Help with Grand Canyon Pictures

[wonton]

I am going to the Grand Canyon in May. I am planning on getting the new Canon Rebel XT. This will be my first dslr camera. I took some photo classes and I just wanted to get some tips and help from anyone who has taken pics of the canyon. I understand lighting and time of day is the key. Besides from time of day, should I use any filters? I have seen some pictures with awesom reddish colors.

Also, I will be going to the Havasupai area which has awesome waterfalls. Tips on taking those shots are appreciated also.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Jon]

Have a polarizer at least. You may want a neutral density filter if you're interested in the soft, long exposure style of waterfall photography.

[wonton]

Have a polarizer at least. You may want a neutral density filter if you're interested in the soft, long exposure style of waterfall photography.

Thanks, I'll look into it. With filters, does it matter what brand and where to buy?

[FlipsidE]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but a graduated neutral density filter might not be a bad idea to add to that list.

FlipsidE

[Jon]

Good quality multi-coated are best. I use Hoya HMC, Pro1 or Ultra, but others use B+W and Tiffen. B&H is always a reliable source. If you want to get adventurous and use graduated ND filters (http://www.singh-ray.com/srgnd2.html), to maintain a balance between sky and shadowed areas, Singh Ray makes an outstanding line (they're made to order, so allow time and money).

[GPR1]

Obviously you'll need a tripod if you're going to take watefall pictures with that silky look. In fact, it's a good idea to use a tripod for most of your landscape pictures -- it slows you down, makes you pay more attention to composition, etc.

Look for foreground objects you can put in your picture that help give some sense of scale.

Enjoy the canyon. Don't become so busy photographing that you don't stop to enjoy the wonder of it for a minute.

Greg

[wonton]

You guys are awesome. I will check these out. My husband and I just started getting into photography. Hopefully I will have some cool ones so I can post. I am so jealous of all the ones I see on here.

What about specifications ont he filter. I checked out the polarizer and it has different ranges, from 37mm to 77mm. What should I get?

I am also going to Vegas. Should have some good night shot opportunities. Any tips on that?

[RbnDave]

I'd recomend doing some scouting and really thinking about where you want to be at sunrise and sunset. The great light lasts for only about 30 minutes so you don't want to waste time. The good thing about the grand canyon is you can see the entire south rim in a matter of hours. Enjoy your day, but keep a plan in your head of where you want to be at sunset.

Also, don't worry too much about time of day. I have seen some great grand canyon photos taken at midday. If something catches your eye, stop and take a picture!! In my opinion the best grand canyon photos I've seen are scenes where sun breaks through clouds and highlights one part of the canyon while leaving other parts shaded. These moments don't last long. Don't hesitate. Pull off the rode or stop hiking or whatever and get the photo.

Show us your results.

Dave

[RbnDave]

About Vegas... i met a pro photographer on my last trip southwest. He told me the best place to shoot vegas at night is from the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino. Bring a tripod.

[Jon]

You guys are awesome. I will check these out. My husband and I just started getting into photography. Hopefully I will have some cool ones so I can post. I am so jealous of all the ones I see on here.

What about specifications ont he filter. I checked out the polarizer and it has different ranges, from 37mm to 77mm. What should I get?

I am also going to Vegas. Should have some good night shot opportunities. Any tips on that?
Polarizing (and other) filter sizes are the thread diameters of the lenses they attach to. If you get the "kit" 18-55 mm zoom with the DRXT, it takes a 58 mm filter. The 17-85 takes a 67 mm filter. So which one(s) you order depends on what lens(es) you get with the camera. You should be sure to get a circular polarizer though; they're more expensive than linear polarizers, but linear polarizers will disrupt the matering and AF sensors on your camera. If you get fancy and get some graduated ND filters from Singh Ray, they need a Cokin P filter holder and threaded adapters to connect that to the lens.

There's another recent thread on here somewhere from someone who's going to Vegas. Try a search and see what he was told.

[neil_r]

Polarizer for sure. The light is fantastic and changes by the minute, if you get there at sunrise and sunset the shadows change very quickly. The combination of the red light and the shifting shadows in the hour before sunset are amazing.

N

[wonton]

About Vegas... i met a pro photographer on my last trip southwest. He told me the best place to shoot vegas at night is from the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino. Bring a tripod.

That's a good idea. I have not been to Vegas in forever.

[neil_r]

About Vegas... i met a pro photographer on my last trip southwest. He told me the best place to shoot vegas at night is from the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris Casino. Bring a tripod.

Another great spot for night shots is the Voodoo Lounge in the Rio. Awsome balcony.

N

[Jon]

Could we maybe keep the Las Vegas suggestions here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58152)?