I wish I can be left alone in the Slot Canyons (Page, Arizona) for a day of two. These canyons are made for photographers; they are so photogenic. That is also the problem ... hundreds of people in confined spaces do not lend itself to great photography (assuming you are not making images of people). Shots of these canyons (upper and lower) are famous and have appeared everywhere. Here is an example:

This image has been sold seventeen times. The sandstone, the colors, the texture, and the light in these canyons are just gorgeous. Here are some tips to help you shoot in the Slot Canyons:

• Watch the weather - these canyons are caused by flash floods. Once inside, you are pretty much trapped if a flash flood comes. Any rain, even as far as 100 miles away could lead to a flood. Be careful ...

• Watch for sand - sand could be falling all the time. The sand gets in everywhere. Protect you gear.

• Install a wide-angle zoom lens on the camera and do not change lenses once inside the canyon. Did I mention sand floating around? A zoom may be better than a prime in this location because you cannot really "zoom" with your feet; there is simply no space as this is a very narrow canyon.

• Work fast - people come walking into your shot within seconds.

• Use a tripod - it can be kind of dark in the canyon so your shutter speed will be slow.

• If you want to copy the famous light shaft images you will need to be in the canyons between 11am and 2pm. Throw sand into the air to add "life" to the light shafts (away from your camera).

• Join the photographic tour or you will not have enough time and there may be too many people.

Desolated Walkway, Page Arizona

What you see here is not one of those famous light shafts, but sand falling (longer exposure). It is not like this every day, it all depends on how much wind is blowing in the area.

          Enjoy shooting in the canyons ...