Crimson Canyon

Crimson Canyon, Page, Arizona – Steve Rutherford Landscape Photography Art Gallery

Crimson Canyon, Page, Arizona – Steve Rutherford Landscape Photography Art Gallery

This is an unframed, limited edition collection print of only 25 units. It is printed on Hahnemuhle Fine Art Pearl papers, structured to refract the highest values in colour and detail. It’s high-quality ink absorbing layer enables exceptional image quality with enormously detailed sharpness, and a very broad colour range, providing archival permanency of your artwork for over 100 years.

On tripod, Canon 5DMk2, 28mm, F11, 4 seconds, ISO 800, no filter, processed in Lightroom.

I had been to this canyon previously, but never at this time of day, first thing in the morning. The light was so much softer, as expected, but also so much darker. I had spied this formation before, but the light of day ruined the exposure with really bright spots all over the background and the colours were nowhere near as attractive. Regardless this place is an absolute photographers paradise, not just to push your technical ability but in sheer beauty.

Crimson Canyon, Page, Arizona – Steve Rutherford Landscape Photography Art Gallery

Where do I start? These slot canyons are incredibly difficult to perfect, but don’t let that discourage you. Start with a tripod and expectation that you will be in there for a long time. Why? Because it’s addictive, that’s why. Spend time in one spot, let the hordes of people pass by and time your long exposures when no-one is walking by to minimise the risk of someone kicking your tripod leg. Use a sharp aperture such as F8-11, and try not to raise your ISO above 400 on any camera. Rely on a long shutter speed to bring out the detail as a primary technique.