PHOTOGRAPHY IN ZION NATIONAL PARK |
| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Page 1 2 |
3. How do I protect my photography gear in the Zion Narrows? |
River canyons like the Zion Narrows are incredibly rewarding for photography, but they are absolutely treacherous for camera gear. When you hike the Narrows in normal conditions, you are typically hiking in knee to waist-deep water and occasionally, there may be one or two short sections of chest-deep water. (The base of Mystery Falls near the Temple of Sinawava is often deep.) At several crossings, the current can be quite powerful and it takes a great deal of balance and strength to keep from falling over. (In higher water conditions, hiking is much harder.) Needless to say, this is a dangerous situation for your exposed camera gear.
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Bowling Ball in the Zion Narrows.
Panasonic GH2 with Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm f/2.
When I hike with my dSLR, I typically stow it in a small Lowepro Toploader camera bag and use webbing and a small carabiner to attach it to a high point on the shoulder strap of my backpack. That puts my camera pretty high at chest level, yet keeps it easily accessible for shots. For balance, I use my big, sturdy tripod as a walking stick alongside one of my normal trekking poles. For added safety it is important to also bring a drybag for your camera that fits in your backpack, just in case you want to stow all of your camera gear for a precarious section of river. I also put a small towel inside the drybag to soak up any drops of water that might make their way inside. Be sure to test out your rig before your big hike.
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Double waterfall in Orderville Canyon.
Nikon D2X with Nikkor 12-24mm f/4 DX at 12mm.
For other wet adventures like Orderville Canyon, the Left Fork of North Creek (the Subway), and many of the subterranean technical canyoneering routes, you can pretty much count on having to swim several times, so be prepared to constantly set up and stow your camera gear in a drybag. You will also have to battle lens fog, moisture build-up and fine particles of sand that like to get in the buttons and dials of your camera. That's the risk you take to get great photos in such difficult locations. Be prepared for the possible loss of your gear. For tourists looking for a simpler solution to getting souvenir photos, consider purchasing a waterproof camera like the Nikon Coolpix AW100 or the Fujifilm FixPix XP30. It will make wet canyon photography much simpler.
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4. What wildlife photography opportunities are there in Zion? |
Although I am more of a landscape photographer than a wildlife photographer, I have taken a few interesting animal shots over the years. While Zion National Park isn't known for its wildlife tourism the way that Yellowstone and other parks are, you are likely to have an interesting animal encounter of some kind. Please remember that feeding wildlife is illegal and while many animals in Zion are used to being around people, they should still be considered wild so keep your distance.
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Mr. and Mrs. Canyon Treefrog.
Nikon D100 with Nikkor 60mm f/2.8 Macro.
Mule deer are quite common in the main canyon and can often be seen grazing in fields near the Virgin River, especially along the Pa'rus Trail and the Riverside Walk. Common critters like squirrels, chipmunks, and ravens are quite abundant at many touristy landmarks, but be warned: they will pose for photos because they are expecting handouts (don't do it!) and also know how to steal your food. Squirrels can always be found at the end of the Riverside Walk, chipmunks at the Angels Landing viewpoint, and ravens along the Route 9 switchbacks under the tunnel and at several pull-offs in the Upper East Canyon. Canyon treefrogs can often be found in potholes and streams throughout the greater Zion area in the early summer months.
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Blue Heron along the Virgin River.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 at 220mm.
During an afternoon stroll along the Riverside Walk, you may also see a blue heron fishing in the water or a tarantula along the trail. There is also a wild turkey population in the main canyon that loiters by the banks of the Virgin River by day and sleeps in the cottonwood trees above the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive by night. California condors can sometimes be spotted at Scout's Lookout and along the Angels Landing hike. (See the NPS's Zion National Park Bird Checklist.) Rattlesnakes are not too common in the main canyon, but I have seen several over the years along in the Upper East Canyon and on the upper plateaus. Always leave snakes alone and back off and give them plenty of room. Rattlesnakes do not stalk humans, but they will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
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Bighorn Sheep in the Upper East Canyon.
Panasonic GH2 with Panasonic 100-300mm f/4.0-5.6 at 150mm (300mm equivilent).
The most exciting and photographically interesting animals (in my opinion) are the majestic bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep were once extinct in Zion National Park, but they were reintroduced to the park in the 1990s and in recent years, sightings are not that uncommon. Tourists who drive through the Upper East Canyon may get lucky and see a flock hanging out near the road or roaming around in the cliffs above. Sightings usually turn into circuses and traffic jams of excited tourists, so please take care in minding the traffic and keeping your distance from the animals, especially when the flock crosses the road.
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5. Can you share any lighting tips for photographing Zion National Park? |
While it's a general assumption that the best light for photography is the dramatic early morning and late afternoon light (including sunrise and sunset), good photos can still be made during normal daylight hours, but it requires some luck and help from the weather. In the desert, cloudless days are quite common and the lighting during high noon is harsh and ugly. Hiking photography can be very disappointing under these conditions, especially if the sand in the air adds a brown tint to the sky. Days like this are best spent shooting in dark slot canyons like the Zion Narrows where the harsh sunlight can be put to good use. Sunlight hitting the canyon walls above or the walls around the corner can result in photographs with that "magic golden glow."
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Dark and mysterious "Das Boot."
Nikon D80 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 DX at 24mm.
My favorite days for hiking and peak-bagging photography are on partially sunny days when the sky is filled with interesting cloud patterns. Cirrus clouds are like wispy feathered paintbrush strokes in the sky, but my favorite skies are filled with cumulus clouds. Like gigantic puffy cotton balls, cumulus clouds not only add interesting textures to the sky, they also direct the light through a pinhole of sorts that results in crisp, beautiful lighting.
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Lower Mountain in a sea of cumulus clouds.
Panasonic GH2 with Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm f/2.
And while rain and big storms aren't usually pleasant for vacationers and are dangerous for slot canyon hikes, they make for really dramatic photography if you're willing to get wet and wait them out. Some of my favorite photos have been taken just as a big thunderstorm rolls in or rolls out. Being in the right place at the right time requires a bit of luck and a lot of patience. Happy trails and happy shooting!!!
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Observation Point during a rainstorm.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 DX at 24mm.
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Observation Point as the sun breaks through.
Nikon D300 with Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 DX at 17mm.
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