Kanab Utah – A Photographer’s Dream!

Milky Way Over the Grand Canyon Toroweep

I grew up in the Midwest – Iowa to be exact.  I learned to enjoy the outdoors from a young age and my favorite childhood experiences were those memorable family vacations out to the Western US.  I fell in love with the mountains, deserts, and wild landscapes. One summer evening when I was 10-years old,…

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The Wave: Maximizing Your Chances to Win Permits

The Wave in Arizona - Action Photo Tours & Workshops

Winning a permit to the iconic Wave is not easy but it’s well worth the effort to get out there.  It’s one of our favorite places to photograph in the Southwest and certainly qualifies as a bucket list experience! According to data obtained from the Bureau of Land Management, 200,589 people applied for wave permits…

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Coyote Buttes South: Alternative to The Wave

Coyote Buttes South - Action Photo Tours & Workshops

Coyote Buttes North may get all the love because it holds the famous Wave formation, but there is another nearby area that has just as fascinating formations and is much easier to get permits for. As you probably know, getting permits to Coyote Buttes North requires a lot of luck and patience. While Coyote Buttes…

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Long Exposure Noise Reduction

Long Exposure Noise Reduction Capitol Reef Milky Way

Long Exposure Noise Reduction is a feature we talk a lot about on our night shooting workshops. Most photographers don’t have a clear idea what this function does or why it is necessary. In this article, we’ll explain what is Long Exposure Noise Reduction (LENR), when and where you should use it, and then compare…

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Photographing Slot Canyons

The Subway at Night Zion Slot Canyon Photography

What comes to mind when you think of slot canyons?  If you’re like most people, you’ll envision that perfect beam of light coming down into Antelope Canyon. But most people don’t realize that slot canyons come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are mossy green and verdant.  Others boast bold, colorful stripes in…

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Alstrom Point

Alstrom Point Lake Powell

When the clouds and light work together, it can be pure magic out at Alstrom Point – a remote overlook high over Lake Powell. I’ve had great luck every time I’ve been out there. Even when skies have been clear everywhere else, clouds like to congregate around here! Even though I have many great images…

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South Coyote Buttes

South Coyote Buttes Witches Hat

South Coyote Buttes is a fascinating area to photograph. The shot above is a feature often called the Witch’s Hat. I climbed up a little butte to find some nice foreground fins. South Coyote Buttes is often overlooked since it lacks many of the “iconic” spots like The Wave in North Coyote Buttes. However, if…

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White Pocket

Colorful Sunset at White Pocket

White Pocket is one of my favorite places in the desert southwest. Photographic possibilities are endless and great shots can be obtained in virtually all weather conditions. It’s famous for its large expanses of white brainrock, colorful swirls, and intricate cross-bedding. Many theories abound on how White Pocket was formed, but nobody really knows for…

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The Subway in Autumn

David Swindler at The Subway in Autumn Zion - Action Photo Tours & Workshops

The Subway in Zion National Park ranks as one of the best hikes in the world. If you have the skill, the right gear, and the physical ability, descending the Subway from the top is highly recommended. Swimming is often required on this route and the water is cold so you’ll want a wetsuit. However, you…

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Mystery Canyon

Mystery Canyon

Mystery Canyon in Zion National Park is a really fun adventure. It features a nice selection of both short and long rappels and isn’t very technical. The scenery is constantly changing as you work your way down. If you go during the fall season (early Nov), then you’ll be treated to eye-catching foliage color. Watch…

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