iPhone 16 Pro handheld ISO 321 2.2 focal length, f/22, 1/90 sec
We began a 30 day 6000 mile driving trip to Colorado, Utah, northern Arizona and New Mexico.
While in Page, Arizona, we photographed Horseshoe Bend. It's a 1000' high area with the Colorado River below. Often there is a boat or kayaker below, but we were not so lucky. Thousands of people make the mile trek there and back to show up at sunset. Kids sit on the Navajo sandstone ledges for insane Instagram images, and its quite a party. It's pitch black after the sun sets, so carry a flashlight.
I did photograph with my "good" camera, but my iPhone 16 Pro did a better job. I removed my tripod leg and darkened everything else, which brought me to the actual color we saw. When the sun hits the sandstone, it "lights up". The sky was actually much more brilliant, the orange on the left was even more incredible. The water goes from turquoise to green, to colors from the clouds, so you'll see all sorts of colors in the millions of iconic shots on Instagram.
Thoughts, changes?
6 comments posted
Jean Wu
Wow. What a beautiful capture with iPhone!! A couple of weeks ago, I had a road trip to Mendocino/Fort Bragg. I used my Canon Mark V and iPhone 16 Pro. My iPhone photo turned out much better than from the Canon too. I have a coming trip to the southeast toward the end of this month; I'm ditching my Canon and going with my iPhone 16 Pro only. I think the iPhone 18 Pro has even better camera features, and I'm planning to upgrade my phone after my trip.
The only comment I have is you may consider adding more contrast (light) between the outer and inner circle. Posted: 10/01/2026 18:21:22
Brenda Fishbaugh
Thanks, Jean! Rick Sammon has several classes on KelbyOne on using only the iPhone for a trip to Africa, a trip to Antarctica, etc. And there are weekend-long online workshops with Kelby and several other groups on how to use iPhones to do all sorts of magic.
I'm not clear on where you would like more contrast on my image. I'm not sure what is the outer and inner circle? Thanks! Posted: 10/06/2026 01:24:20
Jean Wu
It was my personal perspective, I felt the rock area surrounding the river could be darker so it would make a better contrast with the rock on the top. Posted: 10/06/2026 16:18:06
Sunil Mehta
This is a beautiful landscape-almost perfect, and I really have no comments to add. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are both on my list to visit. Hopefully, one day! Posted: 10/03/2026 01:35:52
Brenda Fishbaugh
Sunil, Thanks so much! Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Bryce and Arches are all phenomenal. You need reservations for Antelope Canyon, as its on Navajo land. There is just a bit of time the light comes down into the slot canyon, so make sure you check the time for the month you are there. Upper Antelope is more tricky than Lower Antelope, which has much more light. And there are several other canyons that are great fun, too. Posted: 10/06/2026 01:31:09
Robert Schleif
Yes, very nice. Worth the walk. Posted: 10/06/2026 22:56:57
