Monument Valley and surrounding area

I am going to try to take a week long vacation the first week of April with my wife and son. I have always wanted to see Monument Valley and photograph it. I think we will also swing by Canyon de Chelley (sp?). When are the best times of day to hit certain areas. While my family is very patient with my taking time to photograph, I like maximize my time shooting so we have plenty of time to spend together also.

Are they any other areas near by I should hit. I am coming from S. California and will be heading back through the Grand Canyon area. Thanks in advance for any advice or good sources (book or online).

Jonathan.

Please send me an email. I am doing a workshop the week after you are there and I'll share lots of info.

jack@jackgrahamphoto.com

(I have a workshop this weekend so it might not be until next Monday that i can answer your email.... there is NO doubt you will also get great info here on NPN!)

I was thru there Monday and Tuesday of this week. There was very nasty heavy haze in
the air. I asked about it at Gouldings, and they told me that it was an everyday occurence
unless there was some rain. I was very very disappointed.

Art L.

Although this might sound weird to get "advice" from an Austrian, and I don't know if this is correct or accurate for April. As I was there once in September 05, I was shooting as the sun set (ok, this is not the advice ). But that time of year, and day, the shadow of the western-most mitten (the "left hand") did cast a shadow onto the eastern mitten (the "right hand"). I dont know if that holds true for April.
This simply looks cool and spices up the notorious mittens-shot. Actually that "idea" was not mine - a photographer - a guy that started out as a pro back then - told me to wait and pay attention to this shadow-thing. Very nice !
Hope this helps...

I have been there a couple times. It is a super area for photos. I would suggest taking one of the private tours. The natives can go to areas that most of us can not. I took one that is listed the Keyah Hozhoni Monument Valley Tours. The native indian that runs this tour is a good photographer in his own right and know how to plan for good light etc. I took the photographers tour which was $200. My wife and daughter also came along for the second half of the tour since they didn't want to get up for sunrise. He is flexible on price for non-photographer tag alongs too. Any other info don't be afraid to ask. Also I stayed just down the street from the entrance. The place has tons of charm and history. John Wayne stayed there along with Ford for many of their movies. I love that area and have some good shots. Take a look at my website at naturewildphotography.com and check it out.

Don

Thanks to all those who commented. I am considering checking out Antelope canyons. With the recent weather, what conditions might I expect. Can you just drive up to the area this time of year, or do you have to go with a tour?

Any other suggestions would help considerably.

The direct beams like you see in photos like those on my website are not prevalent this time of year. They are more intense in the summer months. You can get plenty of mood shots though. The lower antelope area requires more physical climbing in tight spots BUT it us usually much less crowded. The upper canyon area is much more crowded in summer than it is now BUT either way if you take the photographers tour version you get to stay in the area longer and would miss the bulk of the crowds. This is important because you need the long exposures for intense shots as you probably know. You can sign up for tours in town. Look for the pickups with the huge wheels in a plaza on the left hand side of town when you are driving in.

I should mention that for lower antelope you drive up to the gate and wait for the guy to show up in the morning. Timewise you can hit lower antelope in the morning and upper in the afternoon IF you have already bought a ticket for the upper antelope tour that is.

Don Gorczynski

naturewildphotography.com