Typically my portrait sessions have been centered in Salt Lake City and surrounding towns. It isn’t too often that I venture to southern Utah—unless it is to photograph Moab.
Nahum loves to hike and explore the beauty that is Utah. He wanted a photo shoot that represented one of the locations he likes to hike and explore. We traveled down to Kanarraville Utah to hike the Kanarraville Creek Canyon. There are waterfalls, creeks, and narrows.
Nahum sits by one of the many waterfalls in Kanarraville Creek Canyon
This is one reason photographers need to be in shape! It was quite the workout to carry camera gear and myself up to and through the canyon. It was also beautiful. Because of the snow and heavy winter there was more water than usual. This probably helped create some more water for our photos and presented some unique challenges.
Nahum is photographed in the Canyon of Kanarraville
Fortunately, as a photographer, I come prepared. I used a tripod as my light stand and we were able to get my signature off camera lighting to create some awesome portraiture. I now have it on my “To Buy” list of a waterproof backpack. There were times I was afraid I would just fall over into the creek. Sometimes you don’t know what you need till you need it!
To Take Better Photos, We Stand in Better Locations
Because we were going hiking we didn’t have too much opportunity to change outfits. I don’t have a limit on outfit changes for a photo shoot. As many as you want in the time we have to shoot.
Photographing in the Kanarraville Creek Canyon
We had to be creative in where Nahum would stand, where we put the tripod/light stand, and where I would stand. This was definitely the most three dimensional photo shoot I have done. We had to be very aware of our surroundings so no one got hurt or fell into the water.
Creek acts as a background for Nahum’s headshot
Southern Utah really is beautiful. If you want to improve your photographs you should look at improving your surroundings. It is my bucket list to photograph people more in Moab for example. The location is just amazing and only makes a portrait even more cool. It makes a portrait in a park seem almost lame by comparison.
I brought a light attached to a tripod for most shots
The waterfalls definitely made for a great background. I wish we had more time to explore the narrows. We also had to leave because the weather started to go a little stormy. You do not want to be in the creek or the narrows when there is a storm. You run the risk of flash flooding.
B&W Portrait of Nahum in Kanarraville Creek Canyon
Above all, safety first. You don’t want risk life and limb for a photograph. Maybe if you are a war photographer, maybe then.
Nahum goes shirtless in the Canyon
Photographed at the Narrows of the Canyon
B&W Portrait of Nahum in Kanarraville Creek Canyon
Headshot in the Kanarraville Creek Canyon
