Need suggestions for shooting at the Grand Canyon, please!

[Shakespeare]

We'll have most of a day to spend there late next month (driving back to LA from Dallas), and I've never been before. I've already printed out (and am looking through) all of the park service's guides and maps, but does anyone have specific recommendations for which parts of the park to see (and photograph)?

We won't have time for any long hikes, unfortunately, but I'm hoping I can still get some nice shots from some of the park centers/overlooks/short trails along the south rim.

Thanks!

[Mira]

1. Here's a shot of what to expect. Just before I took this picture I lost

the support of my legs, buckled under and broke into tears.
So - expect the unfathomable. I went around the North Rim for a day and just simply shot photo after photo with my simple 7 megapixel canon. You will need good weather. You will need contrasts that only sunshine can provide (IMO-I'm no pro - but I did sleep in a Holiday Inn once....)Other than that hold up your camera and shoot. There is no bad place it's all gorgeous.

I learned through asking lots of questions that N or S rim are equally picturesque, and that the main difference is the large forests at the N rim, and the flatland from which the canyon falls on the S rim.
Ala Thelma and Louise, if you remember.

I envy you. Take all precautions the weather dictates, and other than that, you can't go wrong if your equipment is in order and you have backups for most everything.

I'm rambling, but you have no idea what is waiting for you !

[Shakespeare]

3. That's beautiful!

Looks like we'll be limited to the south rim (north rim is closed during the winter), but from everything I've read (and what you've said), we'll have no shortage of jaw-dropping vistas.

I'm schlepping my tripod along in case I get wobbly like you did. :hi:

[Mira]

6. I doubt you will need the tripod - the wobblyness is only the first

jaw dropping weakness you feel as you realize it is a life altering experience.
If it's daytime photos, don't encumber yourself. Your eyes, your camera, your backup stuff like added memory and batteries. Enjoy.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

2. South Rim is a sunrise opportunity

for sure, if you can get there for that. If not, sunset is great too.

[Shakespeare]

4. We'll be there around sunset for sure.

We'll be heading to the canyon from Flagstaff early in the morning, and will get to spend most of the day there before continuing on home to Los angeles. I'm already fascinated with the way the light changes the character of the mountains around SoCal, so I'm REALLY looking forward to watching the same at the grand canyon.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

5. even mid-day you can get good stuff

this was 5 years ago, with a sony cybershot

\

[Mira]

7. Beautiful !

[regnaD kciN]

8. First suggestion...

...TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!!! :rofl:

Seriously, I see you mentioned the South Rim, which is probably the best choice, since the facilities on the North Rim will be closed in winter. According to Tim Fitzharris's book on photography in national parks, three places along the south rim are particularly recommended: Yaki Point at either sunrise or sunset, Hopi Point (the most popular) and Pima Point each for sunset. I guess, if I was planning such a visit, I'd try to get there early enough to shoot sunrise at Yaki, spend the day location-scouting at the other two, and decide on one of them (or going back to Yaki, if I thought that was the best overall) for sunset.

If you have $8.00 to spare on further research, I would purchase the Photograph America guide to Grand Canyon's South Rim, which can be downloaded from the link, and has lots of advice for many other locations than the ones I mentioned above. I have found those guides to be extremely valuable for places in the Northwest, and expect their Grand Canyon coverage would be just as good.

One advantage you'll have this late in the year is that you'll be able to drive to each of these places; at other times of the year, you'd have to use a park shuttle bus, which would obviously restrict your choices.

Good luck, and make sure you post the results here!

[NashVegas]

9. We Need

To try a DU photo group excursion sometime, a la Meetup.

[regnaD kciN]

11. There was going to be one a couple of years ago in Colorado...

...but, if I recall correctly, the host (F.Gordon) had some health problems and had to cancel.

[NashVegas]

13. Ah

And now he's not with us, anymore.

[regnaD kciN]

14. I hope, by that, you mean...

...that he's inactive in the photo group, and not that you've heard any more, shall we say, final news about him!

[NashVegas]

15. I Guess You Missed It

He intentionally flamed out during the primaries. PM me for his email addy.

[Shakespeare]

10. Thanks for that link!

I may download some of their California guides, too. :thumbsup:

I'll definitely post pics when I return.

[regnaD kciN]

12. I actually bought the whole collection...

...a few months ago, when they were on sale.