The River Subway
Canon 5D Mark II- Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 @ 16mm
8 Exposures (1/8 to 15 seconds in 1 stop increments) - F/16 - ISO 400
Shot With Tripod/Circular Polarizer
click on image to enlarge
I needed to come back to Zion National Park for at least one more try at the Subway Hike. The first time I came to Zion National Park, I was not prepared to go on this hike but I fell instantly in love with the trademark Subway photos. The next time I came back to Zion, which was roughly a year later, I tried to do the hike but the path was snowed over and we were not going to be able to find the trail to the river in all that snow. However, the third time was a charm. I scored the walk up permit on my first attempt. This hike was darn difficult. There was no defined trail. Having to negotiate rocks, water, sand, and lushy, twiggy, branchy greenery was more challenging than I had ever expected. Talk about off the beaten path...
Bringing an extra heavy photo backpack was a strategic bomb. I could have gotten away with a smaller bag. I should own a smaller more mobile photo bag. However, I'm glad, at the last minute, I opt'ed to leave the second body in the car. And I could have done with one less lens. I do feel bad for my poor thin mount B+W Polarizer though. The sand from the Antelope Canyon photo session left a bit too much sand in the gearing. While spinning the polarizer in the direction I've been used to all these years, I unknowingly loosened filter from the front element. I'm sorry the filter had to take a swim twice (major brain fart there). I feel very lucky you didn't break on impact from the river rocks.
The last third of the hike was the most striking. The mini cascading waterfall, the first major photo worthy moment during the hike, was breathtaking. I only wished I had stopped at that immediate moment, rather than immediately venturing onward looking for the Subway, and photographed the waterfall when it was completely bathed in shadow. The return, in later afternoon light, shot wasn't as moving. This was the best shot I could come up with but I still think there is too much sunlight.
Bringing an extra heavy photo backpack was a strategic bomb. I could have gotten away with a smaller bag. I should own a smaller more mobile photo bag. However, I'm glad, at the last minute, I opt'ed to leave the second body in the car. And I could have done with one less lens. I do feel bad for my poor thin mount B+W Polarizer though. The sand from the Antelope Canyon photo session left a bit too much sand in the gearing. While spinning the polarizer in the direction I've been used to all these years, I unknowingly loosened filter from the front element. I'm sorry the filter had to take a swim twice (major brain fart there). I feel very lucky you didn't break on impact from the river rocks.
The last third of the hike was the most striking. The mini cascading waterfall, the first major photo worthy moment during the hike, was breathtaking. I only wished I had stopped at that immediate moment, rather than immediately venturing onward looking for the Subway, and photographed the waterfall when it was completely bathed in shadow. The return, in later afternoon light, shot wasn't as moving. This was the best shot I could come up with but I still think there is too much sunlight.
Flow
Canon 5D Mark II- Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 @ 16mm
9 Exposures (1/50 to 15 seconds in 1 stop increments) - F/18 - ISO 100
Shot With Tripod/Circular Polarizer
click on image to enlarge
I would like to note that I'm required to come back. I missed the Subway from the other angle. Yet another major brain fart on my behalf. Then again, when do I ever get it right the first time. I'd also like to point that that I barely made it back from the hike. I consumed the entire 70 ounces from my Camelbak by the half way point and roughed it the entire way back. I was definitely suffering from dehydration on the return hike. Had it not been for the overly nice woman with the Southern Utah University hat who offered me an entire bottle of water, I would have really struggled up the return portion of the mountain. By the way, the thinner air of Utah really kicked my @ss. Argh. Anyhow, the lack of enough water was a major packing failure. Trying to convince myself that I'm not thirsty when I nearly sucked down some river water is a futile effort. If I need water, I need water. Simple as that.
Mood: Wishing for more digestion/large dinner
Music: Nelly Furtado - Silencio Featuring Josh Groban
Location: Home Studio
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