Sedona trip

Thanks guys for lens suggestions. Inspite of the fires we are leaving next week. two jeep trips and a helicopter flight. Now how about a smoke filter. Just thinking?
Harle

Have fun, be careful around the smoke, and post some pictures when you can!

Yes enjoy your trip. Lets see some awesome photos.

I will be happy to post photos. I am still looking for a smoke filter, seriously do any of you guys think a certain time of day may eliminate some of the sun reflections from the smoke haze. I don't know how much a good polarizer will do.

I just came back from Sedona on Wednesday. Excited to try out my new D7100. I took hundreds shooting 'raw' -- I'll be working on these for quite awhile. I am strictly a hobbyist. A few thoughts:

Sadly, the West Fork trail will probably be closed. I was there the day before the fire. It was absolutely beautiful. I hope it was spared. If it by chance opens in two weeks -- go there. You'll follow a trail crossing the meandering creek. Lots of photo opportunities.

Of course, there's lots of roadside spots to take photos of the 'rocks'.

If you want the famous shot of Cathedral Rock reflecting in the water, go to Oak Creek Village on 179. Take School Road (it's at a roundabout) all the way to the last parking lot (Baldwin Trail). Towards the end School Road turns into a dirt road. Baldwin Trail is nice and it will take you by the creek as well as up and around Cathedral rock. But it will not take you by the reflecting pool. To go to the creek and reflecting pool, park in the parking lot and walk just down the road to the dead end. Follow the path along the creek until you see some rock outcrops by calm water (5-10 minutes). You will see Cathedral Rock reflecting in the pool. The water is low, maybe a bit too low for the best shots, but it was still spectacular. If you want to take Baldwin Trail, follow it until it forks at a Y and a sign. Stay to the left, i.e. do not go to the right (labeled "Cathedral rock"). A local told me to stay to the left because it goes down to the creek and later takes you up Cathedral Rock and around. It was a nice hike. This area is far away from the fire.

An excellent book to have is "Photographing the Southwest, Volume II, Arizona, 2nd edition -- by Laurent Martres. It has a section for Sedona. Very handy. Also check out the internet for info for the different trails you can take. Just Google 'Sedona Trails'.

I found that I used, almost exclusively, my 18-70. It's an older lens but I have to admit it took very nice photos. I bought my 55-200 VR but used it very little. Most of my shots were from 18-55mm, and at 70. Your lenses in that range should do nicely. 18mm was used mostly for wide angle shots with my point of interest in the foreground. A wider lens might have been nice to have, but I can't say not having one.

Have fun.

The smoke can make for some interesting sunset and sunrise colors. I used to dread the smoke as it seems my state (Utah) seemingly burns down every summer. Keep your eyes open and watch, might surprise you.

Hi
Thanks for the directions. I don't hike as wel as I used to Once you reach 75 your suspension is not as good as it used to be. How far was the hike? I have shot the cathedral from below on the road but would lioke another perspective.
Harle

You can shoot Cathedral Rock from both sides -- from the Baldwin trail head and on the other side off 179 (Cathedral Rock Trail). Both trails might be considered moderate, and if your 'suspension' isn't as good as it used to be, you probably should avoid them. But you can get very nice photos from the trail heads, esp. at sunrise and sunset. The trail to the reflecting pool is very easy -- no climbing. That trail is short, maybe equivalent to 2-3 blocks. It might be easier if you enter from Red Rock State Park. It's on the other side of the creek. I didn't go there so I don't know how easy or close the hike is from that side.

I just got back from Sedona a few weeks ago and it's an awesome place, sorry to hear about the fires though.

Hi Mikeh
We postponed our trip until the last week end of June. CofC said the smoke is still bad in the valley and 89 to Flagstaff is not open yet.
Harle

harleridr said:

Hi Mikeh
We postponed our trip until the last week end of June. CofC said the smoke is still bad in the valley and 89 to Flagstaff is not open yet.
Harle

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That's a shame it's such an amazing place, I fell in love with it and would love to return some day.
Here's a few shots I took while I was there, if you get a chance post some shots when you return.

Once again, we are going to be in sedona this Friday, the switchbacks are finally open. The air is clear and it seems highway 89 escaped the fire. Hope to post some good piscs

harleridr said:

Once again, we are going to be in sedona this Friday, the switchbacks are finally open. The air is clear and it seems highway 89 escaped the fire. Hope to post some good piscs

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Awesome look forward to seeing your photos, compare with mine...before and after.

Beautiful photography and clicks.