Last week, I visited Zion National Park for the first time as a photographer (And as an adult). I didn't get the cliché shot from Canyon Junction (Only because I didn't have time as I was camping with my family - I would've loved to), but I did manage to hike out to the Subway, thanks to my aunt who grabbed some permits (Only opened a few weeks ago).
Because of COVID (Restrictions on permits issued) and an early morning start, we were able to get there before everyone else, except a single person (Who was already on his way back).
If I'm honest, I had heard of the Subway, but never saw any photographs of it...guess I haven't been following enough social media influencers. I only went because my aunt invited me to tag along on her permit. Not having seen it before or any knowledge of it allowed me to get some original (Or at least what I think is original) photographs.
I've got one of floating rock at the Narrows as well. I didn't know what floating rock was until I talked to another photographer while hiking in the Narrows... Seems like I need to do some research on Utah's national parks.
Very nice subway image. And no complaints about the hike! Been in the narrows a few times but never heard of a rock by that name, though I think I know which one you're talking about.
Jeffrey wrote:
Very nice subway image. And no complaints about the hike! Been in the narrows a few times but never heard of a rock by that name, though I think I know which one you're talking about.
Thanks! I'll be posting up the floating rock photograph today.
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fotofoow wrote:
I like this too, especially how the golden light bends through the subway.
I honestly didn't notice that until you just mentioned it. Agreed!
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dirt_mo wrote:
I like your photo a lot and find myself wondering "What's beyond the light at the end of the tunnel".
I've been to the narrows once, but never went to this spot. Guess now I know what I missed!
Blinding sunlight and a bunch of people! I found this hike MUCH more enjoyable than the Narrows, but I really did love hiking in the water in the Narrows (For the first mile...).
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zurura wrote:
This looks mystical mate. Liked the shot and the story with it.
Thanks for sharing.
Congrats on doing that miserable hike to the Subway but whoa - where did that fallen tree come from? Good job capturing the afternoon glow and your PP.
That's an excellent Subway image. You captured the light well and the color is superb.
As you research it you will find it's not easy to take a unique photo at the Subway. I estimate there have been about 10 billion shot and 100 million posted on the internet.
I have not been there for several years. The log is new. I don't like it.
dbehrens wrote:
Congrats on doing that miserable hike to the Subway but whoa - where did that fallen tree come from? Good job capturing the afternoon glow and your PP.
Thank you! The hike wasn't too bad, but a lot of scrambling. I like to backpack where scrambling is expected, so it wasn't too bad. The fallen tree is new, from what I've been told. I don't like it much lol.
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dclark wrote:
That's an excellent Subway image. You captured the light well and the color is superb.
As you research it you will find it's not easy to take a unique photo at the Subway. I estimate there have been about 10 billion shot and 100 million posted on the internet.
I have not been there for several years. The log is new. I don't like it.
Dave
Thank you and I'm sure there have...lol.
You're comment "The log is new. I don't like it." made me lol.
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erielake wrote:
looks like the lower subway has it's own log now.....would that make this one the south pole ?
Nice image! I'm not sure about your application of the "glow" or "orton" effect. Having visited the narrows twice I think that type of light diffusion would be kind of unusual in this canyon, but, maybe you are using it to convey a certain 'otherworldly' or 'ethereal' mood.
Also, it might just be an optical illusion but it looks like the composition needs to be rotated slightly counterclockwise. It looks just a tad bit slanted.
mdude85 wrote:
Nice image! I'm not sure about your application of the "glow" or "orton" effect. Having visited the narrows twice I think that type of light diffusion would be kind of unusual in this canyon, but, maybe you are using it to convey a certain 'otherworldly' or 'ethereal' mood.
Also, it might just be an optical illusion but it looks like the composition needs to be rotated slightly counterclockwise. It looks just a tad bit slanted.
This isn't the Narrows - and yes the light glows in here. I believe this time of year the light is best from like 11am - 2pm. Also, this is reflected light from the sun hitting the deep canyon walls right near the "crack", above Archangel Falls. First time I was here, I thought the same thing from some photos I had seen, but it does glow.
Dustin Gent wrote:
I really like your take on the Subway!
This isn't the Narrows - and yes the light glows in here. I believe this time of year the light is best from like 11am - 2pm. Also, this is reflected light from the sun hitting the deep canyon walls right near the "crack", above Archangel Falls. First time I was here, I thought the same thing from some photos I had seen, but it does glow.
Thanks Dustin. For sure, it does glow. But I did, indeed, take some artistic liberties with making it bit more "ethereal" as mdude85 put it.
Dustin Gent wrote:
I really like your take on the Subway!
This isn't the Narrows - and yes the light glows in here. I believe this time of year the light is best from like 11am - 2pm. Also, this is reflected light from the sun hitting the deep canyon walls right near the "crack", above Archangel Falls. First time I was here, I thought the same thing from some photos I had seen, but it does glow.
I was more referring to the haze applied to the entire image, which is an artistic effect, but I appreciate the comment. I like your images, you clearly have a knowledge of this area so thanks for sharing it. I saw a photo on your IG account of two trees that was identical to a photo I took of the same spot about 5 months earlier, in 2015.
mdude85 wrote:
I was more referring to the haze applied to the entire image, which is an artistic effect, but I appreciate the comment. I like your images, you clearly have a knowledge of this area so thanks for sharing it. I saw a photo on your IG account of two trees that was identical to a photo I took of the same spot about 5 months earlier, in 2015.
Thanks for the words! You have great stuff on your website as well!
Some photographers like to bring their own "interesting foreground objects" to their shooting sessions (plastic starfish, twigs, yellow and red leaves, etc) Someone must have brought the log...
And BTW, it is worth checking on this forum more often , especially May through October to learn that there are 3 typical compositions at subway:
From the bottom end of the tube looking upstream into the tube
From the top end of the tube looking downstream into the tube
From the top end looking upstream
