Night Photography Tour in Upper Antelope Canyon

Exploring the Night Photography Tour in Upper Antelope Canyon: A Detailed Look

If you’re dreaming of capturing breathtaking images of Antelope Canyon’s iconic formations under a starry sky, the Night Photography Tour offered by Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours might just be worth considering. While we haven’t personally tried this tour, we’ve gathered plenty of info to help you decide if it fits your travel style and photography ambitions.

What stands out immediately is the unique setting and the chance to shoot in a different light—literally—after sunset. Plus, the focus on guiding photographers with some experience makes this feel like a tailored, special experience. On the flip side, it’s a 3-hour, night-time excursion that requires some familiarity with camera gear and tripods, so it’s not ideal for complete beginners or those with mobility constraints. This tour feels best suited for travelers who love photography, have some technical skills, and want a different perspective on one of the Southwest’s most stunning landscapes.

Key Points

• Specializes in night photography in Upper Antelope Canyon, starting an hour after sunset
• Guided by a professional photographer to help you frame and capture the canyon’s textures and beauty
• Limited group size (max six travelers), ensuring a more personalized experience
• Tag-along option available for non-photographers wanting to enjoy the scenery without bringing camera gear
• Moderate difficulty; not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues
• Price point of $285 per person, which reflects the special timing and guided expertise

What Is the Night Photography Tour in Upper Antelope Canyon?

This isn’t your typical daytime tour. Instead, it’s a carefully curated experience designed for photographers who want to capture the canyon’s dramatic features under the night sky. Starting around 8:00 pm, just one hour after sunset, it offers a chance to see and shoot in a different light—one filled with shadows, textures, and the stars.

While the core of the experience is photography-focused, it’s welcoming for non-photographers who can join as tag-alongs—though they won’t be capturing images themselves. This flexibility makes it appealing for groups where some are hobbyists or serious shooters, and others just want to enjoy the canyon’s atmosphere.

What Does the Tour Involve?

The 3-hour experience begins at the designated meeting point in Page, Arizona, and includes admission to Upper Antelope Canyon. The tour is led by a professional photographer who guides you through the best ways to frame shots and make the most of the unique lighting conditions. Given the emphasis on camera skills, some familiarity with photography and tripod use is necessary.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those with some photography experience who are keen to try night shots of the canyon, or for serious photographers wanting to add a new dimension to their portfolio. However, if you’re not comfortable with camera equipment or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour is quite straightforward but packed with potential for stunning photos and memorable moments.

Stop 1: Upper Antelope Canyon at Night

The main event is exploring the canyon after sunset, which transforms the familiar daytime landscape into something more mysterious and textured. This is a guided photo walk in a setting that’s rarely seen at night.

While the tour is not a workshop, the guide’s role is crucial. According to one reviewer, “Nathan was our guide and he was fantastic. Great stories, tons of information about the slot canyon formations, history of the area, and the Navajo nation.” Having a knowledgeable guide means you’ll get context about the formations, which can inspire your shots—plus, tips for capturing the scene.

What You’ll Capture

You can expect to photograph the canyon’s dramatic textures, light contrasts, and possibly the stars overhead—weather permitting. The limited group size (maximum six) means you’ll have ample time to set up your shots without feeling rushed.

Non-Photographers

Guests joining as tag-alongs have the chance to enjoy the canyon’s atmosphere without bringing camera gear. They can relax and soak in the environment while others are busy shooting.

The Practicalities: Cost, Duration, and Group Size

At $285 per person, this tour is priced on the higher side for a 3-hour experience. But considering it’s a guided, small-group activity with exclusive timing, the cost reflects the curated nature of the outing. It also includes admission to the canyon, so there are no extra ticket worries.

Small group sizes—up to 6 guests—are a definite plus. With fewer people, you’ll get more personal attention from the guide, and the environment feels less crowded, which is ideal for night photography.

Timing

The tour begins at 8:00 pm, an hour after sunset, making it important to plan your evening accordingly. The night conditions are key for this experience, so good weather is crucial. If weather cancels the tour, you’re offered a reschedule or a full refund.

Why This Tour Might Be Worth It

I think this experience really shines for dedicated photographers looking to explore the canyon’s beauty in an entirely new way. The guide’s expertise, highlighted in the positive review, adds a lot of value. The chance to shoot in a less-crowded environment, with some guidance, is definitely appealing.

The focus on night photography is what sets this apart. If you’ve already done the daytime Antelope Canyon tour and want a fresh perspective, this could be a memorable addition to your trip. The fact that non-photographers can join as tag-alongs makes it flexible for groups.

Concerns and Considerations

One thing to keep in mind is that familiarity with camera equipment—especially tripods—is necessary. This isn’t a tour for absolute beginners or those not comfortable setting up shots in low light. Also, the moderate difficulty means it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, given the nature of night walking in the canyon.

Pricing might seem high for just three hours, but when you factor in the guide’s expertise, the exclusive timing, and admission costs, it’s a fair value for serious photographers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is tailored for photographers with some experience who want to push their night photography skills and get iconic shots of Antelope Canyon under a starry sky. It’s a great way to combine landscape photography with a unique experience that most daytime visitors don’t get.

It’s less suitable for families with small children or travelers with mobility constraints, given the evening timing and possible walking in low light. If you’re after a casual sightseeing experience, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to elevate your photography portfolio with stunning images of Upper Antelope Canyon at night, this tour is worth considering. The small group size, guided expertise, and focus on night shots make it stand out from more generic daytime tours. Just be prepared with your camera skills and gear, and plan for the weather.

For those who enjoy photography adventures and want to see one of the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes in a rare setting, this experience offers a mix of learning, beauty, and a touch of magic—under the stars.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Not really. This tour is designed for those with some photography experience, especially familiarity with tripods and low-light shooting.

Can non-photographers join the tour?
Yes, non-photographers can join as tag-alongs, but only registered photographers are allowed to bring camera equipment.

What is the start time?
The tour begins at 8:00 pm, about an hour after sunset, to give you the best lighting conditions for night photography.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, providing ample time to explore and shoot in the canyon.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers admission to Upper Antelope Canyon and the guided photography experience.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuity is not included and is typically appreciated for good guides.

What about weather cancellations?
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour will be canceled and you’ll be offered a new date or a full refund.

Are there any physical requirements?
Moderate difficulty; it’s not suited for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, as it involves walking in the dark.

If you’re a photographer craving a night shoot adventure or just want to see Antelope Canyon in an entirely different light, this tour offers a rare and beautiful opportunity to do so. Just remember, it’s not a beginner’s trip—prepare your gear and your skills for a memorable night under the stars!