Photographer Dylan Fox recalls a memorable visit to one of the world's best-known photography destinations.
I’m fascinated by the world around us and I often find it hard to believe that more people aren’t as amazed by Mother Nature as I am! Some places are so far from ordinary that they take my breath away. My goal is to capture this beauty as I see it, in hope of evoking a strong emotional connection from the viewer. I always find it hugely satisfying to hear how someone feels about a photograph I’ve taken.
Antelope Canyon, located in northern Arizona in the United States, blew me away. As I walked into the crack in the rock formations I was amazed by the intensity of the colours. The reflected light from above bounces around inside the canyon and leaves a brilliant glow. This image ‘Soul Dance’ was captured in Upper Antelope Canyon where, during certain times of the year, shafts of light find their way to the canyon floor. They are constantly moving so timing is important. A local Navajo Indian threw sand high into path of the light, allowing me to capture this beautiful figure.
I was wrapped when I uploaded my files and saw this frame. Without touching the ground, it looked as if a spirit was dancing through the canyon. The light shaft left a heart shape on the canyon floor, which also caught my attention. Antelope Canyon is a place I’ll never forget. I spent two days photographing Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and I could have gone back for more! As I entered the canyon and the air cooled, it felt as if reality had been left behind and a world of fantasy opened up. The beautiful sandstone textures, carved by water over thousands of years and combined with the spectacular glowing light, will stick with me forever.
Capturing Antelope Canyon can be challenging. You have to time your shot just right, so as to not over-expose the sand in the air. I also needed to be sure not to let any of the reds go out of the colour gamut, as they really are so intense they look incredible – even on a phone camera!
Antelope Canyon, Arizona. (Canon EOS 5D Mk II, 16-35mm II lens @ 23mm, f/14 @ 6s, tripod, no flash.) Photo by Dylan Fox.
