so excited for your family. Please keep us updated on your whereabouts and happenings now that you’ve gotten to a different continent. 🙂
BTW, it seems like your camera is doing an excellent job. Are you using the Panasonic that David recommended?
Thanks! Yes, we are using both the Lumix and a Canon Powershot. It is nice for each of us to be taking pictures. Thanks for the recommendation! We are loving the camera!
Beautiful! I want to go there… Without all the people, please….
Yes, you would love it!
Love the pictures.
Thanks Marla! We are having a great time!