There is usually a very brief period of time when photographing the patterns in the dunes works well. The low angle of light at sunrise or sunset causes shadows that emphasize ridges and patterns. Sunrise works best and, often, the best light only lasts for 15 or 20 minutes.
Desert
24
May 13
Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 2
20
May 13
Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 1
The Mesquite Flats sand dunes are near Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley and are easy to access from the road. Because they are easy to access, it is a chore to find dunes without footprints. Powerful winds can sometimes quickly erase footprints, but more often they cover the closest dunes. The solution is to be willing to walk farther than anyone else.
16
May 13
Death Valley 2013–Moon Set Mesquite Flats
I timed my visit to the Mesquite Flats sand dunes to arrive as the moon was setting and before the sun rose. I parked a mile from the paved parking area in order to hike into some of the more remote sand dunes. I wanted to photograph the setting moon with the dunes in the foreground. Unfortunately, I underestimated how far away the dunes were and didn’t get there in time. This was as close as I got before the moon set behind Tucki Mountain.
13
May 13
Death Valley 2013–Zabriskie Point
The first evening of a three day visit to Death Valley National Park. Zabriskie Point is a highlight for most photographers but it is best at sunrise. It is common to jostle for tripod space and shooting angles in the morning light. We were here for a Park Ranger presentation. It was after sunset and no one else was shooting.
23
Jul 12
Red Rock Canyon State Park–Sunrise 10
A final look at one of the cliffs at Red Rock. This was taken just before the sun began to strike the cliffs. When the sun shines directly on the cliffs, texture and detail get lost in the bright light.
19
Jul 12
Red Rock Canyon State Park–Sunrise 9
Red Rock Canyon State Park is a very nice place to camp. Campsites are well separated and there are many trails for hiking. Plenty of opportunities for solitude and reflection. It can be very hot in the summer, though, and is almost always windy.
12
Jul 12
Red Rock Canyon State Park–Sunrise 7
Criss cross detail from a Red Rock Canyon cliff face. The colorful formations have long been used as landmarks by travelers.
21
Jun 12
Red Rock Canyon State Park–Sunrise 2
Red Rock Canyon State Park is at the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is a relatively small area, about 3 miles by three miles, but the distinctive formations have been a landmark for many years.