House of fire ruin

[oldno7]

We are going to be hanging out on Cedar Mesa for the next 5 days doing canyons.
I want to photograph the HOF in Mule canyon, what is prime time to get the desired
effect and where is the short cut off the road to HOF. Time might be an issue so probably
won't hike the whole canyon.

[ratagonia]

We are going to be hanging out on Cedar Mesa for the next 5 days doing canyons.
I want to photograph the HOF in Mule canyon, what is prime time to get the desired
effect and where is the short cut off the road to HOF. Time might be an issue so probably
won't hike the whole canyon.

It is not too far up the canyon from the road - I think it is the first or second ruin, so .5 to 1.0 miles from the road crossing. I got there about 3 pm (as I remember) and it was good.

Tom :moses:

[mattandersao]

According to Photographing the Southwest Vol. 1 by Laurent Martres the House on Fire Ruin is 1 mile up the canyon and the best time for photography is in late morning "to take advantage of the light bouncing from the slickrock slope below the ruins." He also suggests 2 hours to photograph House on Fire in the south fork of Mule Canyon; 5-6 hours to visit the entire length of each arm. The two trailheads are on an unmarked country road (sjc 263) on the north side of UT 95 (mile marker 102.3) Apparently there is a reconstructed kiva, drive past this about .3 miles after leaving UT 95 for HOF in the south fork....Once again from the photography book typically his descriptions are pretty accurate but on occasion...not!

[denaliguide]

have fun. wish i could go.

[oldno7]

Thanks for the help guys.
Les, wish you could go too.

[Win]

Mid morning was perfect for us, I think it was about 11 AM. We hiked into the canyon and still had decent light on the way out. Have a great trip!! I'm officially jealous.:hail2thechief:

Win

[oldno7]

Thanks for the info Win. I'm really looking forward to a little time off.

[Iceaxe]

From Climb-Utah.com: http://climb-utah.com/CM/mule.htm

Photographing House on Fire:
An iconic photograph of House on Fire is required for many photographers portfolio's. Photographers will want to know that getting the 'on fire' picture requires that you visit the ruin mid-morning (approximately 9:00 or 10:00 am). The trick is to get your pictures when the sunlight is in the bottom of the canyon and bouncing off the canyon walls, but before the sunlight hits directly on the ruins which happens about 11:00 a.m. depending on the time of year.

http://climb-utah.com/CM/Files/mule01.jpg

[moab mark]

That is a cool picture.:hail2thechief:

[Iceaxe]

11:00 am is about the latest you can get the flaming picture in the spring and fall. 10:oo am usually works good that time of year. This time of year with the long days I'm thinking earlier... which is why I have the 9 or 10 times listed. Once the sun hits the ruin your chance of a 'flaming picture' are done for the day.

[oldno7]

Thanks Shane, hoping we have time to stop for a quick photo op.

[oldno7]

Results of photographing between 9-10:00 AM.(not optimal)

[ststephen]

Maybe even earlier was needed for a date so close to the solstice?

[ratagonia]

Maybe even earlier was needed for a date so close to the solstice?

I would say later. The relevant light bounces off the slickrock floor to the ceiling. Taking the 'standard picture', fully lit slickrock is just out of the frame.

http://canyoneeringusa.com/utahphotowild/2004/9907.jpg

Tom :moses:

[Pelon1]

I like this one the best.
35065

[Randi]

That's a crazy-beautiful photo Ice! :2thumbs:

[Iceaxe]

Kurt, I think your problem is more framing/content. Here is your picture cropped and sharpened... but yeah... a little more light bouncing around would have helped....

35070

[Jaxx]

Hey Kurt, atleast you got to be there.

[oldno7]

Thanks guys, and yep, Jaxx, at my age I'm happy to be anywhere............:haha: