Canyoneering Photography

Deimos Canyon, Death Valley N.P. Canon 1Dx, 16-35mm f/2.8 @35mm ISO 6400, f/4.5, 1/500
Photographing the relatively obscure sport of canyoneering takes me to some of the most remote, amazing locations in the U.S. But coming back with good images took years of developing an eye for how to overcome the unique challenges canyoneering presents.
Pine Creek Canyon, Zion N.P. Canon 5DIII, 16-35mm f/2.8 @35mm ISO 25600, f/6.7, 1/60
Deimos Canyon in Death Valley National Park is so hidden, it takes a 3,000' climb up steep, loose rock in the Amargosa Mountains to get there. As you approach it, the canyon looks like a jagged knife had carved through the rough, volcanic rock and left a wrinkled gash so stark, it’s nearly invisible from a distance. One of many canyons penetrating Death Valley’s arid mountains, Deimos evolved out of rare flash floods that gradually whittled a groove through the rock, making it so deep shade is the dominant light source.
To travel through Deimos requires ropes and ot...