Zion Narrows photo guides

I'm interested in the experiences of people who have used a photography guide in the Narrows. Do you think that you would have missed many opportunities if you'd gone by yourself ?
I'm considering staying at the lodge in September and getting an early start versus having someone familiar with the place and knowing when and where to be for good light and compositions.

Steve.

I used a guide once, not for Zion but Yellowstone. My thought was that the guide would know the best vantage points, and indeed that was the case. However, having said that there were about 6 people in the group (+the guide) and the guide tailored the "journey" based on the people in the group that were relatively old, maybe 65+ in age. I can't say for sure but always wonder if some opportunities were missed because of the slowness of the pace?

Today, and as long as my knees hold out, I prefer to do outdoor shoots on my own pace and after some extensive online research accompanied with some in hand maps. One that comes to mind for Zion (I used it for advice late summer 2013) is at https://photographylif​e.com …ows-in-zion-national-park. Take heed especially to the authors safety suggestions. Another resource is http://www.firefallpho​tography.com …narrows-photo-tips-guide/.

I would not by the way hike the Zion Narrows except in the company of a 2nd person, but that is just me! I did see many people hiking alone and there will be lots of other photographers on the trail, at least in the common spots.

I was there this past September. There really isn't much too it, unless you feel you'd benefit from someone telling you where to set up your tripod and what not. There's really only two ways to experience The Narrows: the more common that I did is to hike in at the Temple of Sinawava (sp?) and go in as far as you want (to get away from the crowds) or the top down hike that's more than a dozen miles. i'd save the cash and invest it in the best tripod you can afford.

I brought my own Jeep J-41 Water Shoes and trekking poles and I seemed to be much more sure footed than the folks who rented shoes from the vendor and took the hiking pole. I didn't slip once and was moving at a fairly good clip. Still pack your wet bags though! Have fun. i can't wait to go back.

Silver-Halide wrote in post #18259239
I brought my own Jeep J-41 Water Shoes and trekking poles and I seemed to be much more sure footed than the folks who rented shoes from the vendor and took the hiking pole. I didn't slip once and was moving at a fairly good clip. Still pack your wet bags though! Have fun. i can't wait to go back.

Forgot about the water, shoes, etc. I used Croc Quicktrails and they worked well. I also carried a couple extra pair of socks to avoid hiking in wet soaks once you do reach a dry area.

What about light ? Is there benefit from early morning light or should I be somewhere else and then start the Narrows a bit later ?

Steve.

SteveInNZ wrote in post #18259905
What about light ? Is there benefit from early morning light or should I be somewhere else and then start the Narrows a bit later ?

Steve.

Read some of the links I provided.

The one thing to be aware of is the lighting can vary tremendously depending on where you are and the time of day. If you are in an area at noon with close canyon walls, then subject may be in direct light, but a hour earlier or later that same subject may be in shadow. The closer (and higher) the walls the more the shadow time.

Go to https://www.google.com …RAhXEECwKHQIdD4​sQ_AUIBigB to see some images.

But I personally would go as soon as I could in the day, and stay as late as I possibly could, making sure I can be assured of getting that last bus out!

I did the loop back in 2013, Moab, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Zion, Bryce. Before I left I picked up

Lauren Martres , Photographing the Southwest: Volume 1--Southern Utah (2nd Ed.). Almost everything about these areas along with some advice on the best locations to shoot can be found in the book.

I would also suggest using the Photographers Emphemeris (http://photoephemeris.​com/) to show you what and where the light will be falling at your location of choice. It's free online and if you want you can get a downloadable version for your mobile devices.

regards,

I've done the Narrows twice - most recently last November from the bottom. I personally don't see the need for a guide unless you are a beginner and need help recognizing good light and compositions. If you start in the morning, light should be good when you get to Wall Street (the narrowest and most photogenic part). Since it's narrow, you need the sun to be high enough to get light in the canyon - look for the reflected light. Plenty of opportunity for pictures. It's a gorgeous hike!