Photographing the Zion Narrows | Zion National Park Utah

This image was taken on a popular hike in the Virgin River Narrows, also known as the Zion Narrows. The camera was a Nikon D100 with a Sigma 15-30 in the 15mm position. A tripod was used, 1/20th at F/3.5.

One of the challenges of photographing slot canyons in general is the presence of hot spots created by the difference of exposure between a directly lighted surface and an indirectly lighted surface. This is a case where neutral density filters just don't work.

There are three solutions, the first is to work early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is at a low angle. This will result in fewer hot spots. Another strategy is to work in the canyon on a partly cloudy day. In this case the photographer can wait until the clouds pass in front of the sun creating uniformly diffused light. The third solution is to compose images with even exposure as was the case with this image.

The Zion Narrows is a must do hike if you visit Zion National Park in the summer. If you're interested in learning to photograph the canyon consider one of our workshops, the link is below.

As with all images appearing on this site, they are the property of Loren French, and they are protected by copyright. Any images can be purchased as prints, or right to use can be purchased for any use.

Purchase Print

5x7 Print $15.008x10 Print $30.0010x15 Print $45.0016x20 Print $60.0020x30 Print $75.0024x36 Print $85.00