Your Guide to Taking National Park Photos

Choosing The Best Park

By type of photography

There are many different styles of National Park photography; landscape shots, wildlife photography, night skies, and more!

Choosing the style of photograph you want to focus on can be one way to choose the best park to visit. For example: You are more likely to see an American black bear at Yosemite National Park then you are at the Grand Canyon.

Some photographers like to decide the type of photos they are seeking out and then plan a trip accordingly. While others prefer to choose the park first.

By national park

Is there a National Park your family has been hoping to visit? Or perhaps there is something on your bucket list you’ve been dying to travel to. Whatever the scenario may be, many tourists will plan their photos and photo sites off of a specific park they are planning to visit.

By iconic location

The other way to choose the best place for National Park photos is by iconic location. There are a handful of places across the country that people automatically think of when they think of a National Park; these are places that some of the most gorgeous photos have been taken and shared with the world. These iconic areas are popular among tourists and photographers as we all want to see the beauty and try our hand at capturing it through our lens.

What are a few of these iconic locations?

Horseshoe Bend

In Glen Canyon National Park

The Arch

Arches National Park

Half Dome

Yosemite

Spires and Hills

Badlands National Park

Hoodoos

Bryce Canyon National Park

Massive Trees

Sequoia National Park

Spring Flowers

Mount Rainier National Park

Colorful Hotpots

Yellowstone National Park

Gear to Bring

There are several different things that require you to bring different gear:

• The weather

• The type of photos you plan to take

• The number of photos you plan to take

• The number of sites in which you plan to take photos

• And more!

If you purchase new gear before your trip, be sure to take the time to learn how it all works, play with it, and test it on a few photo trips before packing it on the trip. The last place you want to try and learn something new is in those few seconds of a sunset when you’re trying to capture the perfect shot.

You should know your gear like the back of your hand!

The following are a few items you’ll want to pack with you regardless of the aforementioned dependencies.

• A Tripod

  • Lightweight and easily packable.

  • Sturdy/reliable enough to place expensive equipment on and walk away from.

• Remote

• Weatherproofing

  • No matter what kind of weather you expect to have on your trip you’ll want to at least plan for water. Remember, it may not come from the clouds above, you may be visiting a waterfall and get wet, or perhaps the wind picks up near a river. 

Ensure you have a waterproof covering for your gear bag, and something to dry off lenses with.

• Backpack

  • The easiest way to carry your photography gear while in a National Park is via backpack. A backpack allows you to hike and walk at brisk paces without worrying about side bags or bouncing gear. 

There are several great companies that make outstanding backpacks for holding photography equipment. We highly recommend getting one that not only holds your gear but has a pocket or two for snacks, first aid, and water.

• Camera cleaning kit

  • Anytime you shoot outdoors you run the risk of getting debris on and around your camera. Bring along a camera cleaning kit to ensure you can clean things up and be ready to snap shots again ASAP.

10 Tips for Taking Photos of National Parks

1. Consider Seasons/Weather

Landscapes and nature scenes will look different depending on the time of year and the recent weather. Plan your shots according to the season and weather for the time-frame you’ll be at the park. Instead of that spring flower shot, you may be capturing more of a green background and bright sun.

You will also want to accommodate gear according to the season and weather. If the season may include a rain shower or other precipitation you’ll want to ensure you have waterproof cases for equipment that cannot get wet. In the hot summer months you’ll want to make sure you’ve got gear that can accomodate dust and heat! You’ll also want to consider how you want to carry the gear and if you should pack lighter on those extra heat wave days.

2. Look up Sunrise & Sunset Times Ahead of Schedule

Some of the best shots are taken before and during a sunrise and just before and during a sunset. It is helpful to have an idea of what times these occur in the area you are visiting so that you can get to the photo location in time.

There are apps that allow you to track these for several different locations and can come in handy when planning your trip.

• Sun Surveyor

  • Android & IOS

• Sunrise Companion

  • Android Only

Another app that may come in handy is one that helps you track the moon and stars. If you plan to take night photos on your National Park trip, you will want to plan a time to stay there that the moon is waning or there is a new moon; these times make it easier to get beautiful photos of the stars.

• The Photographer's Ephemeris

  • $9.99 IOS & $2.99 for Android

• PhotoPills

  • $9.99 for IOS

3. Sleep in the Park, or as close as possible

Some of the best shots are early morning, evening, and late at night. The easiest way to get these shots is to sleep inside the park or very nearby.

If you are staying in a hotel in the adjacent city you may not be around in the middle of the night for those starry photos, or up and in the park in time to catch a sunrise. Consider the type of photos you want to be able to take and plan your sleeping arrangements accordingly.

4. Research the type of shots you want to take

There are so many different types of photography! Even sub-categories within the nature aspect of a National Park.

Night Sky Photos

Gunnison national park - https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nightskies/photography.htm

Slot Canyon Shots

Secret Antelope Canyon - https://horseshoebendtours.com/antelope-canyon

Landscape Photography

https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/share-your-park/october-4-2019

Wildlife Photography

https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery-item.htm?pg=5046770&id=07E53D84-1DD8-B71B-0BD917E3894A9F89&gid=9A1CF622-1DD8-B71B-0B186131F9E0AD4D

Water Photos - waterfalls, rivers, etc.

https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery-item.htm?pg=841891&id=93cec478-3db6-4512-850f-ceac2c5516d9&gid=D46EE835-1DD8-B71B-0B6ECE170829F39F

Sport Photography - rock climbing, hiking, snow shoeing, etc.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbing.htm

Macro Photography

https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/gallery-item.htm?pg=841891&id=84d86a3a-3d28-4c80-ad1f-752116da4af3&gid=D55E6195-1DD8-B71B-0BF268341CA8D9CF

Take the time to research the types of shots you are wanting to take on your trip to the National Park ahead of time to ensure that you have the correct equipment, know-how, sleeping arrangements, availability, season, etc.

5. Check out areas near the park

Instead of taking on massive crowds inside the National Parks each day, try discovering places nearby.

For example:

Just outside of Page, Arizona, and not too far from the Grand Canyon is an amazing slot canyon called Secret Antelope Canyon where photographers can get shots of the waving rocks without all the crowds and bustle of a National Park.

6. Be Respectful

As a National Park photographer it is important to remember to respect the park. This means following the posted and published rules. If you can’t walk off the beaten path, don’t!

Respect the animals that live in the park; don’t invade their space, that is their home and you are the visitor. 

Respect fences/ropes; these are there for the safety of the park and the safety of its patrons. Don’t step over a rope or fence just because it would make for a perfect shot.

If you are going to sell your photos, be sure to pay for the correct license to do so.

7. Take a Hike 

A mistake many photographers make is setting up their shot right next to their car, or on the path everyone walks.

If you are allowed to explore through different areas of the park, then take a hike! Get away from the crowds, away from the cars, and into nature where you can get the best shots. 

This is one of the reasons you may choose to find a backpack style equipment case so that it is easy to hike through the park with the gear you need to get a great shot.

8. Deal with Weather

Don’t let the weather scare you off! Sometimes having weather in your shots make them even better.

Instead of being worried about the weather, properly prepare for the weather with the right gear:

• Weatherproof equipment bag

• Touchscreen gloves

• Warm clothing/ or cool clothing

• Dry cloths to clean up equipment

• Water! - stay hydrated in both the summer and the winter.

• An Umbrella

• Camera Cover

9. Avoid Holidays

To get the best photographs of National Parks you’ll want to avoid traveling there for the holidays. Holidays are a time when everyone heads to the parks and the crowds of people will make it difficult for you to get the shots you want.

Plan a time where the park is slow and allow yourself the elbow room and clean photos that come with it.

This concept goes hand in hand with #10, which is:

10. Don’t Rush

Remember that taking the perfect shot takes time. Don’t rush through the park get snapshots here and there, unless that is the type of trip you want to take. If you are visiting the park to get GOOD National Park photos, then take your time!

• Setup the Shot

  • Tripod

  • F stop

  • Shutter speed

  • ISO

  • Focus

  • Lighting

  • etc.

• Wait for Good Lighting

• Take a Few Shots

• Review Those Photos

• Make Adjustments as Necessary

• Take a Few More Shots

What did we learn?

We learned how to choose the best park for the types of pictures you want to take, all the gear you may want to consider bringing, and 10 fantastic tips for taking National Park photos. So what now?

Sounds like it is time to book a trip out to your favorite park and discover the beauty right here in our country.

Resources:

https://loadedlandscapes.com/photographing-national-parks/

https://visualwilderness.com/travel/tips-for-photographing-national-parks

5 Fun Day Trips From Page, AZ

We hope you like the outdoors because there are plenty of activities to do that will satisfy the adventurous heart just one hour away from Page, AZ. The great thing about day trips from Page is the scenic views Arizona has to offer on the drive. Don’t be intimidated by a long drive; the scenery will more than make up for it!

Try These Exciting Day Trips From Page, AZ

To help you plan your trip, we’ve got 5 fun, little day trips you can go on while you’re in the area. Why not stay a little and try them all?

1. Raft the Colorado River

For you rafting junkies, you’re going to want to take a day to explore the Colorado River. You can even go with a tour group and raft the river with the entire family. It’s best to go with a guide in order to be safe, not to mention, they know of all the best spots to splash around! 

Rafting is perfect for those hot days that you just need to cool off from the hot, desert sun. Arizona, as most know, can get uncomfortably hot, so there’s nothing more refreshing than rafting on the river with the cool water splashing you in the face. 

The best thing about rafting? 

All of the wonderful wildlife you get to see along the river. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, beavers, fish, elk, and other incredible wild critters. 

2. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Just over an hour away from Page, Arizona, and south of the Utah border lies the Vermilion Cliffs. These beautiful red rocks are perfect for family photos or just idyllic landscape photos. This national monument looks like a sea of red waves, made out of rock. 

Throw on some hiking boots, grab your hiking poles and explore these beautiful rocks. Don’t forget plenty of water and a good hearty lunch too! Keep in mind that some of the hikes in the area require a permit.

3. Houseboat on Lake Powell

This is a day trip the entire family can enjoy. Rent a little houseboat for the day and cruise around the beautiful Lake Powell. Enjoy cruising on the water, eating meals on the deck, and docking in some of the most beautiful, hidden places you’ll find. In fact, why not stay a few days and live on the boat? It has everything you need from a kitchen and bathroom to bedrooms for the entire family.

If a houseboat isn’t your thing, you can still cruise along the lake with a smaller rental boat, or even just rent a few jet skis for the family. This is a great way to explore the hidden caves and secret locales that only Lake Powell has to offer.

4. Picnic at Horseshoe Bend

Speaking of Lake Powell, if you’re in that area, you can’t leave without visiting the famous Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend is just nine miles away from Lake Powell and is extremely picturesque. This is a day trip you want to bring your good camera for.

This place is so beautiful, you’re going to want to stay awhile. So, pack a lunch or an early dinner to enjoy the sunset and enjoy what this marvel has to offer. And don’t forget your hiking boots for this day trip! There are some incredible hikes to go on that really capture the beauty of the red rocks.

5. Antelope Canyon

Last but not least, Antelope Canyon is a ‘must-do’ activity for a day trip from Page, AZ. If you’ve ever wanted to hike a slot canyon, this is the place to go. Dip down into the red rocks and explore the beautiful caverns of Antelope Canyon. You can even go on an Antelope Canyon Tour with a guide that will show you all the beautiful nooks and crannies of these rocks. 

Bon Voyage!

Whether you’re visiting our beautiful state or you’ve been living here for years and just haven't gotten around to doing all the exciting things this state has to offer, we hope you enjoy your day trips wherever you choose to go!

A Rich Place in Culture: Page Antelope Canyon Tours

Find Out Why You Should Book Page Antelope Canyon Tours

In the heart of Page, Arizona and within Antelope Canyon lies the most photographed and beautiful slot canyons in the world. If it’s not on your bucket list already – it should be. A

breathtaking sight to be seen, people from all around the world flock to explore historical curves and hollows, guided exclusively by natives through page antelope canyon tours. This small city, with a population of about 8,000, has not always been known for its narrow canyons, but it has become a tourist hotspot.

A Touch of History

Historically, Page, Arizona was a gathering place for workers who were constructing the Glen Canyon Dam and it wasn’t intended to last. Before the creation of the hydroelectric facility, part of the Colorado River Storage Project, American Indian artifacts were discovered among different sites during excavation. As a result of the dam, the nation lost precious history, rich in culture, to gain much-needed water storage and the byproduct was the red-rock oasis of Lake Powell.

Although Lake Powell was somewhat man-made it doesn’t take away from the beauty that lies within the sands and landscapes throughout this desert area – it only adds to the history of this unique location. Discover all this canyon has to offer and more by participating in a Page Antelope Canyon Tour because you will become exposed to some of the most spectacular views.

Furthermore, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, tell their own story of millennia-old sandstone formations and narrow slots conforming to the natural elements of occasional floods. Named primarily after the pronghorn antelope who once grazed in the area, you will be amazed at how much there is to uncover.

Connection to the Native People

Connect with the locals by engaging in a private Antelope Canyon Tour. The natives have specific names for the different regions, which include: Tsé bighánílíní, the Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon and when translated means “the place where water runs through rocks,” and Hazdistazí or Hasdestwazi, is the name used for Lower Antelope Canyon and translates to “spiral rock arches” in the English language.

Antelope Canyon, in general, is a spiritual and sacred place for the Navajo people. With one as your tour guide, you will learn how this popular tourist destination influences their culture and legacy of traditions. The natives believe this was a gift representing the passage of time and the belief in something greater than themselves.

Located on land belonging to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation, the natives bless the canyon, every four years, to offer up gratitude for the natural elements. Being true to their heritage, the Navajo people want to share this creation, as it can only be accessed by permit.

An Inspiration to Everyone

Not only is the Antelope Canyon gorgeous and full of wonder, but it is also divided into two different canyons – Upper and Lower. All who visit can draw inspiration from the warm-colored sandstone, as they see the incredible beams or shafts of direct sunlight, shining through the slots creating pure magic.

Regardless of the interests within your traveling party or if you select Upper Antelope Canyon Tours or Lower Antelope Canyon Tours – there is something to entertain everyone – from the

nature lovers, experienced hikers, history buffs, or amateur photographers – the unique parts of Arizona truly have so much to offer.

Upper Antelope Canyon is a popular destination for families and the one photographed most frequently. The entrance and entire length of the canyon is at ground level, making it easy for all sightseers. The infamous beams of light occur more frequently within this canyon.

Exploring Lower Antelope Canyon through Lower Antelope Canyon Tours, alternatively, is a bit more difficult due to the narrow base and shallow openings. Ideal for experienced hikers, this canyon is just a few miles away from Upper Antelope Canyon so be sure to visit both on your next adventure.

Page, AZ – a Central Hub

Page, Arizona has become a central location for most of the attractions in the Southwest. Page Antelope Canyon Tours is just one of the many must-see activities you can participate in.

With a wide variety of natural wonders being just miles apart or within a few hours, including Horseshoe Bend Outlook, Monument Valley, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, and Rainbow Bridge you can visit all or take your pick.

Whether you are planning a fun road trip with the family in tow to check out all of the national parks in Utah and surrounding states, or interested in hiking through striking slot canyons consider visiting Page, AZ. However, if you are looking for the quickest trip, consider the route from Horseshoe Bend to Antelope Canyon, as they are just a few miles apart and are both bucket-list worthy.

Uncover the endless possibilities in Page, Arizona by connecting to the culture and people through booking an eye-opening adventure – It’s one you won’t forget.

Book a Page, AZ Antelope Canyon Tour Today

Page AZ: The Place to Visit

When people think of Arizona, they’re likely to think of the Grand Canyon, but the state is known for so much more than that. Page, AZ specifically has numerous attractions that people have been coming to see for years. Even some of Arizona’s earliest inhabitants, such as the Hopi and Navajo, saw this as a particularly special area. With its unique formations and landscape, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled through time or to another planet. Page is just a few hours from places like Zion National Park and Lake Powell making it an easy addition to your trip. It’s easily accessible and will be a trip you and your family won’t soon forget. Come and explore this amazing place!

Antelope Slot Canyon Tours in Page, AZ

The Antelope Canyon System has taken millions of years to form along with the rest of the Colorado Plateau. Its history is fascinating and one-of-a-kind. It is composed primarily of beautifully shaped Navajo sandstone that, anciently, was loose grains and minerals. After millennia of intense pressure, mixed with erosion and the flow of water, the canyons have been transformed into the impressive rock we see today. Due to the softer composition of sandstone, the landscape changes faster than most. What you see one day can change in just a few short years. This expansive playground is a remarkable place ready to be explored by you and your family.

Just a short drive from the city of Page, antelope canyon guided tours are a unique experience available to all ages. Because of our unique location and ownership, we have exclusive access to some of the best canyons so you can avoid the crowds and rush of other areas of the Antelope Canyon system. Take your time and all the pictures you want with the help of our expert guides. They will ensure that your group travels safely and learns all about the area. Create memories with your family that won’t ever be forgotten with a tour of antelope canyon.

Horseshoe Bend Page, AZ

Horseshoe Bend is a popular place and sees close to 2 million tourists each year. While it may be beautiful, nobody wants to deal with the foot-traffic of large groups of tourists. Booking with us can save you time and stress. As previously mentioned, our location and ownership provide you with exclusive access to the Bend. Just a short drive from our office in Page will put you within walking distance of our private viewpoint. No rush or congestion, just your group, and an astonishing view.

Sunrise and sunset are the best viewing times and make for incredible pictures. The colors are striking and the landscape is beautiful. A family portrait here will leave neighbors and friends speechless. Horseshoe Bend tickets and tours are reasonably priced and fun for all. Its never been easier to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful places. This will be an experience your family and friends will always remember. This is more than a vacation, this is an adventure.

Other Amazing Sights

In addition to these special places, there’s a whole lot more to see. Only a few hours away lie some of the United States' most popular national parks. But even right here in Page, we have the incredible Lake Powell, one of the best places to get some sun and enjoy all your watersports. Still not your thing? Glen Canyon Dam is a perfect stop for the history buffs out there. This towering 710ft structure possesses a great history and is an impressive sight to see.

Whatever it is your looking for, we’ve got it here in Page, AZ. The rocks and water will entertain you for days, and the exquisite colors of the desert sunsets are the perfect touch to a romantic getaway. It’s our promise that our Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon guided tours will give you an experience unlike anything you’ve done before. Book with us today, you won’t regret it.

Book Your Antelope Slot canyons Tours Page, AZ Today!