Lower Antelope in B&W

[Jim Dockery]

After a lot of research I still was conflicted about going to Antelope Canyon. Of course the images I'd seen were beautiful, and a college of mine, Bruce Barnbaum, was one of the first photographers to discover it. Reading about the crowds, $$ for the photo tours, and contsraints to keep with a group really put me off. My wife and I arrived in Page to a cold wind storm and blowing sand, which continued into the next day along with clouds and showers (no thunder storms though). I was ready to call it good - the weather gods said no, but Debbie insisted we might as well drive out to see what was up. The lower canyon doesn't require reservations, so we went there and sat in the car for an hour while the sand flew. Again I was ready to leave but she said I should go talk to the folks running it. It was late afternoon and very few cars were in the lot. They said I could go in by myself at that point for half price! I rushed back to the car, bundled up, grabbed my Sony NEX-7 with 18-200mm lens and homemade plastic bag cover to protect from dust and sand and climbed down into the wonderland. I only saw the last guided group of the day, (~7) who passed me half way through. I was so lucky to have a quiet immersive experience I can never go back to sully the memory.

Shark Bite

Focus Blend

 

[Kyle Jones]

Really nice shapes you've captured. I'm glad you ended up with a special experience!

 

[AlanLichty]

Very nice - and you got to see it on your own terms which for me is the only way to see the lower canyon. Your B&W focus here is a good choice - these are some great shots.

I got a similar opportunity back in 2010 and was able to spend the whole afternoon in the lower canyon with 4 other people in the whole place. I only met one of them (setting up her 4x5) and only saw the others after they herded us out after 4:30. No guided tours came though. Much easier to get good comps when you are on your own clock and can gather in the scenes before you and decide what needs to be shot next - and not worry about someone else in your group in the way, etc. I have driven by there numerous times since but am not even tempted to stop when I see the full parking lots.

 

[BarryHamilton]

Very nice work!

 

[Jeffrey]

Fine imaging of that fascinating place, Jim. I recognize some features that appear in my own images. That's fun!

 

[Ben Egbert]

Nice set here, and glad to hear of your experience.

 

[Jim Dockery]

Yesterday my wife and I were talking about taking a spring trip down to AZ, Grand Canyon being my main focus, but she insisted that she wants to see Antelope since she didn't go in with me last time, so I guess I'll be returning.

 

[JimFox]

Excellent work Jim! I like all of these a lot, and you have me thinking I need to go back too!

 

[Martín el Escocés]

Superb, Jim and so interesting that these work so well in B+W when we always think of the colour!

I was lucky enough to go in to both canyons on an Alain Briot workshop. We were allowed in with only his supervision to spend as much time in there as we wanted - no tourists, guides or parties, just us with all our gear: this was about 13 years ago so I think it was quieter anyway.