Nikon D810, 86mm, ISO 200, 1/200 sec, f/14
This is a much better Yaki Point sunrise image than the one presented in the 29 January 2024 post. The 29 January image featured a blown out sky where the sun is located. While the rest of the 29 January is a quite strong composition, that blown out area turns it into an average image.
For this image, I zoomed in my composition to the top right corner of the 29 January image. I took multiple images, exposing for the sun in some, and the foreground in others. During post processing I combined images so that I have a strong sun and sky and some interesting detail in the canyon.
If you ever wonder why photographers take multiple images from the same location, this is one reason for that. This image and the one posted on 29 January were taken minutes apart. Using different compositions and different techniques in post processing results in two unique images.
Yaki Point: 36.058614° -112.083175°
Nikon D810, 55mm, ISO 200, 1/20 sec, f/13
This is the sunrise view that awaits after one scrambles down, and then up, to the plateau shown in the 14 February 2023 post. Shooting from that small plateau gives the image that hanging in space effect that could not be achieved from the parking lot overlook.
Remember, there are no fences along the edge of the canyon, so be very careful, especially during the hours of darkness. I recommend not going anywhere during darkness that you have not thoroughly scouted during daylight.
Lipan Point: 36.038751° -111.880679°
Nikon D810, 40mm, ISA 200, 1/10 sec, F/13
The little plateau with the trees on it in the center of the image is where I captured sunrise images at Lipan Point. Notice the two people in the image for a sense of scale. First, one must scramble down from the flat ground on the left, then scramble up to the plateau. There are several places where you can scramble down from one plateau and then up the next one. Once on the plateau, you can shoot right or left across the canyon, or straight across to the north rim.
I scouted this area the day prior between capturing sunrise and sunset images at other overlooks. I explored several routes to the top of the plateau and picked the easiest one to do with my loaded photography backpack. I did that route several times to pick out handholds and footholds for the easiest ascent.
I made sure I had a headlamp and two handheld flashlights when I actually made the climb before sunrise. To my surprise, two other photographers arrived in the parking lot when I did, and we all headed to the same plateau. We ended up sharing that little plateau for two hours or so, and then spent equally as long in the parking lot discussing Grand Canyon photography.
Lipan Point: 36.032788° -111.852750°
