Sand Dunes

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21
May 18

A Look Back—Sand Dunes 2

Photograph of sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells, Death ValleyThere is only a brief window of time, at sunrise, when the low angled light adds shadows to the ripples in the dunes. As soon as the sun has risen much above the horizon, the light becomes harsh and the contrast disappears.  January 16, 2009.

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14
May 18

A Look Back—Sand Dunes

Photograph of sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley

Dune Variations 15

One of my favorite shots from the Mesquite Dunes at Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley. Taken with a 12-24mm wide-angle lens. I’m reminded to use the wide-angle more often. January 16, 2009.

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24
Jun 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 8

Photograph of sand dunes at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkA final shot back toward the dunes before I hiked the hour back to my car.

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10
Jun 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 7

Photograph of sand dunes at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkThe sun was getting higher and soon the ripples and shadows would be gone from the dunes. It is an 8 hour drive from my home to Death Valley; it was a 26 mile drive to the dune area and another hour’s hike into the dunes with my tripod and cameras. Every moment was worth it!

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6
Jun 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 6

Photograph of sand dunes at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkAnother black and white conversion. This was taken with the 70-300mm telephoto to isolate the arc line at the left.

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3
Jun 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 5

Photograph of sand dunes at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkThe contrast of light and shadow makes for good black and white conversion from the original color. The Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes cover about 14 square miles of Death Valley. This was taken as I hiked back out of the dunes.

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30
May 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 4

Photograph of sand dunes at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkI carried two cameras into the dunes so that I could use different lenses without having to change them in the sandy environment. One camera had a telephoto lens for isolating elements in the dunes. The other had a wider lens for compositions like this one.

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27
May 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 3

Photograph of sand dunes at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkThe eye follows the strong lines of the ridges of the dunes. Good compositions stretch in every direction; S-curves and leading lines abound. It is very satisfying to be in the middle of the dunes with good light and a camera. It makes the effort to get there worthwhile.

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24
May 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 2

Photograph of sand dunes at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkThere 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.

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20
May 13

Death Valley 2013–Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes 1

Photograph of a tree trunk and sand dune at Mesquite Flats, Death Valley National ParkThe 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.