BlueHour Photo Ventures

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Our post-covid return to photo tours: Utah!

Windows and Mountains - Arches National Park © Paul Nguyen

We have been eagerly awaiting the return of our photo tours! It has been a long (two years?) since we were able to take you somewhere other than New England! Utah is one of the tours we were meant to run previously, before COVID became what seems our entire lives.

We had a fun and motivated group of 7 photographers with us, many of whom are familiar faces.

Desert Brilliance - Deadhorse Point State Park © Allie Richards

Utah and the desert southwest is one of our favorite places to visit. There are just so many kinds of compositions you can make, and you can use every lens in your bag no matter where you are. The best part about visiting in the off season is no crowds!

Landscape Arch © Paul Nguyen

Many of our travelers know us for packing a lot into a fairly short time, but in a way that still feels comfortable. In a week’s time, we visited the very rugged and remote Capitol Reef National Park (we even rented Jeeps to really immerse ourselves), Arches National Park, Canyonlands & even Monument Valley in neighboring Arizona.

© Paul Nguyen

© Paul Nguyen

Visiting at this time, we were treated to beautiful yellow leaves on Cottonwood trees, and a few Aspens that were clinging on through the cold.

So many vistas, so little time!

Night at The Three Sisters, Monument Valley © Allie Richards

Toward the end of the tour, one of the special treats was joining a Navajo guide into the backcountry of Monument Valley, which is not accessible to the public or anyone not part of the Navajo Nation. We did this at night to marvel at the stars and milky way over the silhouettes of the formations. It was a little scary out there! It is these unique images that we love to make the most.

Sacred Journey - Monument Valley © Paul Nguyen

Reach for the Sun © Allie Richards

On the last day, our group had the opportunity to trek to Delicate Arch, the symbol of Utah, if they felt they could handle the hike. The great thing about the land out here is that no matter the conditions, the sandstone always seems to shine in the sun. Beautiful!

The Arch of Arches © Allie Richards

We love visiting the southwest, and hope you’ll consider joining us next year - we hope to make a return to Arizona in 2022!