Posted by Jody Grigg on October 13, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Going to Zion in a couple of weeks and hope to get a permit for the subway. I have been out there before but never had any luck with the light, for this time of year what is normally the best time of day to get the nice warm glow in the subway.
Posted by Jeff Hackett on October 13, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Late morning, say between 10 and 11 and maybe even a little later. If mistaken I'm sure someone will chime in. Good luck and good light!
Posted by Scott Bacon on October 13, 2011 at 11:42 AM
I've only been there once (last year), but I planned my trip for late afternoon - hiking and shooting the canyon along the way. That Subway image was taken Nov. 5 just after 3pm. If I recall, the light sunk below the canyon rim, putting most of the canyon in shadow by around 4pm (thus losing the Subway glow). Be prepared to "wait in line" with other photogs for the optimum places to shoot from - one of which is standing in a pool of water, in above your waist. A great location, even if you have to share it with others...
I was just looking at this subject in the Laurent Martres book on photographing southern Utah. He says that at this time of year, "midday" is the prime time for the reflected light in the subway. Earlier in the year Jeff's advice would be right on, but apparently not when you get into the autumn.
When I first posted this response, I had said early to mid-afternoon rather than "midday." I changed that after re-reading his description, which I did not quite remember accurately.
Posted by Don Grall on October 16, 2011 at 9:17 PM
I was in there from 11AM til 11:45AM which is when other photogs started to gather. I had it to myself for the first 30 minutes. Great glowing walls at this time! http://www.freshairphotos.com/L_sub.html
Discussion
4 repliesWhen I first posted this response, I had said early to mid-afternoon rather than "midday." I changed that after re-reading his description, which I did not quite remember accurately.