Charlie Moore is a photographer, and a good one, too. For a number of years he also owned and operated Overland Canyon Tours in Page, Arizona. He was the only outfitter to offer photography tours of an amazing slot canyon called, simply, Canyon X. For many reasons Charlie was the outfitter I chose when I wanted to give my workshop students a very special slot canyon experience. In December, 2014, Charlie turned in his permit to guide into Canyon X, and it’s hard to imaging that it will ever be the same. I’ll miss him. Canyon X lies upstream on Antelope Creek from its two more well-known siblings, Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Not far inside the upstream entrance is an overhead view toward the rim far above. The striations of sandstone spiraling from floor to ceiling are some of the most sensual lines in nature. In the early light the depths of the canyon reflect a deep purple-blue, while the rim light shines orange and golden: a warm-cool tonal contrast that strikes the eye with beauty. Compositionally, it was a matter of establishing the relationships of the lines with the light as it produced its tonal tricks and with each other as they swirled and turned. A focal length of 33mm – technically wide-angle – was needed to capture to scene I envisioned. An aperture of f/11 gave depth-of-field, and a shutter speed of 120 seconds (2 minutes on “Bulb”) at ISO 100 gave a somewhat darker-than-medium overall exposure. Here’s to you, Charlie, for the good times.
What an awesome place to be! That must have been very humbling. Another uplifting image. There are millions of lines playing well together and all seem to end up going toward the light. A beautiful example of the relationships between the lines, forms and light.
Love that you use the cool blues to make the warm copper colors that much more intense. great diagonal line in the composition.
Wow! What an incredible place.
Good evening Everyone. Thank you all for joining me in this conversation. Perhaps my note about Charlie Moore was more personal than folks cared to respond to, but I felt like an era had passed and I wanted to remark its passing. Slot canyons are truly awesome creations of the natural world, and Canyon X is the most magical of the ones I’ve seen. Nancy T., I very much appreciate your thoughts on this Image as an uplifting one. I agree completely. Being in the depths of this canyon is a humbling experience, indeed, and to look overhead and see the light enter is more than merely uplifting, it is downright spiritual. I can easily understand why our ancient ancestors were awestruck when they were in these places. The elements you have mentioned were clearly in my consciousness as I stood there, and all I could think about was figuring out some approach to connect them in some artful way. Michael, I knew you would appreciate the warm-cool tonal contrasts as much as I did, and the great diagonal running through the scene was so present to me that I am really glad you mention it. Thanks, as always, for your incisive observations. Michelle, you echo my exact words. As I stood there in those depths, I felt so very small. It was a wonderful connection with life. It was incredible. Than you, all, again for joining me and for your thoughtful comments.