The Sad Truth Behind Taking This Picture

[@lisahill7325]

As an Aussie who shoots in the middle of the desert with not another person in sight, watching you at antelope canyon gave me anxiety lol

[@FStoppers]

Us too

[@nordic5490]

Lisa Hill also as an Ozzie, been everywhere in the NT, yup me too. Mostly have to watchout for crazy roos after dark.

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

For me living in India near western ghats, where do have similar canyons(Sandhan valley) looking at crowd was anxious and as a mountaineer that crowd is a big no go for me.

[@lisahill7325]

Michael Mano now you have me thinking!

[@mibreit-photo]

So true, I loved Australia. Even at the coast I was alone most of the time.. As long as you don't get too close to the Great Ocean road ;-)

[@JulesFerlatte]

Well I did learn something with this video, do NOT go to those tourist place to take photos, instead try to find places not so touristy.

[@joshm5499]

I feel like this should become a serious rule taken seriously during the Instagram age. Kind of like how urban explorers don't tell people where abandoned structures are located. Helps keep everything preserved. @@Andrew19ao

[@DylanKJohnson]

I would highly recommend visiting Upper Antelope Canyon during the off-season. I went this past December and there was 1 other photographer with me, and maybe 10-15 people in the canyon at any one time with us. Another place I would HIGHLY recommend is the Canyon X tour. It was cheaper, lasted about 3-4 HOURS (as apposed to about 60-75 minutes at Upper Antelope), there was literally only 1 other person besides myself, my wife and the tour guide for the entire tour, and we visited 3 different canyons. I will admit it wasn't as beautiful as Upper Antelope, but very similar.

[@nuuya]

@8:10 this part of the monument valley is actually in Arizona. The unpaved road through the valley is also located in Arizona. Just my two cents ;)

[@simplynasuri4819]

I'm glad I've got some access to parts around the southwest, as a native growing up there. Not having to go with the tourists to sight seen an take pics.

[@danielshepherd7306]

You should come to Australia. We have beautiful landscapes and coastlines and with no crowds!

[@nicolasbertin8552]

I agree. Tasmania could (should ?) be the location for an entire tutorial.

[@_xch12i5_6]

I can also recommend Australia. Great country and nice people. Each visit was it worth spending 20+ in a plane with nearly zero leg-room.

[@michaelmano7261]

I wouldn't say no crowds. Nothing compared to that but sometimes I find if the location is documented on someones blog it can be busy on weekends. and Tassie is on my wish list! same as great ocean road!

[@danielshepherd7306]

I grew up in Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu peninsula, and I could go out almost any sunset and get photos of stunning geological features, wineries, landscapes, seascapes... many locations and lookouts with not another sole in sight! Just avoid public holidays.

[@MatthewSaville]

Australia does not have the soaring glaciated peaks of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, etc, though. There are plenty of places in the US that are absolutely void of other human beings, you just have to be willing to work to get to them.

[@GRAINTV]

I shot in Canyon X, it slightly further south and is private and family owned. I was 1 of 6 people and I paid less than these big omercial tours. If anyone is planning to visit Paige, AZ to check out the slot canyons, I highly recommend Antelope Canyon X.

[@ChristineWaters]

I think this is my favorite video, thus far. That heartbreaking moment when you turn around to show the parking lot at Monument Valley, as well as the tourist stampede that was Antelope Canyon, reminds me of the severe disappointment I experienced in Giza while visiting the Pyramids. I turned my attention to excavations near the Nile, where 4 feet of trash was exhumed, and found an intriguing but equally depressing story there. The world is getting to be so small, and I am thankful for FStoppers showing both the unseen places that Elias finds and these, the crowded, overdone ones that need a bit of a break.

[@mykenry]

I went there in December 2017 and did the lower canyon with Ken's tours. I showed up in the morning without a reservation and was the only person on the photo tour in that time slot. It was absolutely amazing and had a great conversation with the guide who was also a photographer. I would not hesitate to go back in a heartbeat. That said, there are tons of slot canyons in Utah in the Escalante/Grand Staircase National Monument that are just as beautiful. Highly recommend going out there on a Sunday. The Alltrails app won't let you down, either.

[@dalerobinson8456]

I went to Antelope Canyon 12 years ago, a third of the people but the same experience. Riding in the back of pickup trucks, guides pushing people thru, throwing dirt in the air, and dust everywhere don't switch lenses or your sensor will never be clean again.

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

So funny that one guys. I've done the Antelope Canyon photography trip (in 2011) and really enjoyed it. It was kinda hectic but nowhere as crowded as what you guys had to experience. I got some great pictures from it and the satisfaction that I could produce something just as good as Peter Lik although sadly can't sell for the same price. Great entertainment!

[@stephanieperlowski8102]

I went and didn't do the tour only had 5-10 people stayed at the back and had all the time to myself to shoot..No tripod... turned out great, used my friends shoulder and the rocks for stability.. Loved it

[@isaacazulay]

amazing video!! 8:24 loved how the foreground is on shadows and the canyon is getting hit with sun light!

[@mark.koval30]

So cool! It's my dream to get these shots, by the way can I buy the photo tour online as a reservation? And if I buy the photo tour will I be able to get the shot? Thank you!

[@Neopulse00]

I thoroughly enjoy watching these videos of you guys.

[@martinroeeidhammer9108]

Wow! Interesting to see behind the scene of those iconic photos you see everywhere.

[@joakimolsson1024]

"I like the Tamron because it let's you get so close" as opposed to all other 70-200mm lenses...

[@band1tt]

actually a 70-200 is far from copies of each other, not even the zoom factor are the same from the different brands. Google it :-)

[@joakimolsson1024]

@@band1tt sure but the difference is usually minor.

[@band1tt]

Check out Northrup’s video on it, it actually is significant, like the difference between 200 vs 300.

[@joakimolsson1024]

@@band1tt yes but that big difference are in specific cases. But yas the Tamron is actually shorter than let's say Canon, but the focus breathing only happens when focusing close.

[@jillianclayton1192]

Go to Antelope in the summer - yes it's 180 degrees outside but guaranteed no huge crowds. Monsoon season is great for the storm pix, but go on a mostly sunny day. Slot canyons tend to flood unexpectedly, though. Bring lots of water. Sometimes one must suffer for their art.

[@codysphoto]

I did this exact trip a few years ago and luckily it was way less crowded back then, I cant even imagine how much of a pain in the ass it would be to do today.

[@SlowToe]

Sad really. Why don't they just take your cameras, get the shot and hand them back altogether. Better still just give you a postcard.

[@danielshepherd7306]

🤣

[@misaalanshori]

Why not just give a download link?

[@Luudite]

Brian beat me to it. Some of the guides are far too hands on for my liking

[@RexusKing]

More money

[@NateBittinger]

Can confirm they actually do will take your camera and start shooting. Saw it happen last year

[@AutismFamilyChannel]

When I went there I experienced the exact same. It was like being on a crowded movie set. Sure the set is beautiful but all the magic is gone when you see “behind the scenes.”

[@WilliamBurdine]

What a Great Video, the reality behind. I love that so many people want to witness things first hand, however when the crowds are that nuts.... it totally takes away from the magic. Thanks for the highlights!

[@garyroach2000]

Antelope Canyon has been on my bucket list for a long time. One of the things I love about outdoor photography is getting away from cities and people. If I can't go to Antelope Canyon without the crowds, I won't go. Sad reality.

[@jeremyude]

Your photos and videos are incredible 😍

[@deanhenthorn8674]

Love the honesty in this video. That's exactly the way shoots go sometimes. I would want to hang out and shoot with you guys sometime. Funny stuff...

[@mikecastles]

Thank you for sharing (showing) just how frustrating some locations can be - really enjoyed this one. Keep it coming guys!!

[@nathanweisser]

That's not actually the only way. You can kayak or boat into it from Lake Powell. We did that recently, because the tours were closed. It's not busy at all, either

[@Area319Photography]

Great explanation of Antelope Canyon photography experience. I went on a cold, cloudy December morning & was only one in my “pro photographer” tour; but yeah it can be a little like rush hour in there.

[@eduardocervantes8231]

I read about this and hoped for the best. I got in on the very first photography tour and only had 6 people to our group. The morning crowds were nothing like you experienced but it still felt somewhat rushed. I did like the fact that regular tourists were held back from our views when taking shots. This was June timeframe a few years ago.

[@marvamaretto]

Seriously the most amazing behind the scenes... I am also impressed on how they can time each person to get the shot in under 60 seconds. I'm also wondering how the fujifilm camera held up? I am thinking of getting one. Any thoughts?

[@TL-xw6fh]

Go get a full frame Sony/Nikon/Canon. Tony Northrup says so. Lol

[@tdawg719]

I think it was 60 seconds period that all the photographers got at once

[@nicolasbertin8552]

I remember driving towards Monument Valley while listening to Kyuss. That's how everyone should experience it.

[@MatthewSaville]

I'm partial to Nicholas Gunn - The Sacred Fire, when it comes to Monument Valley driving. Absolutely magical!

[@bthemedia]

7:38 Tamron lens focus vs zoom - that is the same on older Tamron lenses. Only diff from Canon is the direction of turning the rings (opposite)

[@moggie100th]

Thanks for sharing - this video as well as others, shows how hard it can be to get great shots - many of these magnificent areas are not off the side of the road. If you are going, plan carefully and research the area. The pre-planning will be totally worth the effort. I did the Antelope Canyon years ago; there were not as many people as in this video and it was still crazy!

[@martinorozcoph]

Awesome work guys!!! This series are so much fun 😁

[@davekelly8168]

Excellent, could watch you guys all day..

[@briefcasemanx]

secret lizard friend at 2:24 right after Stiffler pans the camera to Elia

[@ktheconman]

well, it waaaas a secret... :P

[@chucktoussieng6139]

+2 for the spot. +3 for "Stiffler." Thank you.

[@jarrodames139]

You have to visit in the winter off season. No light rays but no crowds either

[@Greggybread]

My absolute favourite f stoppers content.

[@Hexapoda.Resident]

Can I ask how the "Tour" can own a canyon like that are that private land and is that natural creation owned by a company?

[@gregurquhart1458]

Maybe on the Go Pro the wind was interfering with the sound?u know kinda like putting a wind sock on a microphone? I did this 20 years ago and it was I thought crowded then I can’t even imagine what it’s like now, kudos to you guys for your patience and dedication

[@JasonFiske]

I also did the antelope canyon tour. Another point not mentioned in this video is that the canyon is right next to a power station. We thought we were in the wrong place. That said, the canyon is interesting in that it photographs incredibly well. It has just the right range of light so that almost any photograph turns out to be mystical. It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo. We went on the off season in March and the crowds were nowhere near as bad as these. We also did Ken’s Tours and it was very dignified compared to what was depicted in this video.

[@twuuwttwu]

you're right, most of the shots i got were really good! I just struggled a little with setting the white balance in post.

[@rasphotography]

Honestly, I was looking at the chimneys in the background when they were recording the intro, and it looked like a potentially more interesting shot...

[@jillianclayton1192]

Additional note - for a landscape photographer, the Western Navajo country provides some of the world's most beautiful scenery, but you can't just go there yourself, you need a guide because you can seriously get lost. We went with some Dineh friends out into the backcountry south of Glen Canyon, had to park 3 miles in and hike another two miles to get to one of the most beautiful castle-looking rock formations I've ever seen at sunset -- along with a narrow creek that literally turned deep purple and teal at twilight. We went in early March and with people who knew the area really well. The roads into these areas are tough and they change every time it rains, but it's an experience you remember forever.

[@tysanborn554]

I could watch these all day long!!!

[@antoniojperezcastro5013]

because it is an internal focusing lens. It is the usual design, for tamron, nikon and most manufacturers, the internal focusing lenses do focus with a ring close to the body

[@tokyoinpics9346]

Glad I saw this video! I certainly don’t want to there. Thanks FStoppers :)

[@lq1044]

Back in 1996 Monument Valley didn't look like this at all. I came back to MV after 22 years and was totally surprise (2018). The 4 miles road to MV is now paved instead of gravel. The parking lot was just red dirt. The modern visitor building/restaurant replaced a row of worn down wooden stands that local people used to sell their handcrafted souvenirs. There were a couple of make shift light poles by those stands that gave some light to the entire parking lot. There were some portable toilets on the opposite end across the parking lot. The dirt road down in the valley was less than half wide and full of soft sand. The only people there were photographers, NO tourists. Now they are busing in tourists. There was no private 4x4 tours down in the valley. Photographers drive down there at their own risk. My little rental Geo Metro got stuck in the soft sand and a couple of passerby photographers jumped on the hood to give it more weight for me to get out. I, liked the other photographers, spent the night in the parking lot sleeping in our cars waiting the sunrise shots. What a big change to MV.

[@davidc1635]

Thanks for the reality check. The world needs more behind-the-scenes videos like this.

[@cjeff77]

I went to Upper Antelope last year with a different group to what you guys went with. I paid also for the rattlesnake canyon tour as well. It was in June last year, and was waaaay less rushed (heaps of people still though). Rattlesnake canyon was empty except for our photography group and a lot more time to enjoy it. I got a stack of photos, but haven't processed them all yet. One is on my profile on Fstoppers

[@LifeBeginsat50]

they had solo tours for photogs until 2017, you were in the canyon with 5 other photogs which was nice..

[@juancayala79]

Thanks, I was thinking about hitting up Antelope Canyon but seeing how they cram people into it and rush you through made me realize what a waste of money it would be.

[@baugo22]

Thank you about the truth about the tours. Too many people hype up the tour rather than sharing an honest experience.....

[@bradspiess6569]

I enjoyed the Lower Canyon experience much better, I paid about the same price for the Lower Canyon deluxe tour as I did for the Upper canyon "Photographic Tour". The big difference I found was on the upper canyon photographic tour you went from spot to spot and had 2 minutes to get the same shot that the other 9 photographers around you are also getting. With the Lower Canyon Deluxe tour there is supposed to be 6 photographers with one guide, I ended up with just 3 of us with one guide and I really got to take my sweet time in the canyon, photographing want called out to me ( admittedly without a tripod ). Sometimes the guide would ask me if I wanted my picture taken, or ask me for phone and shoot a particular composition for me to look at. It was much more relaxed and enjoyable for me then the Upper Canyon Tour. If I ever go back I will do the Deluxe Lower Canyon tour again.

[@venom5809]

I always wanted to go to that place, not so much anymore, it looks like total hell.

[@julietmagee7567]

Totally agree about Antelope Canyon - it was not what I was expecting. Monument Valley however was awesome especially if you drive around the circuit. Had the place to ourselves most of the day ( early Jan). This place alone was worth the trip from Western Australia.

[@RunGSD]

Wow antelope canyon was high on my list but that's just depressing.

[@nichtsofit6297]

Kev B Nearby there’s Waterhole Canyon, me and a friend were the last people for the day and we had the whole Canyon for ourselves. The guide took us around, let us take our time take pictures and we had a nice chat

[@johnhanson5527]

Seriously goto the canyon in the spring or winter. No ones there. Don’t take this tour it’s shit. There’s another one that’s more organized and doesn’t charge extra or care about your cameras. I seriously enjoyed antelope. Got a lot of great shots and would recommend it.

[@FrostyDrums]

It is still well worth checking out. Regardless of crowds, it is absolutely stunning.

[@bobdmb]

there are also two antelope canyons. the guys were at upper ac, lower ac is longer and a walk / climb through instead of a single entry. that makes it possible for smaller groups. I much prefer lower ac. was there in august 2012 and had a small group, could easily get handheld shots without people. amazing experience!

[@hr3178]

@@johnhanson5527 Not entirely true. Went to lower antílope canyon (because the sun rays won't show in winter anyway) in late December a couple of years ago and the lines were far worse than on the pictures here. This is just a money making machine for the native Americans there. Don't get me wrong, the canyon is beautiful and I am glad that I visited. But I also already knew that taking photos would be a horrible experience, because I did a bit of research. So I figured I wouldn't even take my tripod and just enjoy the canyon as far as this is possible with the next group just behind you. Don't go there just to take photos. You will most probably not like the experience. You will not be able to take your time. Maybe a little further away from the holidays it will be better.

[@gqn2]

8:02 I hate it when there is a spec of dust/oil on the sensor. Must be a tough decision to leave it in the finished video.

[@leonardobaldenegrodiaz4503]

I recently discovered this video, since I was looking for images and some information about Peter Lik, so out of the blue, well not out of the blue, but looking for his video, I see that the experience they had on that occasion was the same as mine at the time we went to see the area. Something curious and I don't know if they mentioned it to you is that those who have an iPhone had to use a certain filter so that the photos would look better than with an Andriod phone and that was how my wife was an iPhone and I was an Android phone. Then the rush, the people pushing, the guides throwing sand so that we could capture the moment with the rays of light and in the end, although I was able to bring some photos that I thought were pretty but not spectacular, it was because most of they were made shooting towards the walls and towards the sky since it was impossible to shoot from the front by the people who crossed the area, needless to say that we did not pay for the photography tour. But in the end, the experience remains there and at least we didn't come out fooled, as a somewhat disappointed photographer.

[@grendelz]

I am going to all of these places in March. After seeing this, and other videos of the crowds, I have decided to skip antelope altogether. There are other slot canyons in the vicinity that are just as impressive and far less crowded. Beautiful work at monument valley by the way.

[@ronspeer]

The video is dated 12 November 2018. What part of the year did you actually do the tour? Something tells me that it was in March. Different times of the year may have bearing on the crowds of people. And 60 seconds to get the shot? I could probably do it although I would have to do it in a standing position. It would be easier I think due to my disability.

[@francoisdionne8394]

Really interesting! Thank you for the information, it saves us from having to travel for nothing and avoid disappointments

[@petera1033]

So much fun guys - cheers.

[@CollectiveMindz]

I did antelope canyon last May with a different tour company and honestly I felt like between photo locations we waited too long. We were in there for about 2 and a half hours. I do not regret the experience though. It was quite enjoyable.

[@AmyProctor]

If you go in winter it's much less crowded. I was able to get a ton of good shots, even though they're almost all shots that have been taken before. But at least I can say I went!

[@DimeRhyme]

What is the song that starts at 4:02?

[@rayfenio6396]

I drive past these canyons several times each year and always intend to stop but the parking lot is always so full indicating a crowd so I keep driving--- it is worse than I imagined. Thanks for the informative video.

[@RazorbackPT]

I wonder if one day none of the natural wonders of the world will be worth visiting because they'll all be crowded tourist traps.

[@obikenobi1906]

Yeah it s happening everywhere. Mass travel and publishers like lonely planet, frommers, tourism industry and apps like Trip advisor push numbers not sustainability. I travel a lot for work (globally) and now I don't bother going anywhere that is popular. When I do find somewhere nice I never post it or tell anyone otherwise in tens years will be chocka too. Sad.

[@jirky015]

@@obikenobi1906 I think it's fine to criticize these publications for over exposure. Should they help educate people about conversation, sure. But it's not their responsibility to control the amount of people that go and to blame them is unrealistic and foolish. It's up to the State and Federal Government since they control most of these protected lands. In the case of Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, Navajo Nation. The Peruvian gov. limits the number of people to enter Machu Pichu per day. I went there last year. It's a zoo. But it's still worth going.

[@gravityimage5]

Good to know, super cool info!

[@05glisedan]

Antelope Canyon seemed crazy. People waiting in line, as if they were getting on Space Mountain. Thanks for sharing. We plan to visit Antelope X. Hopefully, it's nothing like what you guys experienced. Thanks for sharing.

[@florianbeck4283]

I've been there once. Actually it was quite cool from my point of view. We weren't in a specific photo tour but had a guide that was really "photographers friendly". At that time it wasn't that crowded and we also had at least not that much time pressure.

[@stevemaloney7305]

Update: I visited Page AZ last week (Oct 18 2020) Antelope Canyon is closed (as is the Navajo Nation) due to Covid. Horseshoe Bend is open and the crowds @ the golden hour were acceptable. I got there an hour early, staked out my spot and was rewarded with a very nice image, (no one can get in front of your camera to spoil the shot)!

[@Sjester101]

It didn't used to be like this.! Only a decade ago you could go to Antelope Canyon and not have crowd nearly as bad as this, twenty years ago you could be there all by yourself. Unfortunately youtube, flikr, and instagram have made these amazing southwestern locations so popular that I no longer go to them. The last time I tried to shoot Mesa Arch there were easily 300 people on the other side of the camera! However, there are still some amazing places in the west to capture unique images, but you have to be willing to hike off the beaten path and do your best to never tell people where you took the shot.

[@myownirvana]

Yeah I just got back from a cross country trip last month where I finally got to see the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, etc. I agree dealing with the crowds sucked. My best shots came from wandering away from the big name sight although I did get some great shots of sunrise at the Grand Canyon. The trick was getting there at 4am and setting up along the canyon rim trail instead of the overlooks. The only thing I saw before sunrise was a deer.

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

Y'all are so inspiring!

[@kenkelchtermans6476]

nice the lizard running down on 2:25 when is taking a photo :D

[@ynsam]

Absolutely loved it. It's shows today's truth!!!

[@perx098]

this was fun to watch. Keep it up!

[@TropicalDepression138]

Did you do the parking lot photo from the Views Hotel? @Fstoppers

[@YoSpiff]

I had figured this was the case, since every photo I see of antelope canyon is from an identical perspective. I won't be going there. Thanks for showing me this.

[@ThomasPrettyman01]

Thanks for saving me the time of ever going to Antelope Canyon.

[@jeremyude]

This is so sad... Had a similar experience in Iceland. Touritsts everywhere and there are like queues in front of landmarks with many people trying to get the same shot... It's so sad

[@jonathanperkins4154]

I've been there and it was not as bad as this. That said the way you can get amazing shots and have the place to your self is to go to different (less known) slot canyons, go in the morning (though the best light coming straight down is around noon) OR you can buy out the whole tour time or buy a private tour and "tip" the tour guides well to let you stay as long as you can. They usually have a limit of 10 people per tour and charge about $100 for a photo tour sooo you are looking at about $1,000.

[@mercuriallimit]

what's the music at 09:08????

[@Lunafilms12]

Great Video guys! Thanks for sharing

[@LakerTriangle]

So I was here about 3 years ago..My guide gave us plenty of time and we could walk forward or back as we wanted. They would hold back tours and we had whole sections to shoot any way we wanted. Much better guide than you had and no truck to get there.

[@imHaimirich]

Hi there, any suggestion about lens to take for the photography tour? Which focal lengh is better to avoid to change lens during the tour? I need to choose one between theese 2: 16 mm or 28-75 on my sony a. Thank you in advance, awesome video!

[@terrywbreedlove]

I was there last September. Walked up to buy a ticket and looked at the huge crowd gathering and left. Best photo decision I might have ever made.

[@qtben17]

Antelope canyon in arizona is very crowded, i agree that it is no fun to shoot with so many people and being hurried up with very little time to compose and take the ideal photo. Just came last month from mighty 5 in utah, i say that Grand Escalante has similar looking canyons and is far from the touristy crowd.

[@ryanwingfield3800]

Been there done it. It was amazing.

[@garycummins7226]

They stopped the photo tours right?

[@ekchuahstudios9066]

Good info, thanks.

[@francoisdionne8394]

Thank you very much !! you save me a lot of time and money !!! 🙄👍👍

[@JohnCBurzynski]

Loved this video!

[@RafiSrebro]

Go to antelope canyon x it is small but you can be almost alone.The same canyon great pictures.

[@soultrekcentral]

Awesome trip wish I could join :)

[@Janet_Airlines802]

I’ve always said that antelope canyon was on my bucket list. Not anymore, holy hell I couldn’t deal with all those people. 125 dollars ?! To walk into a slot canyon. Absolutely nuts.

[@dustylense]

LOL. I've been shooting 30 years. I went to this canyon back in 1997. I was the ONLY photographer in there and there were maybe 8 people total visiting the canyon. Back in the film days. Used Kodachome 25 35mm, and Fugi Velvia 4x5. Those were the days.

[@NewMoon57]

I have encountered this before. How about rotating the camera quick release tab 90 degrees and then tip the with the handle at a wierd angle. It worked for me when it was either take the shot this way on not get the vertical at all and that wan't an option. Well maybe "next time".

[@johncantrell614]

Wonder if the wind noise in front of the car was drowning out your voice when you were yelling at the GoPro to record?

[@limchunming4216]

Hahahaha...looking at three of u screaming at go pro xD it so funny !

[@Gary_E_Anderson]

Crazy! Would never pay for that experience. That's for sharing.