Tired of the stereotyped scenery of the Grand Canyon, I came to Page, Arizona with longing and anticipation, just to explore the magical Antelope Canyon and go to a visual feast about nature.
The narrow and deep canyons, the undulating lines, and the colorful and confusing color blocks constitute the Antelope Canyon, which ranks among the top ten geological wonders in the world.
Antelope Canyon is located in the northern part of Arizona, near the city of Page. It is a must-see attraction for self-driving tours in the western United States. As the most famous “line of sky” in the world, the beam of light falling from the sky, also known as “the light of heaven”, reflects on the stone wall to produce fantastic colors.
About Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is divided into Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyon. The two places are separated by a road, and you can drive there, but you must make an appointment online in advance, otherwise it is difficult to get a ticket. However, whether it is the Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon, you need to follow the local Indian guide to visit after buying the ticket, and in addition to the ticket, you have to pay an additional fee of US$ 6 per person as the tour guide fee.
The essential difference between the Lower Antelope Canyon and the Upper Antelope Canyon is that it does not have the most famous light beam, but the Lower Antelope Canyon is a fantasy world that captures and records light and shadow, which is really shocking!
Difference between Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon
Look at “light” from above and “color” from below. The essential difference between the Lower Antelope Canyon and the Upper Antelope Canyon is that it does not have the most famous beam. The characteristic of the Upper Antelope Canyon is the “beam”, while the characteristic of the Lower Antelope Canyon is the reflection formed by the refraction of the sun.
Different ways of visiting. To enter the Upper Antelope Canyon, due to terrain restrictions, the reserve allowed private four-wheel drive vehicles to enter in the past, but since the deadly floods in 1997, all tourists must now take a large four-wheel drive vehicle in the reserve, and it is also cancelled. A walking permit is issued to avoid accidents when tourists walk under the scorching sun.
The Lower Antelope Canyon needs to be underground, you need to climb metal stairs deep into the ground, and you may need to rely on some ropes in the middle to complete the Lower Antelope Canyon.
There are different ways to join the group. The Upper Antelope Canyon is divided into ordinary groups and photography groups, and the prices vary greatly. You must have professional equipment and a tripod to participate in the photography group. The tour guide of the photography group will provide you with thoughtful service. In addition to explaining to you, he will also inform you of every suitable location for shooting; Clear the scene for you; also sprinkle sand when you shoot to increase the effect of light and shadow. But even if you meet a good Indian tour guide in an ordinary group, you will throw sand when you take pictures, such as our tour guide. There is no photography group in the Lower Antelope Canyon, only ordinary groups.
But generally speaking, the Indian tour guides are very dedicated and friendly no matter whether they are on or off. They can only communicate in English throughout the whole process, and they will help you find the scene and get the best position for shooting blockbuster movies. The tour guides have been here in Antelope Canyon for many years. Yes, even before the development is mature, the guides of the Lower Antelope Canyon are going down to the trough, they are climbing with bare hands and ropes, there is no formal ladder to go down, I admire them very much.
Shooting Precautions
Choose the time to enter the valley: 11:00~13:00 noon time in the Upper Antelope Canyon is the best time period, you can take pictures of the “Light of Heaven”, which is a beautiful beam of light. The time we reserved for the Upper Antelope Canyon is noon 12 o’clock.
The Lower Antelope Canyon is relatively dark, and more light is reflected on the stone wall. The photos taken at noon may be overexposed. It is recommended to go between 9:00 and 11:00. The Lower Antelope Canyon we made an appointment is at 9:00 am. Therefore, there is no need to deliberately pursue the noon team in the Lower Antelope Canyon, and the impact of being early or late is actually not big.
How to use a mobile phone to make a big movie? In fact, as long as you learn one trick, you can also become a professional photographer. When you enter the Lower Antelope Canyon, remember to adjust the iPhone camera mode to the second gear “bright”;
When entering the Upper Antelope Canyon, remember to adjust the camera mode of the iPhone to the second gear “fresh and warm” and turn on the live function. Sure enough, according to the instructions of the tour guide, every shot has the feeling of a big movie.
Shooting from multiple angles When you look up and look back in the canyon, you will often find surprising pictures. The same piece of mottled red sandstone will have different colors and textures under different light after being refracted by natural beams of light. The same location, different viewing angles, will get different views.
