Shhh…there’s a secret place, somewhere in a remote mountainous region of Italy, where you can tuck into an ancient stone village and transport yourself back into time. Medieval time to be exact.Abandoned homes scattered around a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, built centuries ago, have been turned into guest rooms for the intrepid traveler who […]
Who doesn’t love an old castle? Rocca Calascio is the highest castle in Italy. Located 2 hours east of Rome in northern Abruzzo in the Gran Sasso National Park, it sits as the lower apex of a triangle between two tiny medieval stone villages, Santo Stefano di Sessanio to the west and Castel del Monte […]
Be careful! Walk quietly into this gaping mouth inscribed with the words “All thoughts fly.” Anything you may whisper in private–can be heard by those standing on the stairs. This ogre from hell is just one of the many stone sculptures of mythical creatures, giants battling animals, dragons, and soldiers entangled in wrath that […]
A portal to another dimension… Last month my family and I traveled to northeastern Arizona over spring break, and stayed at a unique lodge at Monument Valley that certainly deserved its name, The View. Built in 2008 on a sandy ridge, every room at this Navajo owned hotel features a balcony that faces the famous […]
Can you take good astrophotography pictures from the View Hotel? Can you capture the Milky Way?
Pretty good shots of the Milky Way…there is some light pollution from the hotel when you’re shooting from the balconies or deck, but it lights up the foreground which is kinda nice since there’s no light painting allowed. Plus how convenient to simply have everything ready to go in your bedroom–just set your alarm and step outside on your balcony! The ultimate astro shots are from inside the park though…and you have to hire a local native guide like explained in the blog post. This was my favorite shot of my entire trip (milky way through the window in the cave).
Wow, Kim! I’m floored by the arch and window Milky Way photo. I’m always so impressed by the precise nature of astrophotography—both in camera settings and in knowing where the Milky Way will rise. Sounds like you really got both aspects dialed on this adventure.
Amazing photos! I’d be just as excited to come upon that cave shot. You did a fantastic job to capture it in a limited amount of time.
Thanks, Meghan! I was so happy that my Navajo guide knew where to take me–it was better than I had envisioned! And so cool to know that the Ancient Ones shared the very same view eons before me.
Thanks, Cindy. It’s surprising how fast time goes when you’re intent on getting the shot!
One of my dreams is to view and photograph the milky way galaxy un polluted from light while camping in Monument Valley. Eventually I will make it happen.
Yes, it is a worthwhile dream! I truly hope you make it happen. 😉
Would you mind sharing what company you used for this tour?
Hi Kathy, I believe it was Monument Valley Holiday Safari/Private Jeep Tours
Owner – Nate Holiday Monument Valley, UT 84536
Phone: (435) 727-3340
Pardon my ignorance , but why do you have to apply for a photo permit? Is this just if you want to sell your photography?
I’m going in a couple of weeks. Beginner photog here. I’m just praying I can get my settings right. I. Saving your article! Thanks for the info!
Tara
My understanding is as long as you don’t post your images anywhere you won’t need a photo permit. But you should contact them to see current requirements. Good luck with capturing the Milky Way!
So you mean to say that if I take photos and post on Instagram – FB , send to others via email, I need a permit to take photos. Where do I apply for that permit.
I am not any professional photographer but need help learning the settings for my cannon PowerShot SX70 HS
Rules change all the time…I would contact the park directly and ask them.
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Andrew Houseman - It was a pleasure to meet a fellow Minnesotan in Evansville. I hope you are well. Your photos are stunning!
admin - Thank you! It was a pleasure to meet you too. I hope you make your way to Abruzzo…you will love it!