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  • Want the Secret to Insta-Success? Enrol in the School of Instagram

    Want the Secret to Insta-Success? Enrol in the School of Instagram


    Why do some people seem to gain Instagram followers effortlessly, while others struggle to get any traction? Find the answer by enrolling in the School of Instagram. It’s completely free to join, and the lessons you learn will take your Instagram account to the next level.

    Here’s a quick overview of what you can learn from the School of Instagram. (Hint: it’s just a fraction of what’s on the site itself, so you might want to dive right in and get started with your first free lesson right away!)

    1. How to Stand Out on Instagram

    Instagram has over a billion active users, with over 100 million photos and videos uploaded every day. How can you possibly stand out in such a crowded field?

    Start by binge-reading the ten dedicated lessons in the School of Instagram’s first subject area: How to Stand Out on Instagram.

    You’ll learn, among many other things, how to:

    How to write an Instagram captionHow to write an Instagram captionHow to write an Instagram caption

    Successful Instagrammers seem to do all these things naturally, but the truth is that they’ve spent years honing their techniques and learning what works and what doesn’t. The School of Instagram helps you take a massive shortcut and begin using these tried-and-tested tactics right away.

    2. How to Plan Your Instagram Content

    What do you mean, you don’t plan your Instagram content?

    If you’re just using Instagram to connect with friends and family, it’s fine to post off-the-cuff photos of whatever’s happening in your life from moment to moment. But if you want to use Instagram to reach a wider audience, you need to be more strategic. Learn how to do that in Part 2 of the School of Instagram’s curriculum: How to Plan Your Instagram Content.

    Planning your Instagram contentPlanning your Instagram contentPlanning your Instagram content

    You’ll discover time-saving apps you can use to plan your content, create better Instagram Stories, and more. Plus you’ll discover exactly how paid partnerships work and learn how you can grab a slice of the $6.5 billion influencer marketing budget, even if you don’t have a gazillion followers just yet.

    Oh, and have you always wondered how to get one of those beautiful blue “Verified” checkmarks next to your name? See the verification process demystified right here.

    3. Stuff They Don’t Teach You About Instagram

    If you’re an Instagram old-timer, you probably think you know all there is to know about using it.

    Think again.

    Instagram may be a fairly simple app, but with a billion users, and with humans being the creative beings they are, Instagrammers have come up with a ton of useful hacks to do things Mark Zuckerberg never thought of. Learn all about them in Part 3: Stuff They Don’t Teach You About Instagram.

    For example, do you know how to respond more quickly to comments by using the text replacement feature on your phone? How to add animated GIFs to your stories with a few taps? How to offer more poll options with the emoji slider? These are just a few of the Instagram hacks you’ll discover.

    Plus Instagram is always adding new features. Learn how to get the most out of the brand-new Instagram Create Mode, launched just last month.

    Instagram Create Mode TemplatesInstagram Create Mode TemplatesInstagram Create Mode Templates

    There’s so much more there too, from killer video trends to turning your Instagram content into a career. To see all of it, just head over to the site and start taking your free lessons.

    4. Learn From the Insta-Experts

    Let’s face it: there’s a ton of Instagram advice out there. But have you ever noticed that a lot of it is written by people whose own Instagram profiles are… kind of underwhelming?

    If you want to succeed on Instagram, you probably want to learn from people who have tens or hundreds of thousands of followers. You want to know what they’ve done to achieve that success. What have they learned along the way? What can you do to reach the same level?

    That’s where the “Asking for a Friend” interview series comes in. Watch some successful Instagram entrepreneurs talking about their biggest lessons, their best Instagram tips, how they deal with setbacks, and much more.

    You can find these fun and inspiring interviews on the School of Instagram homepage. Here’s one of them, with stylist and digital influencer Kristy Wu.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8JAZ0XjPUM


    Create an Insta-Site With Milkshake

    If you follow the lessons from the School of Instagram, you’ll soon be building a healthy and fast-growing Instagram following. But how do you translate that into sales or traffic for your other projects? After all, Instagram only lets you put one link in your profile.

    The best solution is to build an “Insta website”: an eye-catching, mobile-friendly site that quickly states who you are and what you do. Forget complex web design and hosting fees: you can set up a site quickly and easily using the free Milkshake app.

    With Milkshake, you can build a bespoke Insta-site on your phone in minutes, and use it to connect your followers to everything you offer.

    The site is specially designed for Instagram’s mobile web browser, so your followers can swipe through your site just like Instagram Stories. Seamless!

    You can update the site as often as you like. It’s free to create, and the best part is that no software or design skills are needed! What’s not to like? Download the Milkshake iOS app to get started.

    And don’t forget to enrol for the School of Instagram to ensure you’re getting the most out of the platform. They’re adding more lessons and interviews all the time, so sign up to make sure you’re the first to find out about the latest Instagram tips and tricks!



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  • Nairobi Destination Wedding Photography :: Kenyan East African

    Nairobi Destination Wedding Photography :: Kenyan East African


    Nairobi Destination Wedding Photography :: Kenyan East African

    Alice and Khalil had a truly magical wedding at the Kempinski Villa Rosa Nairobi, Windsor Golf Hotel And Country Club, And Nairobi Serena Hotel, luxurious and elegant hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The couple was surrounded by their closest family and friends as they exchanged vows in a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking the man-made lake at Windsor Golf Hotel And Country Club.

    The ceremony was absolutely stunning, with beautiful flowers provided by the talented team at Mosaic Events Decor Wedding Planner. The flowers added pops of color and texture to the ceremony space, creating a romantic and whimsical atmosphere.

    One of the standout details of the day was the couple’s unique and custom-built stunning wedding stage, which was adorned with delicate floral arrangements and draped with flowing fabric. It was the perfect backdrop for the couple’s exchange of vows.

    After the ceremony, the couple and their guests celebrated with a reception that was filled with delicious food, flowing champagne, and plenty of dancing. The reception was beautifully decorated with more outstanding flowers from Mosaic Events, including colorful centerpieces and cascading bouquets.

    The couple’s love and joy were palpable throughout the day, and it was truly a pleasure to capture their special moments in beautiful Nairobi Serena wedding photos. Thanks to the outstanding planning and attention to detail by Mosaic Events, Alice and Khalil had a wedding day that was truly a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable event, and to Crowne it, We had grand stunning fireworks from Jays Pyrotechnics. Mc Bedan King Dj Joe Mfalme Makeup Artist By Makeup By Ruthie Lesus Executive Car Lesus Executive Concierge Kayamba Africa

     





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  • Microsoft Publishes Full AI-Generated Ad and No One Noticed

    Microsoft Publishes Full AI-Generated Ad and No One Noticed


    Well, until they told us that is.

    gray microsoft surface laptop computer on white table
    Gray microsoft surface laptop computer on white table. Photo by Windows

    In a sign of the times, Microsoft published a blog describing the process behind one of their latest ads which relied upon AI-generated imagery and content to work.

    Ostensibly conceived to demonstrate the company’s prowess in AI, the ads show off Microsoft’s latest iteration of the Surface along with what is can do for businesses using CoPilot.

    How did this come to be?

    Hint: If you’ve ever used ChatGPT or anything like it before, then you probably have some idea.

    “We probably went through thousands of different prompts, chiseling away at the output little by little until we got what we wanted. There’s never really a one-and-done prompt,” Creative Director Cisco McCarthy told Microsoft. 

    “Like carving a masterpiece from a block of marble, each prompt was a careful stroke of the sculptor’s tool that gradually revealed the form within. Through relentless experimentation and countless revisions alongside generative AI, the team eventually conjured a library of stunning art for characters and sets, translating their ideas into captivating visualizations for the ad,” the company writes

    That’s an interesting way to describe it. The results speak for themselves, naturally, and you can watch them over on YouTube at this link.

    From our perspective, we’re seeing it as yet another sign of the times and as further evidence of one of the biggest trends to shake up our industry since we started writing this news blog. How we got here and where we are going are always interesting to ponder but they might make us miss the fact that the future is very much here and now already. 

    Any thoughts that you might have on AI-generated advertising are welcome in the comments. 

    We have some other news you might like to read at this link.





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  • Shark Attacks Could Be on the Rise Due to Selfie-Taking Tourists

    Shark Attacks Could Be on the Rise Due to Selfie-Taking Tourists



    Earlier this year, a Canadian tourist on vacation in the Turks and Caicos attempted to take a selfie with a shark—and ended up having both her hands bitten off. This comes after a viral video emerged of tourists taking photos with a huge shark that had been caught and dumped on a Florida beach. Now, a new study in Frontiers in Conservation is suggesting that selfie-chasing tourists may be contributing to an increase in sharks biting humans.

    Blaming social media influencers for encouraging tourists to try to photograph or touch sharks, the scientists point out that these animals do not tend to bite unless provoked or harassed. Professor Eric Clua, the study’s first author and a shark specialist at Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) in Paris, told The Times of London: “I don’t encourage, as many influencers do on social networks, to cling to a shark’s dorsal fin or stroke it, under the pretext of proving that they are harmless and supposedly working for their conservation.”

    While shark bites are incredibly rare, with only around 100 incidents globally and a handful of fatalities, Professor Clua suggests that tourists’ lack of knowledge means they are ignorant of the risks. “People know the difference between a [Yorkshire terrier] and a pit bull,” he says, “whereas they don’t know the difference between a blacktip reef shark and a bull shark, which are their marine equivalents.”

    Looking at records of shark encounters in French Polynesia between 2009 and 2023, the researchers found that about 5% of the “attacks” were probably defensive, occurring soon after a human interaction that was likely perceived as threatening by the shark. “We show that defensive bites by sharks on humans—a reaction to initial human aggression—are a reality and that the animal should not be considered responsible or at fault when they occur,” said Professor Clua. “These bites are simply a manifestation of survival instinct, and the responsibility for the incident needs to be reversed.”

    Read more here.





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  • The 10 Must-See Banff National Park Photography Spots

    The 10 Must-See Banff National Park Photography Spots


    Being the country’s first national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff has a lot in store for visitors. Rocky alpine peaks, azure glacial lakes, a picture-perfect mountain town and village, and picturesque drives- you won’t run out of things to see in the area.

    With so many spots to admire, it’s not enough to just visit the park. You have to take home the best Banff National Park photos after your adventure to immortalize the experience.

    So, let us start with a cheat sheet on capturing the park’s beauty, particularly its mountains and lakes. 

    Niv Rozenberg

    [table id=30 /]

    1. Two Jack Lake

    Two Jack Lake is just 15-minute away from Banff’s town center. Though this lake is not painted with shades of blue, it is still one of Banff’s must-visits. The lake itself is a reflection of what is up above. You will see clouds like feathers floating on the water and be in awe of how the lake changes with the season or weather.

    The best time to take a photo in Two Jack Lake is during sunrise and sunset when vibrant colors are at their peak. To capture these photos without being in a hurry, especially in the morning, you can get a Banff campsite at Two Jack Lake. You may get a cotton candy sky at the peak of Mountain Rundle.

    2. Lake Louise

    Lake Louise is one of the famous spots, which is 61 kilometers away from the town of Banff. This place is jampacked with everything— from the Victoria Glacier, colossal mountain background, down to activities like skiing and hiking. The combination of blue and purple skies beaded with sparkling stars makes it feel like this spot is the closest you can get to outer space. 

    The months of June through September are ideal for taking photos here. You will be able to see the colors of the area and the thawed lake. If you like a snowy landscape, visit December and March. The most lovely time to explore the lake is from sunrise to midday.

    John Lee

    3. Peyto Lake

    Forty kilometers north of Lake Louise, photographers’ favorite spot, Peyto Lake, is another breathtaking area in Banff National Park. It takes around 10 minutes to trek uphill to the Peyto Lake Lookout. Take note that the viewing platform can get crowded during midsummer. 

    To avoid getting people-filled photos, arrive in Peyto Lake early in the morning or during the evening of mid-November. Sunsets here are the best and can occur as late as 10 p.m. Another best time to have your camera ready is right after the first snowfall when the place is covered with ivory white ice as the blue lake glitters.

    Tip: The place’s name is pronounced as /peya-to/ not /pey-to/.

    4. Bow Lake

    If you are searching for a place where you and your family can take a family-friendly hike, then we recommend you visit Bow Lake. From June through September is the finest season to see Bow Lake in Banff. 

    As the lake melts, spring arrives around mid-year and is a fantastic time. The combination of numerous wildflowers and a brilliant blue lake will give you a photocard-worthy snap! In the winter, Bow Lake offers a terrific photo stop along the highway, with an excellent bridge that makes for picture-perfect images.

    Chong Wei

     Walk close to the small footbridges at the water’s edge, and you will get a glimpse of the stunning lake popping against the snow-covered mountain and orange-blue gradient background. It is better to plan your visit to see a sunset to achieve these for your photos. Also, we suggest you park near the Num Ti Jah lodge.

    5. Vermilion Lakes

    The Vermillion Lakes is one of the spots where the sun is its most refined. Its last light of the day, sunrise, and golden hour are the must-see moments in this place. It is better to score a space on one of the docks to have the best vantage point.

    Kevin Noble

    Another Instagrammable click you can get from Vermilion is when you opt for kayaking or canoeing. Try to angle the camera behind you (better if you have a companion to take the photo), grab the paddle, and look at the landscape in front of you. 

    Not only will you capture a beautiful combination of land and waterscapes but also you may capture the wildlife in the area, particularly muskrats, bald eagles, and beavers.

    6. Lake Minnewanka

    Lisa Bourgeault

    Lake Minnewanka, located near Two Jack Lake, has been used by First Nations Communities for 10,000 years. The lake is 142 meters deep and 21km long, making it one of the largest lakes in Alberta, Canada and the Canadian Rockies. It even provides Banff with hydroelectric power.

    Lake Minnewanka is unlike other lakes having their respective signature image spot. It’s a great spot to see and take a picture of the Aurora Borealis because it faces north. Just a pro tip: you need to roam around the place to acquire the best shot.

    But, the exciting part is you get to experience a photographic adventure. During winter, you can take a photo on top of the lake ice skating as it freezes. Yet, summer is also a lovely season to visit.

    7. Tunnel Mountain

    Steve Payne

    How could Banff’s tiniest mountain provide so many magnificent vistas of the valley and panoramas of the town? Upon standing on Tunnel Mountain, you will have a vantage point of Mount Rundle and Banff Springs golf course. Do not forget to take a photo of the view in landscape mode to cover, including the clouds hugging the mountain peaks.

    Along your hike to the top, do not forget to take a few snaps of the wildflowers along the trail and the trail itself. Remember to look up and capture the gnarly old trees on Tunnel Mountain.

    Fun Fact: Did you know Tunnel Mountain has no tunnel? When a projected path for the Canadian Pacific Railway was to be blasted in 1882, the moniker Tunnel Mountain was given. A cheaper alternative route was built around the mountain, but the title Tunnel Mountain stuck.

    8. Sulphur Mountain

    Sonya Brady

    Sulphur Mountain will give you some views you have never seen before. With six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley in front of you, your visit will undoubtedly be beautiful.

    On top of the Sulphur Mountain gondola, you can take pictures of Banff’s exemplary mountaintop sunsets. Aside from the view, you can also enjoy taking pictures of your scrumptious meal at the top of Sulphur Mountain. It is also lovely to give your Banff national park album a hint of vibrancy from the food. Do not forget to take pictures of the state-of-the-art Above Banff interpretive center.

    9. Castle Mountain

    Peter Law

    Castle Mountain is hard to miss, especially when traveling to the Bow Valley Parkway. The mountain certainly lives up to its name, with its castle-like peaks and characteristics. For the past 30 years, Castle Mountain has been referred to as Mount Eisenhower.

    This location is excellently photographed at any time of year. I believe the angle there is excellent when you depart at Castle Junction. When driving from Banff, a highway rest stop right after passing the Redearth turn-off can provide some foreground mountain aspects for beautiful shots.

    10. The Three Sisters

    Igor Kyryliuk

    After a blizzard left a heavy veil of snow on the northern face of all three summits, Albert Rogers named them the Three Nuns in 1883. However, George Dawson renamed them the Three Sisters in 1886, known as Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister, respectively.

    The Three Sisters may be seen from practically anywhere in Canmore. There are, however, specific locations where they are best photographed. The Canmore bridge, located near the public boat launch, is the first. You might be able to photograph some deer crossing the river if you’re lucky.

    The second vantage point is along the bike route that connects Canmore’s downtown with the Three Sisters Mountain Village. Another location is in Policemen’s Creek, known for being the photographer’s favorite.

    Plan your stay in Banff

    Braden Jarvis

    Planning your trip well is one significant variable to having the best Banff National park pictures. Having everything organized, especially your accommodation, will prevent you from making rushed visits to every spot. Also, take note of the following:

    • Banff is open year-round.
    • Summer is best for hiking, mountain biking, photography, and paddling.
    • Some mountain landscapes turn more beautiful in winter as the snow veils over their peaks.
    • Do not forget food and wildlife in your list of picture-worthy ideas aside from mountains and lakes.

    Lightroom Bundle Presets



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  • 20 Best Final Cut Pro Movie Trailer Templates Free & Paid (2025)

    20 Best Final Cut Pro Movie Trailer Templates Free & Paid (2025)


    Making a film and creating an ad for that film require skill. Let one of the 20 Final Cut Pro movie trailer templates free and premium in this article help you create a great impression for your project. They’re especially helpful if you don’t know how to make a movie trailer.

    Remember that you can subscribe to Envato Elements for a low monthly fee to download thousands of premium digital assets, such as the best movie trailer templates for Final Cut Pro.

    Editorial Note: This article has been completely rewritten to make it more usable for the reader.



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  • Airvy Atelier Bride Gown Dress

    Airvy Atelier Bride Gown Dress


    Naishola Garden Wedding Venue :: Airvy Atelier Bride Gown Dress

    Gushing over this mini bridal lookbook by Airvy captured amidst the serene beauty of Naishola Garden by Antony Trivet.
    This edition features interesting silhouettes for every bride regardless of personal style.
    You’ll find the style inspo needed to strut beautifully in your journey to “I do”.

    From flowing silhouettes to intricate lace details, each ensemble speaks volumes about the bride who wears it – confident, radiant, and utterly captivating.

    It’s not just about the dresses; it’s about creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.

    And to all the brides-to-be out there, we invite you to embark on your journey of bridal bliss with Airvy – where dreams become reality, and love shines brightest.

    Experience the magic of Airvy at https://www.airvyatelier.co/

    Outdoors On Location |Naishola Gardens
    Bride: @queen_yulah @tyler.hawi.ayah & @bey.rhoda.7

    Videography: @tks_pixels

    Hair accessories: @luxury_bridal_jewelry

    Location: @naisholagardens

    Naishola Garden Wedding Venue :: Airvy Atelier Bride Gown Dress

    • “The great marriages are partnerships. It can’t be a great marriage without being a partnership.” – Helen Mirren
    • “In terms of my marriage, you know, falling in love with my husband was by far the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” – Caroline Kennedy
    • “My husband has made me laugh. Wiped my tears. Hugged me tight. Watched me succeed. Seen me fail. Kept me strong. My husband is a promise that I will have a friend forever.” – Unknown
    • “Husband and wife relationships are like the relationship of Tom and Jerry. Though they are teasing and fighting, but can’t live without each other.” – Unknown
    • “My husband is my best friend, my greatest support, my biggest comfort, my strongest motivation, my truest smile, my deepest love, my favorite, my forever. He has me. Entirely.” – Unknown
    • “A husband and wife may disagree on many things but they must absolutely agree on this: to never, ever give up.” – Unknown
    • “There is no such cozy combination as man and wife.” – Menander





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  • Rare Footage of Octopus Riding a Shark

    Rare Footage of Octopus Riding a Shark



    Shark-topus might sound like the name of a corny sci-fi flick: But it’s actually what many are calling a bizarre behavior captured by scientists of an octopus hitching a ride on a Mako shark.

    Researchers from the University of Auckland used a drone camera to film the unlikely duo—a Maori octopus and mako shark—cruising through the ocean off New Zealand’s coast. It appears to be the first documented case of such a commensurate behavior between the two species.

    “The shark seemed quite happy, and the octopus seemed quite happy,” Dr. Rochelle Constantine, the maritime ecologist who captured the footage, told NYTimes.com. “It was a very calm scene.”

    The real mystery lies in how the unlikely duo met. Mako sharks swim up to 40 miles per hour in the open ocean, while Maori octopuses live on the sea floor. It’s unknown how long the shark-topus was together or if they remain connected by the fin and tentacle, erm, arm.

    Either way, it’s one tenta-cool rider.

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElxYfeTXIng

     





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  • Time’s Flow, Star trails and Springtime!

    Time’s Flow, Star trails and Springtime!


    Welcome to this week’s Light Stalking community update!

    Last in the essence of movement set, the flow of time! Rooted since the dawn of our kind, something in our nature has steered us into being so intrigued about the stuff we call time. As discussed in the earlier wrap-ups following this set, photography enables us to capture light and time in a single piece of imagery.

    Previously, we talked about light and how to use different settings to model light according to the story to be told. And as you might expect, now’s the turn of time to finally join the chat. For it, Diane suggested thinking in the terms of a single frame time-lapse; e.g. collages, double and long exposures.

    Capturing the flow of time gets tricky fast if one underestimates how shaky things can get when exposing below 1/4s. Always mind using a tripod, monopod or at least one sufficiently stable surface for you to place your camera in. Not to be proud, but I’ve surpassed my stability needs with backpacks, pillows, blankets, towels, tables, chairs, shoes, flip-flops and who knows which other oddities as well.

    Tripod or not, the real trick for capturing time as it flows is to slow things down directly from the lens. For this, ND filters are a must for ensuring organic in-camera expositions. On the side, cable releases are extremely useful for minimising camera vibration; and the finishing touch for those shooting with certain SLR and DSLR cameras, lock your mirrors up!

    Photo of the Week

    Once in a while this is exactly what we all need, a tranquil scene filled with nature’s serenity. Globally speaking, this year has been a wild-ride; so precious slow-paced moments like this are something worth treasuring. Not to mention how the slight use of sub-framing enriches the cosy nature of the scene.

    copyright – Lightandshadow

    Happy Easter folks, and thanks Steve for sharing such a high quality photograph with us!

    Weekly Photography Challenge Digest

    Thanks again to Diane and Dahlia for pushing our creative boundaries one step forward every week!

    copyright – Wendy P
    copyright – Pat Garrett
    copyright – Pat Garrett
    copyright – Wendy P
    copyright – Patrick
    copyright – Patrick

    For contributing, check out the original challenge post!

    A Highlight on the Latest Activity at our Community

    Gues who joined the ranks of us film shooting hipsters‽ That’s right, Rob got this minty looking camera:

    copyright – Rob Wood

    Diane got some fun with her lensbaby double glass optic

    copyright – Tersha

    Patrick shared this stunning portrait; one can feel the hard work for sure…

    copyright – Patrick

    Sticking with the mobile approach, he also shared this good-looking vertical panning:

    copyright – Patrick

    Followed by this bright shot by Pat:

    copyright – Pat Garrett

    Don’t forget to check the photo contest winners for Visual Metaphors; and remember, this month’s photo contest is now open for entries. The theme revolves on “the Essence of Movement“. Submit your photos for a chance to win $250 and please don’t forget voting as well. Last but not least, keep an eye out for the Members Picks — the instructions are pretty straightforward:

    Members reference what you might consider a five star photo. Give a call out to the photographer and share their photo even if it lies in the Shark Tank and feel free to give a Critique on why it trips your Trigger. Be sure to mention the photographer and the Thread you saw it in.

    And if you want to make out the most of your LightStalking user account, make sure to check the latest posts. Also, don’t forget to swim the Mobile Monday Challenge! Last but not least, Check out the current reading throwdown, it has some nice insights and recommendations!

    We’d Love To Hear Your Thoughts

    Our Feedback Forum is a fine place for all those people wanting to grow fast as photographers. Here, you’ll get your work reviewed by well-intended photographers, but you’ll also have the chance of commenting on the work of others. We believe in the power of feedback, and here are the latest shots shared in the pool:

    The Shark Tank is a great place to learn and to discuss, but please read the instructions in order to get a better experience. Share your comments, opinions and doubts on any or all of the images above. We also will be delighted to see some of your own images. Remember all comments are given to the photographs; not the photographers. Also, don’t forget to participate in our upcoming challenge!





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  • Pro Tips on How to Take Beautiful Antelope Canyon Pictures

    Pro Tips on How to Take Beautiful Antelope Canyon Pictures


    “Wow” is an understatement when describing the beauty of Antelope Canyon. Its beautiful and glowing red canyon walls, sleek curves, scalloped rock faces as well as striking light beams can leave you speechless.

    Fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional photographer just to get great Antelope Canyon pictures. With your camera, you can actually take great photos of the area.

    Keep reading this article for tips on how and where to position your camera to get spectacular shots.

    [table id=29 /]

    Antelope Canyon: Interesting Facts

    Antelope Canyon

    Antelope Slot Canyon is located in Page, Arizona.

    It is made up of the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons. Both canyons are part of the Navajo land in Northern Arizona. The Navajo people are responsible for the care and preservation of the Antelope Canyon. 

    The formation was created millions of years ago. These canyons were created due to water and wind erosion caused by flash floods in Arizona. Both slot canyons are open for tourists. Oftentimes, when people say Antelope Canyon, they normally refer to the Upper Antelope Canyon.

    The Upper Antelope Canyon is more popular than the Lower Antelope Canyon. However, tours for the Lower Antelope Canyon are relatively cheaper. With a Navajo guide, you may visit both slot canyons in one day.

    The road leading to the canyons is gated by the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation protects its people as well as the canyons. That is why only guided tours with authorized tour guides are allowed entry into the canyon.

    As majestic as it is, this natural beauty can cause danger during monsoon season. Rainwater can quickly fill up the canyon which can cause flash flooding due to the canyon’s narrowness. In 1997 a flash flood cost the lives of some tourists. 

    Because of the 1997 incident, visiting the canyon is only through guided tours. Aside from the issues of safety,  only authorized guide tours are permitted entry into the canyon to prevent vandalism and preserve this natural landmark.

    If you are planning to visit the canyons, make sure to check the weather conditions on your planned dates. You want to enjoy your trip and bring home great memories and not get stranded on the ledge because of the rain.

    The Lower Antelope Canyon

    Lower Antelope Canyon

    The Lower Antelope Canyon is also called “The Corkscrew” and has a Navajo name “Hazdistazi”. The Navajo name for the Lower Antelope Canyon translates to “spiral rock arches”.

    If you like narrow passageways and ladders, you may find the Lower Antelope Canyon to your liking. The canyons here are shallower and lighter in shade than the Upper Antelope Canyon because of their upright V shape.

    The Lower Antelope Canyon is located near the Upper Antelope Canyon. Unfortunately, in 2018 tour operators no longer offer general tours and even photography tours.

    The Famous Upper Antelope Canyon

    Upper Antelope Canyon

    The Upper Antelope Canyon is also called “The Crack” and has a Navajo name “Tsé bighánílíní”. The Navajo name for the Upper Canyon translates to “ the place where water runs through cracks”.

    It is characterized by high and dark canyon walls, light beams shining down, and falling sand. The Upper Antelope Canyon is somehow shaped like an inverted V. It is narrow at the top while it is wide and passable at the bottom.

    Because of its high canyon walls, light beams are easily created when the sun shines at certain angles. The narrow top also makes the canyons look darker and the surrounding atmosphere cooler.

    How to Visit Antelope Canyon?

    The Antelope Canyon is only open for scheduled tours. You may inquire about tour packages, exclusive deals, and even discount codes from tour companies. It is highly encouraged that you make reservations for tour slots at least three months in advance. 

    The whole tour usually lasts for 1.5 hours which is inclusive of the travel time and touring the canyon. So many people who want to visit this place. It is not surprising for many want to witness this majestic site up close and personal.

    Road to Antelope Canyon

    Most tourists flock to Antelope Canyon during summertime. Midday is the most crowded time. Tourists prefer to visit during this time so they can get more great stock photos. If you want to avoid the crowd and take your time taking pictures, you can visit earlier or later in the afternoon.

    Tips for Capturing Gorgeous Antelope Canyon Pictures

    Both slot canyons are photogenic. However, you can capture more stunning photographs at the Upper Antelope canyon. It is during midday that you can get gorgeous photos of light beams as well as falling sand.

    Don’t forget to look up

    Tourists Looking Up

    When you are on tour with so many tourists, taking great pictures can be challenging. One important piece of advice to get great shots is to look up. The canyons look lovely from that perspective. Also, if you are lucky, you can get gorgeous images of light beams shining down.

    Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited

    Only handheld photography is permitted. Unfortunately, handheld photography in the Upper Canyon can be challenging especially after midday because the canyon walls look noticeably darker.

    Taking Selfie

    As an avid photographer, you will surely be in awe at the lighting conditions in the canyons. At the Upper Antelope Canyon, for instance, you can capture various gorgeous pictures of the sandstone walls changing color throughout the day depending on the sun’s angle.

    You may also find yourself wandering about, looking for the perfect shot because there are several compositions you can make. If you hire a Navajo guide, they can bring you into the canyon at the right time for you to capture amazing light beams.

    Light beams don’t last long

    Antelope Canyon Light Beam

    You have to bring in your A-game and capture as many pictures as you can. If you still have time after you take all the necessary shots, you can stare at the majestic view in front of you and absorb it all.  Not everyone gets to witness such beauty of nature.

    The Antelope Canyon is a great surprise and unique experience if you are an enthusiastic landscape photographer. You take a lot of abstract photographs and the art compositions are limitless. Not everyone will have the same composition. Each photo is unique.

    If you get to take shots of a particular spot in the canyon with your preferred lighting condition, the result is magical. You will notice that the contrasts and transitions between cold and hot tones are spectacular.

    Depending on the time of day you are inside the canyon, you can capture varying contrasts of purple, red, and orange. If you have an active imagination, you may spot some human or animal formation to capture on a frame.

    What Is So Special About Antelope Canyon?

    Antelope Canyon is special because of its wave-like canyon walls. These walls change color throughout the day depending on lighting conditions. The sunbeams and falling sand also add to the spectacle of the place. These make Antelope Canyon the most photographed slot canyon in the southwest USA.

    If you’re thinking of visiting the area, it is from the end of March until the first weeks of October that you can enjoy Antelope Canyon the most. It is from 11:00 am until 1:30 pm that you can witness the ultimate beauty of the Antelope Canyon, especially the Upper Antelope Canyon.

    On average, it can take you 1 to 1.5 hours to walk through Antelope Canyon both Upper and Lower Antelope canyons. You get to traverse a distance of approximately 1,800 meters (1.10 miles) round trip. Walking is easier in the Upper canyon than in the Lower canyon.

    Final Thoughts

    Beautiful Canyon

    Antelope Canyon is one breathtaking and jaw-dropping natural destination. It offers tourists a different kind of experience. This American Southwest is truly amazing. A true gem of the world. 

    The lines, tones, as well as color separation, are a spectacle to behold. These are perfect elements for an abstract photograph. It is a perfect place for abstract photographers to create their masterpieces and draw design inspiration from.

    If you seek thrill and fun, it is best to visit the Lower Antelope Canyon. On the other hand, if you want to take great stock photos, then the Upper Antelope Canyon is your best bet. 

    Whatever your reasons are for visiting the Antelope Canyon, one common thing stands out from all tourists – the appreciation and gratitude for Mother Nature’s creation. Bring your most trustworthy camera and create priceless memories in Antelope Canyon, Arizona.

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