In May 2013, I spent five days in Monument Valley attending a photography workshop organized by the Arizona Highways Photo Workshops. The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located in the Navajo Nation in the Utah state and Arizona state of the United States of America. The workshop's instructor was professional photographer Derek von Briesen and the trip leaders were professional photographers Lynn Sankey and Amy B. Horn. Eleven students participated.
sandstone buttes
Sandstone Buttes
My first impression of Monument Valley was the vast open space. Looking toward the horizon, I saw tall sandstone buttes scattered across the flat desert floor.
Hunt's Mesa
Hunt's Mesa
A local outfitter drove three Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicles to carry all the people and camping supplies to the top of Hunt's Mesa. The skilled Navajo guides (Ray, Dan, and Deon) maneuvered these capable vehicles through extremely rough trails. They drove through deep sand, over steep rock ledges, and along narrow cliff edges. I camped one night on Hunt's Mesa to photograph the sunset and sunrise.
Effie Yazzie
Effie Yazzie
I had the opportunity to photograph a sheep herding demonstration by Effie Yazzie, a resident of Monument Valley. The demonstration took place below the Ear of the Wind Arch. I also visited Ms. Yazzie's family at her traditional Navajo dwelling called hogan.
landscapes
Unique Landscapes
I explored fantastic sandstone formations and other unique landscapes.
Photographic Tools
- digital camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II.
- zoom lens: Canon EF 75-300 mm F4-5.6 III USM.
- zoom lens: Sigma 24-60 mm F2.8 EX DG.
- memory: SanDisk CompactFlash.
- tripod legs: Slik Pro 714 CF II.
- tripod head: Acratech Ultimate Ballhead.
- camera bag: Lowepro Nova 4.
- photo processing: ImageMagick, Canon Digital Photo Professional.