A Photo Guide to Antelope Canyon - Travel Like Anna

If you care about photo antelope canyon travel, this guide gets straight to the point. We break down what actually matters, skip the fluff, and show you how to put it to work today.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona won the natural wonder jackpot.
• Upper Antelope Canyon is a perfect example - a hidden orange-walled slot canyon with clouds of dust swirling in the light beams.
• The best part is that it’s only a two-hour drive from the Grand Canyon!
• Beauty consistently has a dark side though.

What to Know About Photo Antelope Canyon Travel

Worth noting: the canyon was formed by erosion from flash floods that flow off the nearby mountains, which still cause a threat to visitors right now. The other downside is the crowds - the canyon is literally packed.

• The only method to get photos without the crowds is to book a photo tour.
• The guides hold back the crowds for short periods of time.
• More importantly, after my last minute detour to Chaco Canyon, the next stop on my Southwest road trip was Page, Arizona for a photo tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, which is located on Navajo land.
• Upper Antelope is the most famous due to its signature light beams.

How Photo Antelope Canyon Travel Really Works

There are also three other slot canyons nearby that you can visit: Rattlesnake Canyon, Owl Canyon and Mountain Sheep Canyon. For Upper Antelope, light beams peak between late March and early October during mid-morning.

• Remember that there are smaller crowds at other times of year.
• Photography Tours: The canyon is accessible by tour only.
• There are five tour companies and prices range from $88 USD for a two-hour photo tour to $48 USD for a regular tour.
• Only people on the photo tour are allowed to bring tripods into the canyon.

Getting the Most From Photo Antelope Canyon Travel

As a rule, the guides do an IMPRESSIVE job of keeping people out of your shots. (You get a two or three minutes at a time to take photos while they hold the crowds back.) Tours fill fast so book in advance. I recommend booking a month out!

• I used Adventurous Antelope Canyon for my tour.
• The one downside to the tour is that the guides spend half the time throwing sand into the light beams.
• In short, since I’m not a fan of posed or staged photos, it was genuinely frustrating.
• Honestly, I would have rather had photos without the sand.

Tips That Make a Difference

Navajo Nation Photography Permits: Antelope Canyon is located on the Navajo Indian Reservation. A $50 photo permit is required if you are going to apply your images for “commercial” apply, which basically means if you make money off the photos then you require a permit. I was told that even if I wanted to post the photos on Instagram I needed a permit.

• Worth noting: my tour company was adamant that I have the permit with me during the tour, but no one checked.
• Fees are significantly greater if you attempt to get a permit after your visit.
• The process to get a photography permit is highly third-world.
• My tour company gave me a website link that didn’t work and a series of phone numbers to call.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

More importantly, finally, I got a person who gave me another series of numbers and the process repeated. Once I finally found the correct office, I spoke with Shana, who was extremely nice and helpful.

• Ask for her if you call!
• The turnaround time for most Navajo Nation Photography Permits is 30 days.
• Remember that the cost is $50 per site, which can only be paid by check or money order.
• You must know the date and time of your tour/visit when you apply.

Is Photo Antelope Canyon Travel Worth It?

There are six locations that require a photography permit: Camp Assayi/Bowl Canyon Canyon de Chelly Four Corners Monument Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park (Antelope Canyon) Little Colorado River Tribal Park Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park For questions, call the numbers listed on the application form that corresponds to your destination. Slower shutter speeds assist achieve motion blur with the movement of the sand.

• As a rule, this image was shot at .4 of a second at ISO 800.
• Pointers for Photographing Antelope Canyon Take a sturdy tripod.
• There were method too numerous people with flimsy tripods.
• The canyon is tight, and people will be bumping into your tripod so bring one that will support your camera’s weight.

Where the Real Savings Hide

In short, apply a Wide Angle Lens. You will wish to shoot wide in the canyon to capture everything.

• Do NOT change lenses in the canyon - there’s too much dust!
• Your aperture should be anywhere from f/8 to f/18.
• Worth noting: apply a remote to avoid motion blur. A remote will assist prevent camera movement and keep your images sharp!
• Recommended shutter speeds range from two to 20 seconds.  On average, my shutter speed ranged from 1/4 to 1/25 of a second.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on photo antelope canyon travel?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. The other downside is the crowds - the canyon is literally packed.

Is it worth shopping around for photo antelope canyon travel?

Usually yes. The only method to get photos without the crowds is to book a photo tour.

Smart Ways to Save More on Photo Antelope Canyon Travel

• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.
• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on photo antelope canyon travel: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.