The Coyote Buttes area is typical of the high southwestern desert. Summer temperatures often exceed 100° F, making strenuous exercise difficult. Late summer monsoon season brings violent storm cells which often cause flash floods. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30° to 50° F, and lows averaging 0° to 20° F.

With regards to light, it is excellent in winter, good in spring or fall, and poor in summer. In the summer the sun is high and brutal and so are the temperatures. I would suggest avoiding the popular June, July and August tourist season. The October through May period will give you far more pleasant temperatures, a better chance of a scenic cloud cover and a more enjoyable photographic experience.

TIMES

The golden hours and predawn period will yield the best light in the often cloudless desert. In the summer the golden hour is more like the golden minute. The sun rises quite quickly and the light becomes harsh within minutes of first light. Cloudy days in spring, fall and winter will yield mote productive shooting time, but the light will be very blue in nature. If you are lucky enough to be present during a rare snowfall, the contrast between snow and red rock is striking .

The photo above was taken at 40mm focal length on a full frame camera.

LENS & FILTERS

LENS: 28-70mm for 35mm sensor cameras, 17-55mm for crop sensor cameras

FILTERS: A large hand held diffuser will help with macro work on sunny days.

FILMS

Slide films: Fuji Velvia 100F