Planning the next FREE workshop in Zion...

[per volquartz]

The dates initially set were December 5 - 9.

I am wondering if these dates are good or would it be better to have the workshop between Christmas and New Year, or even better in January?

Personally I would love to be in Zion just after a winter storm. Snow and ice would help add emotional impact to images - instead of the usually "nice" shots.

Since these free workshops require some participation by everyone please post your ideas and preferences here.

Per Volquartz
Dead Link Removed

 

[MenacingTourist]

The later in the year the more likely there will be snow. Jan-Feb may be a good option.

 

[Aggie]

Historically Zion only rarely gets snow. If by chance a big freak storm hits here, it also will hit in Vegas. That tells you how often we get snow. As to ice, again this is not a common thing. If we have a big cold snap, it is very likely. How often do those happen right now? Even with all the rain and such that caused destruction in the area last January, it didn't freeze in Zion. IF it should occur, it will happen in Feb. or March. January is the month we most often get the strange mid winter thaw. Two of the best times to be at Zion are in late March when the leaves and spring flowers are popping out. The shuttle that runs up through the main canyon starts mid March, which makes it a pain to do any large format photography. You have to ride the bus with all of your equipment, and are limited as to where they will stop. From there you will have to hike to where ever you want to go. The other time to be there is right now. The fall colors are spectacular. Which should be over in about a week to 10 days. After Nov. 1st the buses stop running so you are able to drive with your equipment to where you want to go. Those two times are also when the sun is low enough to have the magical light.

The two places within a 2 hour drive from Zion, are the ones that get the snow. Bryce Canyon and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Those usually do not have the big snow falls until after the first of the year.

BTW the road out to Grafton has been paved half way. Sad, the old dirt road was more quait and made for better pictures. Nothing like extreme ruts and washboard.

 

[per volquartz]

Last year in Zion...

Last year in Zion I felt the light / setting was too "pretty" and subsequently did not shoot anything of value.

Earlier this year I saw images shot by a friend of mine during late December / early January in Zion. These images showed iced over streams, with imbedded leaves, partial reflections through melted areas. The Canyon looked incredible.

Early light - before sunrise was fantastic. Therefore I decided to see if anyone wanted to move the workshop a little later in the year or early next year.

Of course you may be able to shoot great images in Zion any time of year. Wondering what the rest of you think?

 

[MenacingTourist]

To make it all official, I just got the Wife Seal of Approval. Last year I was even able to get my work to give me the days off instead of paying to send me to some dumb marketing conference. I'm sure with a precident like that they'll do it again

Anyone want to share a hotel room? I don't snore.

 

[Dave Wooten]

Aggie has some good points.....to be free of the shuttle is very important...

 

[per volquartz]

Tentative dates...

1. December 5 - 9

2. December 26 - 30

3. January 9 - 13

4. January 16 - 20

5. January 23 - 27


What do you think?


Post your thoughts here so we can proceed!

 

[magic823]

Jan 23-27

Steve

 

[wildbill]

Dec 5-9 or
Jan 16-20

 

[Aggie]

http://www.zion.national-park.com/weather.htm

Gives you the general weather conditions and temps. What you need to remember is that it has been warmer than usual for the last few years. Yes you can find Ice. Strap on your backpack and get ready to hike. Those trails have an elevation change of about 1500 feet in about 1 to 6 miles depending on which trail you take. The west rim trail would be the best bet, going through refrigerator canyon. It has a stream running in it along the trail. Problem is if it is icy, it will be closed by the park service. The virgin is a river, not a stream. It is still running higher than normal from all the moisture last year. It gets cold enough to freeze, but the river doesn't. There are small marshy pools that do freeze overnight, but you have to know where they are. Again strap on the hiking boots and backpack and be prepared to go through mud to get to them. As to it being constant with those freezing temps? Nope. It is a crap shoot as to the sustained temps. This is the desert. It varies wildly. Think Vegas temps. How often does it snow and get ice in Vegas? The Kolob section of Zion is the place that does get cold. It is nearly 6000 feet high. If it is really icy, that road gets closed. So again strap on the back pack and the hiking boots and be prepared to hike. That hike will be a long one.

One photographer who is a resident of Springdale (lived there for the last 20 years) also says it is rare to see the snow and ice the last few years. You have to be in the right place at the right time. Mother nature doesn't go by our schedules. So if it is Ice you want, it may not and most likely won't happen.

Make sure you deal with the park service and pay the fees I paid for the workshop last year.

 

[per volquartz]

Seems like mid - january may be our best bet

Night tempts in Zion will dip to about 39 this week. Most likely colder in tight canyons...

We could get lucky - then maybe not...

I am willing to take the chance - and come back again - and again - until everything is right!

 

[Michael Gordon]

Per: I cannot make the workshop, but thanks for the invite.

You'll find higher likelihood of snow and ice in the Kolob Canyons area, but you've got to walk for the images. There is very little that is roadside. It may just be dumb luck, but I've been in very icy and very snowy conditions both in the main canyon and in the Kolob Canyons the last couple of winters. I got that without really trying for it. Timing is everything.

Have fun!

 

[Mark Carstens]

Earlier this year I saw images shot by a friend of mine during late December / early January in Zion. These images showed iced over streams, with imbedded leaves, partial reflections through melted areas. The Canyon looked incredible.

So, then, why not that time of year? Either December 26-30 or January 2-6? I mean, it's always going to be a crapshoot, so why not check it out "early?" If you want to go back later, then so be it.

I'm for taking a chance on this window of time, even if it isn't dead-solid-perfect. Afterall, the workshop isn't just about shooting. It's the get-together too. Having been to three of your workshops, that was a big part of the equation every other time.

Mark

 

[Dave Wooten]

Dec 5-9 ...

I like shooting in the meadow..the weather is for me not a concern...I just do not want to deal with the shuttle...when my fingers get cold...I like to get back in the car and have another coffee, reload and go out again...

 

[ShawnKielty]

My prefence would be to miss the xmas holiday in favor of a later date. I don't know what the like likely hood of snow at valley floor is -- bu the higher elevations should have snow.

I currently have something of a plan in the eastern sierras for christmas break -- as it's between Mesa and SF. I could alter my plan for ZION.

 

[per volquartz]

January 2 - 6 ?

How would that work?


Lets hear the pros and cons...

 

[Wilbur Wong]

January 2 - 6 or January 9 - 13 will work for me

 

[roteague]

January 2 - 6 or January 9 - 13 will work for me

Hey Wilbur!!! Good to see you on APUG!!! Sorry, I missed you at the last outing (I was in New Zealand).

 

[magic823]

The later, the better for me and Sharon. In fact, the week of President's Day would be even better (since Sharon gets Monday off that week).

 

[Dave Wooten]

any of the posted times i can work with


just dont want to have to use that shuttle

 

[Paul Sorensen]

I am interested in Driving over from Denver if there is room. I still need to make sure I can swing the time and expenses, but I am very interested. Anyone for a carpool?

Paul.

 

[per volquartz]

OK - January 2 - 6 ???

- seems like this time frame may work ...February is too late...and we'll have our FREE annual Joshua Tree Workshop in the end of January...

Please let me hear ASAP if these dates will work. We need to make reservations and plans... The light of January 2 - 6 will be here before you know it...

Also, if you need to carpool it is important to respond now so we can try to arrange something...

 

[ShawnKielty]

Ok -- I am in -- I'll need to get the time off, but that is the perfect time for me.

 

[Dave Wooten]

i'm in

 

[magic823]

Sorry, Sharon & I won't be able to make it that week. We'll be in SLC visiting friends the last week of Dec. and the 6th would be too soon after (budget).

BTW, anyone in SLC that wants to do some shooting, I'll be there the week between xmas and New Years,

Steve