Hi,
I'm planning a photo trip to Monument Valley and Sedona this September. I'd like to time it around the full moon but I need some advice from folks who've been there. I'm planning on doing a day long photo trip in Monument Valley and then probably another night camping on Hunt's Mesa. I'll spend three days in and around Sedona as well, maybe with a day thrown in for Canyon De Chelly. Given that the full moon is on Sept 15th, where do recommend I spend my time before or after the full moon? Are there any special scenes that are can't miss full moon rises in Sept from either the Momument Valley floor or Hunt's Mesa? I typically like the day before the full moon so the moon is already above the horizon at sunset. I've got a shot in mind at Sedona that I could take advantage of on the 14th, but I just don't know enough about Monument Valley to know which days around the September full moon are best up there. I'd appreciate your thoughts on when and where to be around the full moon in these areas.
I did a full moon tour in Monument Valley last September, the moonrise was spectacular. If you can do a single tour (I didn't, versus a group tour ) your opportunies will increase. I took the Gouldings tour though and it was really well worth it as they have it timed to the minute. I am planning to be there around that time if things work, shooting the "usual suspects" Antelope Canyon and MV.
May 14, 2008 at 02:36 PM
David Leask Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Thanks guys. Based on my research it does look like Tom is the guy. I've got his number so I'll hopefully get it arranged this week.
Fstr,
Good to hear it was great. Were you there on the day of the full moon or a little before or after. I'm trying to decide which day of the cycle to spend on the valley floor, which on Hunt's Mesa and which in Sedona. It's great not to have a bad choice in the bunch, now I'm getting greedy and want the best choice
Ted, I was there for the full moon, I think a day early may be just as good. David is right about Tom Phillips, I did a tour with him a couple of years ago and he was an outstanding guide. I am sure Sedona would be great as well, have a great trip and post some shots.
Thanks Chez,
It looks like from googlemaps of the area that that's a vantage point best taken from what it calls BIA 42 or possibly from the main highway 163, but in any case one that doesn't require me to be on the valley road after they close the gates for the evening. Good to hear. Sounds better than my alternative for that night which was to get the moon rising through Cathedral Rocks in Sedona that night. Also, looking at the map it doesn't appear that Hunt's Mesa offers any special advantage to moonrise shots, but would probably be a great place to spend the night a couple days before full moon when there's nearly 90% reflection.
) your opportunies will increase. I took the Gouldings tour though and it was really well worth it as they have it timed to the minute. I am planning to be there around that time if things work, shooting the "usual suspects" Antelope Canyon and MV.