Crybaby Canyon

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Taken in a place with no name (See more photos or videos here)

Alright, the final Antelope Canyon photo I will post... for now. I came back with quite a few that I really liked, which is quite rewarding, but the ability to edit one's photos, to pare them down to just the favorites or the best, is almost as valuable of a skill as the ability to take the photos in the first place. Actually that is something I want to talk about on a later post, teaching yourself the value in being able to edit your own images. Some do it well, others do not, but it is an important thing for every photographer to learn and practice, and practice it takes too.

So Antelope Canyon itself is an amazing place. I think I mentioned that already. ;-) Unfortunately as amazing as it is, and I think this hold true for many amazing places, us humans have an equally amazing ability to muck it all up. Not all the time mind you, but often enough to be tiresome. Before I get much further, I want to say that I met a couple really cool photographers while in this canyon. One fellow's name was Thomas and he was visiting all the way from the Czech Republic. We had a lovely conversation about pinhole photography. I hope you found your way to my stream Thomas to see the pinhole image of this canyon I posted.

Unfortunately beautiful places like this also tend to attract the "ugly" photographer. They are like "ugly Americans" just with cameras. I really don't want to waste too much of my time complaining about such people, they are a simple fact of life it seems, but maybe by spending a bit of time doing so I can help those who read this (myself included on very rare occasions) nip this kind of behavior in the bud.

See the Ugly photographer is the type of person who for some reason feels that they are in some way superior to all other photographers. Not necessarily in a braggartly sort of fashion, though that often happens too. They exhibit a more condescending or patronizing air, the attitude that they will tolerate you and your cameras in their presence as long as you don't get in their way. And even this could be bearable. I really don't care what goes on in the head of the photographer standing next to me when I am somewhere like this. If he wants to inwardly sneer at my old Nikon FM2 or beat up wooden pinhole compared to his shiny Canon 40D, let him. I am there to take photos and marvel, not to get into some sort of ego deathmatch.

Sadly though Ugly photographers, or at least the really bad ones, are not content to just think condescending thoughts about those fellows around them trying to enjoy life through photography, they have to treat them that way too.

To get specific, there was a small group of three photographers in the tour through the canyon that Wendi and I took. Three total in a group of twelve is not too bad, but it is still amazing how much one bad apple, let alone three, can dampen a mood. They were older gentlemen, late 40's I would guess, far enough along to have forgotten their own amatuerish roots I wonder. One of them sported a Tamrac photovest, funny how this poor accessory has become so maligned because of the photographers they tend to end up on.

So, the canyon is super crowded. People left, right, in front of you, behind you, everywhere. Shooting in here requires a lot of patience because people wander through. And they have all paid their money to get in. This is not a free place, you pay $30-50 just to get into the canyon, and you are only alloted so much time, an hour or two, to explore and photograph. I know these two things place stress on photographers to get their photos as quickly as they can, I certainly felt it a bit at first. You just have to be patient and realize that you are going to have to share the canyon. Your fifty dollars is no more important than the fifty dollars spent by the fellow next to you, it doesn't matter if they are carrying a cheap point and shoot and you have a professional SLR. They are there for the same reasons, and the photos they take, amatuerish or not, to them will be as priceless as the ones you will take.

Well these three didn't agree. They got into the canyon and proceeded to act like they were there on divine mandate and those who got in their way were pesky irritations.

They complained constantly of photographers getting in their way. At one point Wendi had her pinhole set up and was a few minutes into an exposure and only had a minute or two to go and one of these fellows came up and decided he wanted to set up behind her. No need to mention that she was in that spot first by a few minutes, but that did not really matter much to him I suppose because as soon as his tripod was set up he asked her to move aside for him. So she stepped aside politely to accommodate him as much as possible.

"No, I didn't mean you, I meant your camera. Your camera is in my way" Was his reply. Not a thank you for moving. Not an apology. Just a "move your camera out of the way of my camera". Excuse me? So she explained she was in the middle of a shot. He stood there for a moment, then asked her again, "Can you move your camera now, it is in my way". She finally got it through to him that she had about a minute left and then she would move on. I think that type of behavior is pretty rude. Photography etiquette 101 says that the early bird catches the worm. If you are in a spot first, then all other photographers will have to make do. I have been on both sides of this, arriving to spots early and late. When I am early, I try to be generous and allow others to work around me as much as we all can to get beautiful photos. When I am late, I find the best vantage I can, and things usually work out alright. But I never ask someone who was there first to move out of my way.

They weren't done yet though. Then they moved down to the end of the canyon and happened to find our guide there waiting for everyone to get their fill. So one of them goes up the our Navajo guide and in his best indignant put-out voice asks him if he can stop people from walking through the canyon, they keep getting in the way of their photos.

The guide said he would do what he could and sent them back into the canyon.

"Man, why do I always get all the crybabies" was his response as soon as they were out of earshot. Hehe, then he starts yelling down the canyon after this small group of troublemakers "Coming through, hold your photos!" Making them groan curse audibly every time he did so.

Anyway, I could go on a bit more. Our adventures with them were not quite finished. But why bother, this has been long enough already. The real point was not to complain necessarily. Complaining about them is not going to accomplish much, rather I just wanted to share the story to remind everyone when you are out photographing somewhere, be courteous and respectful. It doesn't matter if the fellow next to you even has a camera, let alone a professional one. Let them enjoy the space as well. You take better photos when you are enjoying yourself.

By the way, of the three photos I have posted, actually of all the photos I took in this place, this one is easily my favorite. I think because it is a bit of a more unique take on the canyon. It has a hint of the amazing color, but it is not awash in it. And the light. As Galen Rowell once said, "My first thought is always of light."

Comments

	Colin Athens says: Man, how ignorant. Sorry you had to deal with that. You got a great image out of it, of course :) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	jaysonphoto says: Excellent Zeb. The lighting and curves of the rock give it an otherworldly look. Makes me want to visit the Southwest! Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	the sapling says: this is just lovely. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Minette Layne says: Thanks for writing this story; I found it very interesting and enjoyable...even with the unpleasant subject matter. It's a way of thinking that we should all be mindful of, in any number of ways. I don't have a lot of experience being around other photographers, but this will help me to be more thoughtful and kind the next time I'm hanging out in a popular spot. Cheers. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	The Exquisite Nancy Drew says: oh so organic! love the play of light and deep shadows, especially in the lower portion of the frame Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	djsoren says: This is my favorite too! I've seen a lot of antelope canyon photos and this one is striking because of your contrast. I'm interested in what you have to say about editing your photos. You do a very good job of it. My most memorable run-ins with the 'ugly photographer' have been at Yosemite. Any time you have too many cameras and too little space at the famous viewpoint you get trouble. Good post. :-) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	A. Wallis says: superamazing! Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Kent Mercurio says: I was planning to go there, but I've heard that it does get really crowded. Glad to see you and the better half were able to put up with such rude people, regardless of what they are shooting with. In my mind, those types of people aren't "real" photographers. So far, it looks like it was well worth the hassle! -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	shastaortwein says: It's great to have posts from you again! Thanks for the story! And the image is beautiful, I'm so envious of you and Wendi! I've wanted to go to the southwest for some time now, I think we get to go next year :-) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Josephine... says: That's disgusting. But I see the opposite very often, too. When people see you're shooting and of all places, they go exactly to the front of your camera and stay there on purpose. That's equally irritating. But, of course, we have to wait (quite a lot, sometimes). I think both sides should be respectful. And in your case, you were there first. I've seen a lot of kind people too (even with fancy cameras :P), always asking if they are in your way and being careful with other peoples shooting. That's nice. That guy is just rude. Nothing to do with the kind of camera. I think it's about ego. -- Seen in my contacts' photos. (?) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	imoongypsy says: Now that is nice! Hope the weekend was fun, and you got good shots of Snoqualime Falls. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	John Hann says: Great shot, definitely a unique perspective on a well-trodden subject. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on self-editing, I've been struggling with where to set The Bar myself. It's always a conflict between wanting to post only my absolute best shots and wanting to share B-Sides; work that has aspects I like, but isn't a 10. As someone who doesn't sell my work, I usually err on the side of sharing more. Also, as a progressing amateur, I'm always curious to see which photos are the most eye catching to others, because they're often not what I expect. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Whateverthing says: This is an excellent and unique shot. The profile really glows in contrast to the deep shadow. Wonderful line. I hope I'm right in assuming that characters like that are the rare exception. I don't think I've had experience with photographers whose behavior is that extreme. Yet. Yes, we all need to remember to be gracious photographers, and gracious in all things. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	rhythm n hues says: awesome photo ! and really interesting story. i really don't look forward to running into such characters. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	leapin26 says: Fabulous image! Well shot. Too bad about those other photographers. That can ruin a whole day for you. That is why I generally (though not always) prefer to go to places where other people do not tend to go. But then I miss the awesome locations such as this one. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	minuk says: i agree zeb - i was there a couple of weeks ago and saw similar behavior from people as well. there's always going to be some amateur prick with a dslr who thinks they can do whatever they want for a shot. i really, really want to show them your pinhole shots and tell them, "this is what someone with talent and a wooden camera can do - can you do the same with your $2,000 camera?" i know that's not good karma, but i can only imagine how obnoxious they had to be to test your patience. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	manyfires says: This is my favorite of all your Antelope Canyon shots, but of course you knew that already. I'll add to this comment later, just wanted to say for now that it's delicately and utterly gorgeous. Okay, it's later... and this is still a unique and stunning photograph. Funny you should mention the Galen Rowell quote about light; as that same quote occurred to me just last night when we witnessed that amazing light around Rowena Crest. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	kimbolina000 says: Bravo for holding your tongue around those A-holes!! I don't think I would of been as polite. :) This is an amazing shot!!! It looks like to me that the light is making a waterfall effect in the rock it's hitting. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Jared Kruger says: As you said, this is definitely a unique perspective on the canyon. I've lived in Phoenix the last 10 or so years of my life (although I'm currently in Portland for college) and have not once gone to Antelope Canyon. You've given me more inspiration to go though (and I will, hopefully this Summer); thank you. I'm moved at the retelling of a story too often seen and told but not often heard and told well. I feel sorry for the fellows; one day they may realize how much agonizing they've caused and I'm sure they won't be very pleased with themselves. I thank you again, this time for reminding me to keep a steady eye on myself; I hope and pray that when, one day, I've grown beyond my roots that I will not have forgotten them. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	silverxraven in AZ on vacation says: Another amazing shot from this wonderful place! My trip there in awe, will have to return someday! I totally agree with you about people that are so inconsiderate. When I was there I was entertained by another tour group. The guide was giving photography tips to one person. Right after being told what would not work, he would point his camera and do exactly what the guide said wouldn't work, he did that every time! You are right about the stress to get as many photos, though I guess after a while the beauty of the place makes one forget about it. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	kaverkev says: I love and hate your story all at the same time. This is one of the main reasons why I have been to Antalope Canyon many times but have not been back to it since they started charging to go into it. I sure hope I am not an Ugly. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Zeb Andrews says: Wow, thanks everyone. I am always flattered when others enjoy reading what I write as much as they do looking at the images I post. I enjoy writing what you read. ;-) Kance, you should go. The crowds are a bummer, but not a deterrent. Just do your research and be prepared. It is an amazing place worth seeing at least once. Whateverything, yes they do tend to be the exception, and a rare one thankfully. Most of the serious photographers (and not-so-serious ones) I bump into in places tend to be really nice and interesting characters, such as Thomas from the Czech Republic. Minuk, you are right, it is the photographer behind the camera rather than the camera itself. $2000 DSLRs in the right hands produce amazing images, but then again, so do wooden pinhole cameras... ;-) Kaverkev, I can only imagine how nice a place this was 15-20 years ago. My guide told me it only really started becoming super crowded in the last ten years and it is just getting busier. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	mlab78 says: Absolutely wonderful! Glad you were able to get 3 great shots (at least) given all the negativity you had to put up with. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	dan_photoman says: I am so envious of you for having the opportunity to visit this place, and if anyone can photograph this it's you! I love these shots! Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	rashundrayton says: My favorite from the set! Great lines and shape. Nicely composed as well. Awesome!!! Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Matt Abinante says: Wow, that is thoroughly amazing. With that light I would have probably bracketed a whole roll. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	*Oregongirl says: So glad you posted this one. It's truly breathtaking! I had to laugh as soon as I saw the title on this image... following our convo at Blue Moon on Saturday, I knew immediately what you were talking about. Crybaby Canyon... indeed. :-) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	LivingWilderness.com says: I'm glad you went, but really sorry to hear about your experiences. It sounds much, much worse than it used to be. And that's too bad. It really is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. They used to let you stay in the canyon all day and that made the difference for me in my opinion of it. It was busy years ago, though the dozens of photographers who showed up to capture that first major beam all worked with each other to make sure we all got the shot. Still, it felt like photographing a football game rather than a natural wonder. And then a miracle! As soon as the beams vanished, so did the photographers. In the late afternoon, the canyon is simply stunning. The spots that were bright yellow earlier faded to pastel red and violet. You could hear the wind. Occasionally, the wind would toss a pebble into the canyon from above and you could hear it playing a tune as it danced all the way down to the sandy floor. Hours later the guide finally came around to take us back to our cars. By then, it was just me and two European tourists (who did not bring cameras). He let me make one last exposure. I found some amazing swirl patterns near the bottom of one of the canyon walls. The light was so dim I needed an exposure of about 4 minutes with 100 speed film. The swirls were beautifully side lit and practically purple in the fading light. That was my favorite image. It's those beams, though, that paid for the trip. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Audrey's Dad says: Just amazing Zeb, I have seen MANY slot canyon shots, but this stunning image with the slender beam of light and the heavy shadowed recesses of the rock is one of the all time best. sorry the experience of being there wasn't as truly transcendent as this shot, but it's creation more than makes up for what you went through. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Dead Air says: My friend, your photography has blown me away so many times, but this may indeed take the cake. I can't say I've ever seen ANYTHING like this before. Masterful! Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	babasteve says: very very nice. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	stefano.brozzi says: "Photography etiquette 101 says that the early bird catches the worm." I'm taking note! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and pictures, both are inspirational. I'm gathering infos about pinhole cameras, I think I will contact you for some hint. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Elisabeth van der Bilt says: Featured on the “Film is not dead it just smells funny” web site. Hope you like it. Lizz Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	mcmillend says: stunning different take on the canyon, love the use of isolated light and color here. And the story is unbelievable that people act like that. I guess not that unbelievable, sadly.... Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	southpaw20 says: This is a great story...and it gets me mad and makes me laugh which is always great. This is an awesome shot too...probably better than what the crybabies got...hah! Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Wendi Andrews says: This really is amazing (although you are right that the print has a quality that the scan couldn't quite capture). The texture of the light beam looks like you could reach out and touch it, like a fine piece of silky ribbon. The subtle colors, the shadows, the light, the curves of the rock... sublime, Zeb. As far as "Crybaby Canyon", well those guys were pretty self centered and the number of people was frustrating, but it was still such an incredible place and there were a some lovely, quiet moments away from the crowds. And I adored our guide, what a great guy! Next time, whenever that may be, we will have to hit Lower Antelope Canyon. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Ted Rivera says: What an amazing shot! I'm sorry you had to put up with the rude people, they can really ruin everything. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Florie Gray says: This Photo is OUTSTANDING! Please consider adding it to the PERSONAL BEST group! Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	the_wolf_brigade says: I guess this is where pinhole comes into it's own. I loved the pinhole shot you posted a while back, and remember you mentioning that the long exposure for the pinhole meant that people passing through didn't register.... -- Seen on smellsfunny.net (?) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	sergeant says: Next time try Lower Antelope. Less crowded, requires a bit scrambling down the ladder -- so many of your fellow photographers will avoid it, less expensive off season and, in my opinion, equally attractive. Not as deep and dark as Upper Antelope. I had no problems with photography there in May, using RB67 on tripod. Upper Antelope is packed by tours and time is limited, so people are not as nice as they could be. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Zeb Andrews says: Thanks for the tip sergeant. Yeah, we thought about Lower Antelope as well, but were running short of daylight by then. Next time I plan on seeing the lower canyon first. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	rasone says: This whole series is awesome. I can't even decide which is my favorite :) I ran into some of these photographer types out at the tulip fields a few weeks ago. The guy was photographing in the opposite direction from me and as I started down a row of tulips I hear "Hold up" and he started shooting. I just appeased him, but I was thinking to myself that he was pretty arrogant... Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Myles Smith says: LOL..just read your rant! Loved it. You are a nicer man than me (but i guess i do have a 40D which i guess makes me an asshole anyway!?! LOL), i would have ended up shovin my tripod in the ear of all three of them... Here's hoping they are flickerites and have read this...maybe, just maybe their beaviour will improve in future after your slapping of wrists. I've only ever bumped into one other photographer while being out and about.. I ended up talking to him (well, her, Sarah, after the sex change) for about an hour..he/she had been a pro for 35 years... Anycheese, i guess i've never tried to go to a popular place to take shots. It sounds like my idea of hell. I'm so glad you have managed to take some great shots to make up for it. This one is my fave... Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	jahdakine says: Zeb meets the southwest! Need I say more? Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	_ shootpics says: Wow ! Great shot, love the light beam. Sorry you had such a bad experience. It is a shame there has to be one in every crowd.... or in this case three. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Ar'alani says: I can see why this one is your favorite. Of the three, I definitely agree. Antelope Canyon sure looks like an other-worldly place! Too bad people have to taint it by taking it upon themselves to be so stupidly self-righteous. You should get a bigger camera. Maybe they'd get out of your way. roll eyes Idiots. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	jer williams says: Fantastic capture of light Zeb. Next time let the crybabies whine and mop up their own tears....they need to have some R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	wabberjocky says: Stunning Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	[anacani.carrera]photography says: speechless. :] Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Rob.Hudson says: Great to see such a beautiful shot of such an often repeated subject. I was really bored of seeing this place, but you've lifted some fab colours (almost metallic) and the abstractness suits it perfectly. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	chris10eyck says: Absolutely amazing shot. I love it. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	.noob says: i have seen a 1000 shots of the canyons... this one would rank high on my list. Stunning and your commentary is enjoyable. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	chaybert says: Nice Zeb...I like this one best too..I found when I was there most people were really nice about waiting for you to finish an exposure and working aroudn moving in and out of shots..i.t went smooth..I just realized that the hour and a half we had in the canyon felt a whole lot more like 40 minutes...if that. Time has a funny way of shrinking in there...I think it's intentional. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	carolyn_in_oregon says: the light is perfection Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Immortal Thrill-Seeker says: Awesome! Beautiful lighting! I've seen pictures of this place and have wanted to go ever since. Looks like you had a great time. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Lollygagging says: Ty for sharing the story Zeb. I always learn from you :-) This photo is absolutely stunning, the mood, the light, the texture makes me want to be there. Thank you for all that you do and then sharing it with us! :-) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Today is a good day says: Great shot Shame about the story - they are a small minortity though (that goodness) -- Seen on your photo stream. (?) Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	SeekingFocus says: Holy god, man- THAT LIGHT! It's amazing. Very well seen and carried out. Posted 3 months ago. ( permalink )
	Pater JPM says: After reading the story: great title, and love the light! Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )
	jasontheaker says: "Us humans have an equally amazing ability to muck it all up" yep i tend to sadly agree with you there... Regarding grumpy photographers...i think it’s a mixture of middle age insecurities and pure selfishness. Ho yes the famous shot bagging of the Canyon doesn’t help. I've often wondered how busy it must be in there. You see so many shots of it and its such a confined space... sadly the world is getting smaller and such beautiful places are falling victim to their own susses. They are also becoming cliché (sorry Zeb its not a dig at you just an observation) I'm not sure id like to shoot there because of the reasons you have mentioned but more importantly because its been done so many times before. That’s just a me thing and not a reflection on your desire to shoot there. I bet it would be a great place to be on your own at dawn or dusk. Part of what makes taking shots of beautiful places for me is the tranquillity you get (absence of people) at dawn or out there in the wild. People do indeed tend to selfishly destroy things (litter, noise, lack of respect for the environment). Anyway i must get on with some work......take it easy Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )
	chughtai says: exceptional capture! Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )
	John Grey says: I think the light in this is amazing - a great example of what can be done with a pinhole camera. On the grumpy photographers, I witnessed a similar scene in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam - People who obviously thought of themselves as serious photographers elbowing 'normal tourists' (taking pictures of each other in front of the paintings) out of the way to take pictures of the famous Rembrandt paintings. I used to think it was a bit unreasonable that galleries in the UK don't normally allow photos - now I'm not so sure. Posted 2 months ago. ( permalink )
	LeszekZadlo says: Hi, I'm an admin for a group called 100 + Viewed Best of Geology (Add 1, Award 1), and we'd love to have this added to the group! Posted 5 weeks ago. ( permalink )