ANTELOPE SLOT CANYON

LOCATION: Page, Arizona

CAMERA: Nikon FE2

COMMENT: For those unfamiliar, a slot canyon is a very narrow canyon normally formed in sandstone by many years of flooding waters. Antelope is located on Native American property and the only way to get to this canyon is in a vehicle driven by a Native American. These places offer unique views of sandstone colored by sunlight shining down through the very narrow openings available from above. As was the case here, the best time for photos without flash was when the sun was straight up, or at noon. The abstracts available are endless, but can require some calculation and knowledge of low light photography, especially if shooting on film. In this case, I was using ASA 50 Agfa transparency film. Shooting in low light with slow film requires a tripod for every shot. I found that many of the people in my group that day were avid photographers and the cooperation and mutual respect was amazing. With such narrow walkways and everyone using tripods, we had to take turns taking the pictures in certain areas in order to make sure we didn't walk into the other's timed exposure. I hope to go back some day with my digital camera, which will provide immediate previews.