Sedona in March

[Toffle]

Well, we've finally booked a trip to the South Rim for March 2010. We plan on checking out spots like the painted desert and petrified forest, etc. I know that's kind of touristy, but they are things I've always wanted to see. Anyway, we'll be spending a couple of nights in Sedona, and I'm looking for recommendations of places to stay and things to photograph. I'll be bringing mostly MF and 35mm gear. (I'd love to bring my 4x5, but it's a monorail and a definite test of my stamina)

While I'm asking, what is the availability of film like down there? Will I be able to find a good selection of B&W and colour, or should I start ordering my supplies before I head out?

Looking forward to any suggestions.

Oh, ya... I'll be spending a couple of nights in the park, two in Sedona, and three nights in the Phoenix area.

Cheers,

 

[Whiteymorange]

As of a couple of years ago there was a camera shop right in the center of town. Try the motel/inn up at the airport for lodging. Great place, Sedona, but crowded. Go up Oak Creek toward Flagstaff for a spectacular ride.

 

[Toffle]

Thanks Whitey. I know that Sedona can get quite busy. We are planning on staying a few miles out so we can take advantage of the countryside as much as possible.

regards,

 

[keithwms]

There was a store in Sedona that did MF c41 for me; I was impatient. They didn't do b&w or e6 in-house though. Have fun, it's a great place. Do be sure to get your aura tuned

 

[mark]

I, personally, find Sedona over rated, but I live in northern Arizona and have time to hit other places. Shots of Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock in the back ground are a must. At that time of year you should still have snow, assuming we get a snowy winter. Sun up and sunset are the best times for color. Bring a polorizer and a warming filter or a worming polarizer. I prefer an orange filter for the red rocks. Easier to control the contrast than with a red. Green and yellow work too.

The Painted Desert is one of my favorite places. BW is a must, as is color. Get there early, like before sun up to catch the colors. If you are in luck the ground will be wet with snow melt. This makes the layers sing. If you have time hit the little painted desert as well. Outside of Flagstaff on the way to the painted desert is an old route 66 tourist trap. It is in ruins and the turn off is the Two Guns turn off. Pretty cool place if you like fallen down buildings. Last time I was there (2005) you could get in and walk around.

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/6993

The place has a funny history.

Late winter/early spring is very unpredictable in norther Arizona. Wind is almost a guarantee and at times can be really bad. WInd at the painted desert is 100 times worse than in the Sedona area. Prepare for cold and lots of wind. That way, if the photo gods are with you and the weather is warm and beautiful, you will be much more thankful. If the gods are laughing at you you will be prepared.

 

[Don12x20]

Take a look at the following:
Just NW of Sedona - Palatki Ruins
Red Rock State Park
West Fork
A little further away:
Jerome
Tuzigoot
Cottonwood (Look into the railroad trip up the canyon)
take the back road from Jerome to Williams (on the way to the canyon)

and from the east end of the Grand Canyon, look into Wupatki and Sunset Craters.

Lots to see.

 

[Whiteymorange]

I second Jerome. Truly weird place for someone from New England, that's for sure.

 

[Toffle]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. (I'll be sure to bump this thread before I head out in March) Yes, I've read about the new-age-ish culture thereabouts. Maybe I'll get my karma tuned.
Right now though, I'm more curious as to whether it is possible to rent any 4x5 gear. My monorail is far too big and bulky to carry on a plane, and I'd hate to miss the opportunity to shoot some LF in such a great location.
(hm... all this talking about auras etc.... feeling a bit of deja vu... like I already wrote this once today... weird... )

Cheers,