Crybaby Canyon
To take full advantage of Flickr, you should use a JavaScript-enabled browser and
install the latest version of the Macromedia Flash Player .
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
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
)
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
)
this is just lovely.
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
oh so organic! love the play of light and
deep shadows, especially in the lower portion
of the frame
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
superamazing!
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
Now that is nice!
Hope the weekend was fun, and you got good
shots of Snoqualime Falls.
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
awesome photo ! and really interesting story.
i really don't look forward to running into
such characters.
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
My favorite from the set! Great lines and
shape. Nicely composed as well. Awesome!!!
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
Wow, that is thoroughly amazing. With that
light I would have probably bracketed a whole
roll.
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
very very nice.
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
"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
)
Featured on the “Film is not dead it just smells funny ” web site.
Hope you like it.
Lizz
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
This Photo is OUTSTANDING!
Please consider adding it to the PERSONAL BEST group!
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
Zeb meets the southwest! Need I say more?
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
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
)
Stunning
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
speechless.
:]
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
Absolutely amazing shot. I love it.
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
the light is perfection
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
Great shot
Shame about the story - they are a small
minortity though (that goodness)
--
Seen on your photo stream. (? )
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
Holy god, man- THAT LIGHT! It's amazing. Very
well seen and carried out.
Posted 3 months ago.
( permalink
)
After reading the story: great title, and
love the light!
Posted 2 months ago.
( permalink
)
"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
)
exceptional capture!
Posted 2 months ago.
( permalink
)
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
)
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
)
Would you like to comment?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).
This photo also belongs to: