Categories: Showcase

Capturing the Glow in the Narrows of Zion National Park

Elemental Zion

Nico DeBarmore is a photographer with a portfolio that spans not only across the United States, but also includes images from far-flung regions like India, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Peru. He is passionate about showing a place in the best light possible. This usually requires many repeated visits and attempts before he comes away with a final photograph. As a Utah resident for a time, Nico dove deep into the Narrows of Zion National Park, exploring the canyon repeatedly in a search for optimal lighting and diverse compositions.

Nico spent so much time in the Zion Narrows that he wrote a book on the subject – Photographing & Sightseeing in the Zion Narrows: A Guide to Finding the Glow. His book is one of a kind – describing in detail how to be at the right place at the right time to see the elusive “glow.” The book features over 20 picturesque compositions within the Narrows. It also includes an accurate map, GPS coordinates, hike times, distances, and photography tips.

→ Related reading: Photographer’s Guide to Zion National Park

Nico says, “Zion is a diverse park with so many different features to engage a photographer. Soaring sandstone cliffs tower above a lush valley teeming with life. My favorite part of the whole park is the Virgin River Narrows, and my favorite time is autumn. The cottonwoods turn to gold and add another pop of color against the blue water and red cliffs.”

“The beginning of the Narrows is along the Riverside Walk, and features a wide, tumbling river and many trees along the banks. This area is easily accessible and provides great photo opportunities for those who can’t venture all the way upriver.

Angled River Rock

Autumn in Zion Canyon

“Those willing to get a little wet and wade up the Virgin River are rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime views of incredible sandstone passages. I like to wear waders or a dry suit in the fall to stay totally dry in spring and fall. Summer temperatures allow for hiking upriver in nothing more than a swimsuit.”

Mystery Canyon Waterfall

Mystery Wall

Cottonwood Reflection Pool

Elemental Zion

Glow and Low Flow

Cottonwood Bend

“Within the Narrows, my favorite section is Wall Street – all the way in the back. This section is difficult to photograph because the optimal lighting that creates a deep orange glow typically only occurs for half an hour each day. It can be tough to figure out, but it is worth it to really see each twist in the canyon in the best light.”

Landscape Legend Lightroom Presets: Save time and get amazing results with our presets! Landscape Legend is the most comprehensive collection of Lightroom presets specifically created for landscape and nature photos. On Sale Now!

Glow and Water

Zion Gold Rush Panorama

Imlay Rock

Glowing Passage in Autumn

Slotted Boulder

Wall Street Zig Zag

“Capturing the glow in the Zion National Park Narrows is all about understanding how the sunlight will bounce into the canyon. Direct sunlight on a canyon wall will cause a photo to be unsightly and blown-out. No bounced sunlight will cause a photo to appear dark and dull. The optimal lighting is when the sunlight hits a wall that is out of sight – around the corner – and the light from that wall then bounces into a wall within the photo frame. This creates a soft orange glow that makes photographing this area so striking and unique.”

Connect with Nico

See more from Nico on his website or his blog. Follow his updates on Instagram @nicodebarmore and Facebook.

All photos in this post are © Nico DeBarmore, used with permission.

Loaded Landscapes

The content on this page is a collaboration from our staff of editors and contributions/suggestions from our community of users.

Share
Published by
Loaded Landscapes

Recent Posts

How To Protect Camera In Bad Weather: 16 Pro Tips

The weather can be unpredictable, even in the most temperate of climates. Rainy days can…

2 years ago

How Do You Reduce Haze in Landscape Photography?

Haze can be a photographer's ally, but it is a trouble to endure most of…

2 years ago

How to Photograph Intimate Landscapes Like A Pro

As a landscape photographer, you often find yourself drawn to the expansive views and deep…

2 years ago

How To Do Landscape Photography Using Smartphone

When you're traveling, it's always a good idea to travel light. The fewer things you're…

2 years ago

Photographing Volcanoes: Best Tips And Tricks for Beginners

Volcano photography is an enriching hobby. Even though a lot of work goes into the…

2 years ago

The Best Photography Locations in Senja Island

You may not have heard of Norway’s second largest island, Senja Island. This underrated must-visit…

2 years ago