Grand Canyon Field Trip May 22-24, 2005
Bill Albrecht was chairperson for the trip, and did a great job. He really prepared well, was on top of everything, put together a professional tour package, and everything went off smooth due to his efforts. It’s hard to top a Bill Albrecht trip.
Photo Courtesy Duane Whitaker
We enjoyed the trip immensely, and had a great time. We would meet at the Lodge Cafeteria for dinner, after sunset, and trade "lies". (Our Toyota Sienna Van got 28 miles per gallon going out there, while Clen's 4,000 pound, FWD, 240 HP, Honda SUV only got 17, so they "accused" me of telling stories.)
We all had some good laughs with that.
Kay was at her best! I'm glad we took the van, even though they have free busses to take you everywhere. Out of necessity, the busses have to keep on schedule and can't wait around to accommodate photographers. We liked being able to explore picture possibilities at our leisure, and found it was necessary in order to get to particular areas in the early hours, or return from them at a late hour, to indulge our preference in sunrise and sunset shooting locations. Particularly, there is a 30 mile rim with many points of interest to explore for those with their own transportation, yet good opportunities are available within walking distance of all but Yavapai Lodge.
There were never any clouds for sunrise or sunset, so that everyone had to switch modes to shooting "down-sun". An industrial haze problem occurs when there is a predominant Low Pressure Area meteorological condition, like we had while there, and it limited the long range views. Despite that, there were many good picture opportunities of the canyon, and other subjects as well.
For example, the Observation Tower at Desert View on the East end of the rim area has a fascinating second floor, third floor, and roof area. There are interior Indian paintings, abstract architectural with natural lighting studies, and panoramic views of the canyon and river to the West and North.
The ability to increase the ISO to 1600 for the natural light interior shots was a new experience for me, with great results.
The old Navajo rug weaver was very picturesque, but she was facing into the wall, and taking pictures of her was difficult. I'd like to arrange her seating position differently, but that's for another time. The Canyon offers a new challenge at every turn, but rewards those that have cultivated an artist’s ability to see the elements of a good composition and separate the picture from the audience.
P.S. From Bill Albrecht:
From the rim, the canyon is enormous, magnificent, and silent (except for a thunderstorm). To descend awakens the canyon, giving a new dimension as the walls rise around you. Trickling springs appear here and there, waterfalls with the green oases, can be found in particular side canyons. During spring thaw, the major creeks roll their rocks (sounding just like bowling balls bumping). The river roars wherever the rapids are, growing serene during long quiet runs. Animals abound. “Jilllions” of cactus flowers flank Bright Angel Creek in the spring. All of this occurs without sacrificing the enormity. Just look up. (Hiking, riding a docile mule, or riding the big rubber rafts are ways to awaken the Grand Canyon. Give it some thought.)
