Utah: Zion and Moab... photo-expeditions?????

[john_chan2]

Hi again,

 

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I'm planning a trip to Utah in March to do some stock photography/ R@R but I'm not familiar with the options that are available to me. I understand that there are companies that specialize in outings/ tours/ photo-expeditions in this area. Does anyone have any experience with these companies??? I'm looking for a tour company that is sensitive to the issues of a photographer (someone who won't mind chasing the light for you and taking you to photogenic spots). Also, I have enough Air Miles on my gas card now to buy a plane ticket to anywhere in North America. I welcome suggestions to visit other vistas and look up other guides.... anything you guys can think of in your past experience.

 

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Thanks,

[kens]

I always did my own touring in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.

Talking about it here would take a book. Some suggestions...

 

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* Under no circumstances should you miss Bryce Canyon just NE of Zion.

 

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* If you have time, wander over the southern border into Arizona to

see the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Monument Valley, and Canyon de

Chelly (pronounced "shay"). But this might be a 2-week expedition in

of itself.

 

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* Contact Photo Traveller Publications for inexpensive and worthy

material on Southeast Utah, Southwest Utah, and Arizona, plus travel

& tour info...

 

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Catalog & ordering: phototraveler.com

 

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Travel info: phototravel.com

 

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Travel Info Exchange: egroups.com/group/phototravel

 

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Tour Info Exchange: egroups.com/group/phototours

 

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Have a good time, and count on returning many times in the future.

[jay_.]

I second the above, plus I'd add that your best bet getting there

would be to fly in to Las Vegas, NV and rent a vehicle (4x4 if

possible) there. There are a lot of promotional deals offering very

inexpensive flights to Vegas and it's very close to Bryce/Zion by car.

[albert_smith]

I lived in Salt Lake City for three years in the early '90s, so I was

able to go to Zion and the other parks in Utah anytime I wanted. I

believe, based on my temperament, It is better to go unencumbered by

any group. These groups have little tolerance for a serious

photographer. You might see a great scene, but the light might not

be right for another hour.... on your own, it is no problem to wait.

You see buses of people stop, everyone shoots from the same spot, and

gets back on the bus. That is the equivalent of all of those

corny "Photo Spot" signs at the Disney parks... fine for snap

shooters, not good for real photographers.

 

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That said, I believe you can't take a bad picture in Zion. It is

spectacular. Bring more film than you would ever imagine that you

can shoot. I used thirty rolls one day... sunrise to sunset... and

could have used thirty more if I didn't force myself to slow down.

 

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One other thing, I know your plan is for March, but having gone to

the parks throughout the year, I believe that visually, you can't

beat October and early November. Besides the mountain faces, you

have some of the most beautiful foliage shots with the leaves turning

colors.

[kens]

Jay & Al are both right on this. Thinking more about it, you may have

a logistical prolem in March, so you may need to break this into 2

trips. Unfortunately Zion and Moab are on opposite sides of Utah - in

of itself a drive. Go across Nevada and you'll be driving more than

shooting. Denver, Salt Lake City and Phoenix are no help in March -

Denver & Salt Lake are jammed with skiers, and Phoenix is jammed with

winter visitors and baseball Spring Training. Flights and rentals

will be tough.

 

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So consider this plan (not knowing where you've been or how much time

you have, of course)...follow on Nevada/Utah/Arizona maps...

 

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Trip 1) Fly into Las Vegas in March. Head south to I-40, then east to

hit the Grand Canyon South Rim, hopefully with some residual snow.

Then east to the Painted Desert and maybe hit some Slot Canyons along

the way. Then north to Lake Powell and loop back west towards Zion.

Unfortunately the Grand Canyon North Rim will probably be closed due

to snow. Hit Zion and Bryce ("f/64 and be there"...at dawn!). Back

west to Las Vegas.

 

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Trip 2) Late summer or Fall fly into Salt Lake City or Phoenix. Loop

through the east side of Utah - Moab/Arches - and down to Canyon de

Chelly and Monument Valley. If you have time, back west to Zion for

Fall colors, and back to Salt Lake or Phoenix (if Phoenix, hit Sedona

on the way).

 

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Whew! I'm peeing in my pants just thinking about it. I'm packing my

gear right now. If you feel someone elbowing you for position at the

Bryce Canyon overlook, it may be me.

 

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Don't forget to write!!!

[john_chan2]

I'm looking into going with a specialist photo-tour company

(Canyonlights Photo tours) because of my limited time schedule. My

reasoning is that I really only have March to go down there and about

5 days to pack in some quality photo-time. I'm aiming to shoot at

least 80-90 rolls of film while down there in 3 condensed days so I

really can't beat around the bush for 2-3 weeks and look for those

elusive vistas when I could get someone to show me (provided he has

an appreciation for my goals). I wish I could say that this trip was

for R@R exclusively but I can't. If I go with Canyonlights their

rates are $30/ hr x how many hours I'll be out but I figure if I do it

the relaxed way (rent a 4X4 and mosey around for 2 weeks + gas +

living expenses) it'll come out to about the same. I'll be restricted

to the Moab region for the trip. If anyone has had some experience

with this company then I'll be glad for the input.

 

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Their website is www.canyonlights.com

 

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Thanks for your input.

[wilhelm]

If you're really shooting 80-90 rolls in 3 days, I suggest that

you're in the wrong Forum. This is Leica, not National Geographic.

[john_chan2]

You're right.

 

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That # is a little high but I wouldn't be suprised if it were around 40

rolls of film (especially if each shot was bracketed) and I do bracket

alot with slide film. We'll just have to wait and see but I fully

intend to come back with some great chromes for my stock.

[wilhelm]

Velvia, no doubt. Don't forget to take your enhansing filter.

[john_c.]

John, I don't have any experience with the company, but I do have

plenty of experience with the area, as I live in Las Vegas and travel

to Moab frequently. Basically, you'll be hitting Arches and Canyonlands

National Parks (Capitol Reef NP is a little too far, based on your time

frame). Arches can be done in one (long) day. You'll spend most time at

Canyonlands, which is one of the least-visited National Parks. The most

remote area is �The Maze�, which can only be accessed via 4-wheel drive

vehicle. You'll be rewarded with shots most people can't get. I also

like the �Needles�, but make sure you get off-road and into the back

country. You may also want to do the Colorado National Monument, just

outside of Grand Junction; it's not that far from Moab. Good luck and

have fun!