Zion NP - Virgin River Narrows

[Pokie]

Collection of photos from hike up the Virgin River Narrows in Zion National Park.
This is the "Bottoms Up" hike. We went as far as Orderville Canyon.
Because of strong midday sun, contrasts and color differentials were difficult to handle.


All Nikon D80; 28-80 f4.0-5.6.
Reflection of river near trailhead.
f10 1/25 sec.


Small rapids downstream from the Narrows hike. Struggled with color on this. Sunlight reflecting off red rock wall was extremely warm.
f18 1.5sec


Rapids along Narrows hike.
f22 0.7 seconds. Could have used longer exposure like above pic.


My son preferred to walk in the river, even when he had the choice - like here. Most of the hike is in the river.
f7.1 1/200 sec


Closer up of same
f7.1 1/200 sec.


Alcove is section where a hollow has been carved out of the rock by the river. With wide angle adaptor, barely caught both people in canyon and sliver of sky to give a sense of scale.
f8 1/50 sec

[gldiana]

Lots of good shots and I like the inclusion of people to add dimension.

[Bonish Photo]

Great Colors, Great exposures in the water moving shots, and I agree with Luca, I like having the people in the shots to show how big that canyon was!

I'm sure your son will love to show off those shots once he goes back to school in the fall showing how he spent his summer vaca.

[hw771230]

I love the color of the rock, and the water blur in the second shot. Actually they are all good, that's jut the one that grabbed me. Looks like a fun trip.

Caleb

[Pokie]

Thanks.
This may have been the 'family favorite' part of the trip.
The 55 deg. (F) water really helped offset the 105 deg. air.
This is my younger son. The one who, 5 years ago, insisted on finishing a 5 mile hike up and down 3 mountains in NC. I tried to talk him out of it, but, "Daddy, I came here to climb this mountain and I'm gonna climb this mountain." I carried him back most of the 5 miles. Along with my camera backpack. and water. and fullsize tripod... aluminum...with 3-way cast head...
We did better this time.

[stephaniekscott]

All are beautiful and I love the inclusion of your son, really does add dimension and life to the shot.
My fav though? That second one. WOW. Color me impressed.

I'm learning how to shoot water this week, we'll see how it goes.

[2112greg]

I hope you had a ton of fun. I did that trip about a year ago and loved it. I wasn't really into photography at the time so I don't have many pictures. But yours bring back a lot of good memories.

[gldiana]

I carried him back most of the 5 miles. Along with my camera backpack. and water. and fullsize tripod... aluminum...with 3-way cast head...

That'll teach you to carry a lighter tripod... or a lighter son :)

[LRP]

I have gone up to the log jam 3 times, when I was a lot younger. There was a nice swimming hole about eight feet deep just before you reach it. Fortunately the route takes you to a sandbar and but if you stay in the middle of the river you are apt to have a sudden surprise.


Lynn

[Graham Owen]

Very nice!!! I tried to pick a favorite image, but I like them all for different reasons, looks like it was a GREAT trip.

Graham

[Pokie]

Thanks - definitely one of our top vacations.
I want to go back, but think September or October instead of July.
Whenever fall hits that part of the world.

Here's what I meant when I mentioned the contrast.
I couldn't find a way to beat it, so I tried to go with it on these.