Summary
If you happen to find yourself anywhere near the Grand Canyon, it is worth it to take one of the Antelope Canyon photo tours of this natural wonder.
Located near the town of Page, Arizona at Lake Powell, this stunning slot canyon is one of the must-see natural wonders of the world.
As we took our road trip through the Southwestern United States, we definitely made a point of putting Antelope Canyon as one of our must-stop destinations.
Antelope Canyon Photography Tour
When taking photos of Antelope Canyon, there is a lot of pressure on the photographer. There is a short window of light, the canyon itself is very dark, so long exposures are necessary, and it can be extremely crowded with people.
Access to Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour due to the dangers of flash floods. Tragically, several tourists have lost their lives in the past, including eleven people on August 12, 1997. Consequently, it is now mandatory to book a photography tour ahead of time.
During the tour, you only have seconds to take your photograph while your guide holds back the crowds. Therefore, there isn’t time for second-guessing your photography skills.
Why Take A Photography Tour To Antelope Canyon
Many visitors are often impatient and want to move on quickly. You have just one moment to capture that perfect shot; otherwise, it is lost. Without a guide, exploring the canyon independently at less crowded times is not an option.
Tours tend to fill up quickly, so if photography is your passion, ensure to reserve your spot on a photography tour.
Without participating in a photography tour, you will not be allowed to stop for photos like the photographers do. These tours have priority and are permitted to walk back and forth through the canyon, unlike regular tours.
Even during a photography tour, time is limited, and spaces can be cramped. The canyon often hosts numerous visitors, and groups only have a few minutes in each section to take their shots before moving on.
Antelope Canyon Photography Advice
My best advice is to “know your camera well.” There is considerable pressure to capture photographs quickly and efficiently. Any hesitation could mean missing the moment entirely.
The best time of day to visit is in the morning during the 10:30 tour. This is the only time when sunbeams illuminate the canyon from above, providing a maximum of 10 minutes to capture as many photos as possible.
Bringing a tripod is essential, and be prepared to navigate around other visitors who may obstruct your view. I found that by keeping my camera low to the ground and pointing it straight up, I could capture many images without having numerous heads appear in my shots.
If you are not familiar with your camera, you may leave Antelope Canyon with photos that are blurry and unsatisfactory.
Our guide, Rob, did an amazing job keeping people out of our frames. All guides work collaboratively to manage groups, ensuring that sunbeams remain unobstructed. However, they can only hold people back for a limited time, so quick photo-taking is essential.
Booking Your Antelope Canyon Tour
We reserved our tour with Antelope Slot Canyon Tours for $80 per person. The group, a maximum of 12 people, is driven out to the canyon, where your guide helps you locate the best spots for photography.
Stay close to your guide and avoid stopping to take photos along the way. Your guide knows the best locations, and if you stay near the front and follow their advice, you will leave with exceptional shots.
I even managed to take incredible iPhone photos since the pressure of using my DSLR was overwhelming, so I chose to use my phone instead. I felt more comfortable capturing images within the limited time frame.
A trip to Antelope Canyon is undoubtedly worth the hype. Even a simple visit to marvel at its beauty is extraordinary. Consider taking the photography tour to enhance your experience.
