Photo Tips for the Canyon

1: Remember you’re in a canyon and your number one goal is to make it home to share your experience. I know some of the best vantage points can be near the lip of the rappel. If you’re going to be near the edge clip in or build another anchor system just for the photographer. Safety, Safety, Safety! Remember, your camera probably weighs more then a rock, "Clip it in" also.

2: One of the most important aspects of creating great photographs is KNOWING your camera. No matter if it is an old Pentax K100 or a new Canon Mark IIs digital camera if you don't know how to control it you'll have to rely on luck to get that memorable moment on film or disk. Men, grab that instruction manual and read it or ask your wife or girlfriend how to use the camera; they probably read that manual before loading the first roll of film.

3: Having a tripod can be very useful, however that added weight can make an already heavy pack that much harder on you. Leave that tripod at home. My suggestion, use that pack as a tripod. Lay the pack down then take a jacket or fleece and create a nice base to set the camera on. Use the timer setting on your camera to minimize any shaking that may occur while depressing the shutter. Most cameras have a timer setting. Great thing about this tip is it allows you to be in the photo as well!

4: If you’re tired of people asking you what canyoneering is use that camera to tell the story. Remember not every image has to have a face in it or show the entire waterfall at once. Photograph your buddy’s hands as he grips the break line or the water gliding over his boots. Use the rappel line to lead your eyes into your buddy’s huge smile. Create 10 images to show your non-canyoneering friends just what type of adventure you had this weekend.

5: Use a faster shutter speed to stop all the action. If you can adjust the shutter on your camera great, if you can't here’s a little trick- if your camera has an icon that looks like a running figure switch it to that. The camera will automatically use the fastest shutter it can.

6: If you’re in a slot canyon or a low light situation use a higher speed film (higher speed film will look grainey) Most SLR digital cameras will allow you to adjust your ISO. If you can't adjust it remember tip #3.
You may need to use this tip and #3 together to get that awesome image.

7: Learn from your mistakes, you never know when that mistake you made last time will allow you to create an image that has punch. Bring along a little notepad to keep notes. This is also a great idea for remembering the canyon itself. Did that old tree anchor fall down or is that bolt missing? Write it down and share it around.

8: Remember tip #1, we all want to hear the story out of your mouth as well as see the images. We don't want to see your face plastered on the front page of the news paper. Okay, here is another tip, a contradiction to #5. Sometimes, a slow shutter speed can add more drama to that image. To do this adjust the f-stop to the smallest opening and then lower that shutter speed to get a correct exposure. If you can't adjust these on your camera look for the icon that looks like a mountain peak. Select that and the camera will adjust for you.

9: Unless your canyoneering partner has a great butt people will get tired quickly of the BUTT shot. Move to the side of the canyon to take your photo. Look for a spot to elevate your view point and wait for the right moment. If your camera is water proof (not water resistant) get into that pool and let the water fill half the screen. Again remember safety first. Submersing yourself in the pool for to long can cause you to loose core body heat. Be smart!

10: If you’re serious about taking great images in canyons or any place else, take a class or hit a seminar on photography. With digital technologies today you can receive instant feed back from instructors

11: And last submit those photos to canyonmag.com we want to see them all, the good the great and the ugly

Story by: James Halfacre