Phillips Photography Tours - Day Tours
Phillips Photography Tours - Day Tours
Phillips Photography Tours - Day Tours
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A photographer’s guide in providing the best photography tours in Monument Valley, Utah and its surrounding areas such as Mystery Valley and Hunt's Mesa Overnight Tour. Monument Valley and Mystery Valley tours consist of photographing Anasazi ruins, arches, petroglyphs and iconic Western movie settings. It is a cultural tour as well sharing with you our Navajo heritage and our connection to our land.
Monument Valley, Utah
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Phillips Photography Tours - Day Tours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
337 reviews
Excellent
313
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
5
Terrible
5
Roam660984
Saint Louis, MO4 contributions
Oct 2021
Our group of 3 people all thought the sunset tour of Monument Valley was wonderful. The leader was Carlos and we appreciate that the groups are kept small, if not private as ours was. Plus it was in an enclosed vehicle as opposed to the open air type of vehicle and took roads far back in the park where no public access is allowed. He offered personal knowledge and bits of Navajo culture along with photographic tips to "get the best shot". He followed a path to get the best light on the formations, while explaining them and did not rush us taking photos. We totally enjoyed the experience and recommend this tour, even if you are not a photographer. We wished we could have taken the sunrise tour, but sunset was a great second choice.
Written October 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanna P
Naperville, IL79 contributions
Oct 2021
The Phillips Photography Monument Valley Tours were fantastic, and we will do it again in the future. My husband and I went on the sunrise tour on the first day. Our guide, Carlos was excellent. We departed the View Hotel early morning. The weather was not good, with a lot of clouds, and fog. But Carlos assured us, that the valley looks different. My husband is a great photographer, and I went as a non-photographer. We took night sky photos with the monuments, then we took sunrise beautiful photos at the perfect spot at the perfect time! The next day we had two more tours, again in the morning for the sunrise, this time with Carl and in the afternoon- sunset tour to the Sacred Monument with Carlos. Carl was a great teacher; his guidance was helpful, and he took us to different spots than Carlos. Carl and Carlos told us about the Navajo, their culture, the history of the area, and the geology. Phillips brothers knew all the best photo locations for each time of the morning, the afternoon, or at the night and they took us to some wonderful photo spots that normal tourists can't access without a guide. We stopped to see inside a Hogan and talk with a Navajo woman making a blanket. But the most surprising and amazing moment was listening to Carl singing the chant. We will definitely book another future tour with the Phillips brothers, this time we will add a nighttime tour at a different time of the year. I highly recommend this tour for all levels of photographers. It was all great.
Written November 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaye j
3 contributions
Sep 2022
Booked the Sunrise tour and let me tell you Phillips Photography did not disappoint with all the majestic views we saw. Carlos managed to get us to the perfect sunrise spot long before full sunrise and pointed out the perfect spot to get a perfect shot when the sun started to rise. He also took us around to several other key spots to photograph. Most importantly was the fact that we were able to ride in regular vehicle. Many of the other tours that showed up to the sunrise spot were in open type tour vehicles. Would not have enjoyed having my camera exposed to all that dust in an open vehicle.. Traveling throughout the valley we were told many stories spoken in Navaho and then translated to us.
The overall experience was exceptional…
The overall experience was exceptional…
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OntarioCanuck1
Georgetown, Canada4,012 contributions
Nov 2022
I was very disappointed by this photography tour.. guide was friendly, nice guy, and on time at 6 am, had some information and took us to the basic areas and drove well, but this was a sunrise PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR. That is why I booked it and got up before 6 am to see the best photographic sites at sunrise and perhaps get advice on photographing areas! At sunrise we waited at the totem pole for the sun to come up, but we were located was in the wrong place to see it. After setting up and waiting for a long time in the cold (guide was in the truck with heat on) our guide eventually could see the sunrise was not going to be visible where we were he did taken us. He did then take us to see it but was late getting there, although another tour had been there for awhile.
Although the guide is not expected to be an expert on photography he had no suggestions on things photography like how to get a sunstar. Ironically the guide of another group suggested I do it by changing my fstop.
This was an acceptable basic tour of the area but it was advertised as a photographic tour at sunrise, I believe at a higher rate. It was not a photography tour.
Although the guide is not expected to be an expert on photography he had no suggestions on things photography like how to get a sunstar. Ironically the guide of another group suggested I do it by changing my fstop.
This was an acceptable basic tour of the area but it was advertised as a photographic tour at sunrise, I believe at a higher rate. It was not a photography tour.
Written November 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaitlin630
Ocala, FL5 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We had an excellent time on the sunrise tour of Monument Valley. Carl is extremely knowledgeable about photography, and he helped us with our camera settings to get the best photos. We had a great time and really appreciated his stories and learning about Navajo culture. If you’re on the fence about booking- definitely do it! You’ll have a much better and intimate experience booking a tour with Carl than if you just drove the loop around the valley yourself. His vehicle is also very comfortable which is a major plus, especially at sunrise when it’s a bit cold outside. Most other tour operators drive open air safari style wagons, but with this tour you will be in an SUV. Overall highly recommend!
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmz88
Plon, Germany406 contributions
Nov 2021
We took a whole day tour. This included the Monument valley scenic drive, backcountry drives in monument valley and mystery valley tour. Our guide arrived ahead of time, and called us to let us know where he is. The two of us were the only people in the tour. It was a nice and relaxed tour. We saw a lot of amazing places - most of the time, we had the whole place to ourselves, especially after we left the 17 mile scenic drive. Our guide played the traditional flute for us at one of the spots and it was very melodious.
Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolene K
7 contributions
Oct 2021
Bernard was our guide for the half-day photography tour of Monument Valley. He was fantastic--very patient with our many questions about Navajo culture and traditions. We captured great morning light and saw places we'd never be able to find or access ourselves. He even treated us to a beautiful flute solo under an arch that looks like an amphitheater. We learned so much and had a delightful morning, highly recommend.
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alicia P
3 contributions
Dec 2021
I wish it hadn't taken me this long to sit down and write this review. When you search for tours of monument valley there are endless options and its hard to know which to actually book. Along the way I stumbled on Phillips Photography tours and, while im far from a photographer, I wanted a small group tour that really stopped to appreciate the landscape and culture along the way, plus of course, it is my last name!
I somehow lucked out and was the only person on the tour that day so Carl Phillips and I spent, i think 2.5-3 hours on a really comprehensive tour of monument valley. He knows all the spots to stop, photograph, but most importantly he tells you the meaning of it to the Navajo and the stories/tales behind it. The cultural aspects are, to me, the highlight of the adventure. Plus, with the tour you're able to access areas a typical visitor cannot included petrograph filled areas, and this wonderful Navajo home where the woman makes hand knits and jewelry in the same seat her grandmother did. (bring some cash!). Its amazing to watch her art that's been handed down for generations and generations, and stay true to the traditions.
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars, I've traveled across the country twice, and abroad a number of times, and this was one of the top experiences i've had. It was really beautiful and filled with culture sharing.
I somehow lucked out and was the only person on the tour that day so Carl Phillips and I spent, i think 2.5-3 hours on a really comprehensive tour of monument valley. He knows all the spots to stop, photograph, but most importantly he tells you the meaning of it to the Navajo and the stories/tales behind it. The cultural aspects are, to me, the highlight of the adventure. Plus, with the tour you're able to access areas a typical visitor cannot included petrograph filled areas, and this wonderful Navajo home where the woman makes hand knits and jewelry in the same seat her grandmother did. (bring some cash!). Its amazing to watch her art that's been handed down for generations and generations, and stay true to the traditions.
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars, I've traveled across the country twice, and abroad a number of times, and this was one of the top experiences i've had. It was really beautiful and filled with culture sharing.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Idaho
Idaho251 contributions
Sep 2021
Phillips Photography Tours provided me with three great tours: I ran the menu with them doing a sunrise, day, and evening tour over two days. All were excellent and led either by Carl or Carlos.
Carl and Carlos are local to the Monument area, they know the area very, very well. Also, and this is something to think about since you are in a car/jeep, they are both excellent off-road drivers!
Each tour had it's highlights and points of interest that Carl or Carlos pointed out. With Carl we were gifted during the evening tour with some wild horses who trotted into our area.
The guides were respectful in asking what I was looking to photograph as well as providing good conversation during the tour.
I will use their services again. My advice is to try and do the sunrise and evening tours as this is when the lighting is the best. Also do a bit a research on what Monument Valley is and what areas are of interest to you.
P.S. Bring a tripod if you do the sunrise tour.
Carl and Carlos are local to the Monument area, they know the area very, very well. Also, and this is something to think about since you are in a car/jeep, they are both excellent off-road drivers!
Each tour had it's highlights and points of interest that Carl or Carlos pointed out. With Carl we were gifted during the evening tour with some wild horses who trotted into our area.
The guides were respectful in asking what I was looking to photograph as well as providing good conversation during the tour.
I will use their services again. My advice is to try and do the sunrise and evening tours as this is when the lighting is the best. Also do a bit a research on what Monument Valley is and what areas are of interest to you.
P.S. Bring a tripod if you do the sunrise tour.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Savannah
La Habra, CA3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
My friend and I booked a trip with Carlos and the experience was incredible! We were actually rather late as we forgot about the time change driving into Utah, so we called to cancel and Carlos completely worked around our schedule and still gave us a tour. He showed us all the great picture spots for sunset and I pestered him about his tribe’s stories and his experiences. Very dynamic and unforgettable experience. Highly recommend booking with him. One of my favorite tour experiences by far.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charlette2016
Sandyston, NJ11 contributions
I love photography and have gotten many beautiful shots relying only on my cellphone camera. Is this tour intended only for people with tripods and top notch cameras?
No1Cane
Sunrise, FL28 contributions
This tour is great for anyone with any kind of camera. You are taken to sites that you cannot go to without a guide. However the Sunrise tour starts before the sun comes up. The idea is to capture the stars over Monument Valley. This type of photography is best suited for those with professional gear. So for that part of the tour a cellphone camera may not be the best choice. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area and customs. I would book with them again in a heartbeat.
rickster794
Houston, TX1 contribution
I'm wondering about being able to shoot time lapse out there, which requires the camera to be clicking away for anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours, depending on the shot. (It also provides a good time to catch up on reading, napping, etc.)
For example...
A wide landscape shot, like from John Ford's point, with low, scattered cloud shadows moving over the terrain... (if it's cloudy.) If the conditions are good, and winds are high enough,10-20 seconds of this kind of footage can be grabbed within an hour. Without the clouds, though, there's little point in shooting timelapse,
But a shot from the right location of buttes or mesas as they transition dramatically from sunlit to shadow within a couple of hours would be great.
Hunters Mesa as the sun goes down, but instead of the sunset itself, shooting shadows lengthening over the terrain as it goes dark.
And a night shot with stars and the milky way.
Is this a shooting itinery you could accommodate, in whole or part, or at least advise on? I'll doing the Grand Canyon May 19-26, and am thinking of this for Sun 27th or Mon 28th.
Thanks.
Rick Corrigan
No1Cane
Sunrise, FL28 contributions
I believe you would definitely have to book a tour for this type of photography. I recently set up to do exactly what you are suggesting and was asked to leave. Once the park closes you are expected to be off the driving trail. There are other places surrounding the park that you could shoot from though. Just not in Monument Valley itself. Unless you are staying at the View and then you could shoot from your balcony.
silvernoodle
san francisco2 contributions
Hi, I am booked sunrise and sunset tours with them. Do you give a guide a tip? If you do and you can share, how much do you give to the guide? Thanks
Steve S
Kyle, TX124 contributions
Gave $20 for each session
Katharine D
Dallas, TX21 contributions
We would like to do a sunset tour on May 4th. What is the cost and when does it leave and return?
Woostein
San Marino, CA76 contributions
Depends on the time of year. The afternoon tour is 3-4 hours and takes you into the unpaved road section of the park to see cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Gorgeous. Ask for Tullly as your photo guide. Also, email the owners: they are very responsive to email questions. We will be taking 2 more tours with the Philips Photography group next week. Highly recommended.
17David11
San Francisco, CA
Have read reviews there is a tour with Ray in an enclosed 4x4 Suburban. If so would like to book one for a sunrise and sunset. Will be staying in the Monument Valley Hillside Suites arriving August 31 and leaving September 2. Will leave Flagstaff (175 miles from Goulding) very early, arriving around noon. Thus do the sunset that day and sunrise next morning. Or, in your expertise, would it be better to do both on the 1st, with resting between each? This way could get organized and settled on the 31st to be completely ready for the next day.
Awaiting you response, David-
17David11
San Francisco, CA
Are these tours in an enclosed vehicle and are the rides hard on one's back?
We were 4 people and we were in open air but covered bench seating on the back bed of a truck. I think there was room for 9 or even 12 if they packed it to the maximum. All roads were dirt, and they were bumpy at times. While we were not uncomfortable (all in our 60s and creatures of comfort) I suppose if your back was already acting up it might be a problem. Being up high on the back of the truck and without much obstruction, was very nice for enjoying the scenery between stops (and at the stops when some of us didn't leave the vehicle).
torontocarters
Toronto, Canada19 contributions
I know there is photography in the name... but would a 10 and 12 year old be out of place on this tour vs others?
Riverreb
Forestville, CA13 contributions
I think they would be fine if they like sightseeing. I am not into photography and I enjoyed it.
Phillips Photography Tours - Day Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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