Antelope Canyon Adventure Session

SeanLara

About a year ago I made a post on our Facebook looking for “adventurous couples” looking to photograph in some incredible places for their engagement photos. Antelope Canyon has been one of those spots on my photography bucket list for quite some time so when David and Nicole saw my post and were up for the adventure, we hopped in a car and made the drive to Northern Arizona. Let me tell you, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend are absolutely incredible. There are a lot of people who come to visit both scenic spots and can be a bit of a challenge to take photographs around, but the scenery is stunning and such an amazing place to take engagement photos.

On our first day we stopped by Horseshoe Bend which was just minutes from our hotel to scope out some potential locations for the next day of shooting. Our plan was to take photos at Antelope Canyon in the morning, and Horseshoe Bend for golden hour. Of course, I couldn’t not bring a camera so I immediately snapped a couple images of David and Nicole since there happened to be a gorgeous sunset. After scoping the spot out and having a plan for the next day, we retired early and got up early the next morning for our shoot in Arizona’s famous slot canyons. For those who don’t know, the majority of these canyons outside of Page, AZ are all privately owned by a variety of members of the Navajo Nation, so doing any sort of photoshoot requires permits, tour guides and a variety of fees. It’s not incredibly difficult to tour the canyon but finding out exactly where I wanted to take this couple for their engagement photos without interference from spectators and tourists took hours of careful research and careful planning on my end. We spent about 2 hours shooting in the slot canyon where I used a variety of lighting techniques and wide angle lenses to capture the beauty of the canyon. After a long morning, a break for lunch and an outfit change, we then headed back to Horseshoe Bend to soak in the sunset and capture some final photos.

This was an incredible opportunity to take photos here and I can’t wait for another couple to ask me to go back. I’m really looking forward to photographing David and Nicole’s wedding this Spring in North Carolina where we’ll be seeing a change of scenery and they’ll be saying their vows on the beach.

Antelope Canyon Engagement Session – Adventure Photos

What You Need to Know About Taking Photos in Antelope Canyon –

Can you take wedding and engagement photos in Antelope Canyon?

Yes, it is absolutely possible for couples to have their wedding or engagement photos taken in Antelope Canyon. In fact, it is one of the most incredible experiences in nature you will have! However, the process involves more than simply showing up as the slot canyons in Page (including Antelope and its sister canyons) are privately operated by the Navajo Nation. A photography permit must be obtained through the Navajo Nation (for any portrait session) and not all slot canyons allow professional photography or portraiture. Additionally, a licensed guide is required to access these areas via a private tour.

When you book a photography session with Lara Photography, I handle all of these logistics on your behalf—securing the necessary permits, coordinating with local guides, and ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience from start to finish.

How do we book a photo shoot in Antelope Canyon?

During the peak tourist seasons (May through September) photo sessions with Lara Photography are available ONLY on weekdays. If you are visiting from out of town, you will want to plan your trip accordingly to accommodate for this. Do not expect availability on exceptionally popular weekends such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and 4th of July.

If you’d like to book a session with me in Antelope Canyon, you will need to book a minimum of 4 weeks in advance. Please reach out to me and I’ll send you all of the pricing and booking info.

What’s included in an engagement session or wedding portraits?

•Required Navajo photography permit

•Full gallery of photos

•Photo session in the slot canyon

•Photo session at Horseshoe bend

Proper Clothing Etiquette in the Navajo Nation is Required

Clothing modesty reflects a deep respect for the spiritual and communal values of the Navajo people. In their culture, modesty regarding clothing choices is extremely important to keep in mind when selecting attire for your portrait session:

Nudity, or even partial nudity, such as crop tops, short shorts, or overly low-cut shirts, is considered inappropriate in most contexts. If you wear clothing that is revealing, you will likely be asked to cover up or change your outfit.
Please consider choosing attire that cover shoulders, thighs, and chest whenever possible.
Avoid wearing clothing with offensive graphics, alcohol or drug references, or anything that may seem disrespectful to a family-oriented, community-based culture.
The body is considered sacred, and so covering it respectfully is a way of honoring oneself and others.

Additional Tips:

•The off-season is the best time to avoid crowds and the heat

•Make sure you are physically fit, there will be hiking. Expect about 1.5 miles total.

•Bring lots of water and snacks

Meet Sean — Wedding & Portrait Photographer:

I’m Sean, a career wedding and portrait photographer with nearly two decades of experience capturing meaningful moments throughout the American West. I grew up on the West Coast and have spent my career exploring and photographing some of the most breathtaking locations— from the red rocks of Moab and Page to the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the shores of Southern California. I specialize in environmental portraits that blend natural beauty with authentic human connection. Whether we’re creating magic in Antelope Canyon or anywhere in the country, I can’t wait to help you tell your story in a place that speaks to your soul.