mariodennis

<p>I'm planning a photo trip to NM, AZ and UT this December. (I like shooting in winter.) I've shot Monument Valley, Arches & Canyonlands, etc., but want to spend some time in Canyon de Chelly this time. I've found multiple guide services for the Canyon, but would appreciate recommendations for a tour guide.<br> Thanks for your input.</p>

<p>Well, you can SEE all of those places in that short-time, but you would be hard-pressed to do much photography. Arches and Canyonlands each deserve a day, as does Monument Valley. Dead Horse Point doesn't take much time (I shot it at daybreak, but the weather was not great. Sedona is unique enough that a solid day there is a good idea. Altogether, I spent a week in the Arches/Canyonlands/House on Fire/Moab areas and two days in Monument Valley. If you shoot MV you should consider getting a Navajo guide (I highly recommend Tom Phillips Photo Tours) because you really don't want to drive the Tribal Park in a rental or personal vehicle.</p>

<p>I've not done Alstrom, but a friend did and he nearly rued the day because he did it at dusk in a rental car. Let's just say he's a risk taker.<br> With respect to Antelope Canyon, I chose to shoot the Lower Canyon. Photographers are limited to 2 hours (and you must have a DSLR to qualify). I saw tour operators literally trucking people into the Upper Canyon in mid-December, meaning it would be very crowded even then. I can't imagine what it would be like in summer. There were few visitors when I did the Lower and while the light wasn't ideal because of the time of year, I got great images.<br> I also recommend shooting Lake Powell at sunset from above the marina. I caught the full moon and had good light.</p>

<p>I put everything in my backpack/vest/messenger bag or whatever. I suppose there's someone stupid enough to try to steal something from the x-ray conveyor, but (1) where would they go? and (2) they're probably on a dozen cameras at the time. Assuming they went through security with a valid ID they'd narrow down the suspects pretty.y quickly. So, I don't worry about it.</p>

<p>In December I will be in Moab where I plan on shooting in Arches and Canyonlands NPs, plus Deadhorse Point (and a few other places later in the week). Altogether I will have 4 sunrises and 3 sunsets to devote to Arches/Canyonlands/Deadhorse Point.<br> I'm interested in recommendations for the best places for sunrises and sunsets in the area. I have Martres' book and several other references, but I'm interested in hearing from folks who have shot there.<br> Thanks--<br> Mario</p>

<p>As a follow up...there are several Navajo guides with small kiosks in the View Hotel parking lot. I strongly recommend that you make a reservation several weeks and not to wait until the last minute, especially if you want an extended tour. And, email to follow up a few days before your trip to confirm. Finally, one guide, "Fred," may try to get you to drive your vehicle while he guides you. Don't go for it---the guide fee includes them driving their vehicle (and therefore taking the risk of damage).<br> And yes, unless you are content to be confined to the 17 mile public loop, you need an approved guide to see the rest of the park. (And you'd need several days to see it all.)</p>

<p>I was very happy with Tom Phillips Tours. Ray Begaye was my guide. Here's a link to my review:<br> http://existing-light.blogspot.com/2013/12/shooting-monument-valley-keyah-hozhoni.html</p>

<p>I'll defer to others' advice re: equipment except to say that I don't think you'll benefit from a 70-200 2.8 as much as you will a fast, mid-range zoom for general sightseeing. A fast 50mm is also a good idea.<br> As for a sling bag, I have two general observations. My go-to sling bag is the Lowepro 202AW which can hold a surprising amount of equipment. However, in warm weather it tends to be hot on your back. You have to decide whether you want to deal with the heat or the comfort of carrying a fair amount of equipment. You can easily carry your camera body and three lenses plus a few accessories.<br> On the other hand, consider a messenger bag. While it concentrates the weight on one shoulder, depending on the size it can carry a comparable amount of equipment and is less uncomfortable in warm weather. A messenger bag is less obvious and will attract somewhat less attention from the criminally-bent. There's a huge number to choose from. </p>