Death Valley Sand Dunes at Sunset

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Death Valley National Park is both extremely hostile yet beautiful. Late last week and through much of the weekend I made my way to Death Valley in an effort to scout out some new locations for a workshop I’m holding there next month (details below) and to take advantage of the new moon for some night photography.

Temperatures peaked at 114 degrees during my time in Death Valley. The heat during late morning to mid-afternoon poses quite a physical challenge and is also photographically difficult due to the intensity of the light. In contrast early morning and late evening light in Death Valley can make the varied desert landscape a photographers paradise. Such was the case with sunset light painting the vast Mesquite Dunes landscape near Stovepipe Wells (see photo above). Pastel colors emerge and contrasty shadows can create attractive patterns as the sun rises or sets. I can’t wait to return and share some of my favorite spots with those who join me in October.

Death Valley Photo Tour – Death Valley National Park, California – Friday October 16th – Sunday October 18th, 2009

Technorati Tags: Death Valley National Park, California, Mesquite Dunes, Landscape, Photography, Nature, workshop,

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Posted by Jim on 09.22.2009 at 12:01 am
Tagged: California, Death Valley, Landscape, Locations, Photography, Stock Photo , Landscape, Photography, Stock Photo, Workshop

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Mark

Wonderful shot Jim - but can't imagine the heat. Was in Death Valley long, long ago as a kid, and just remember how fitting the name Furnace Creek was. No wonder car makers go there for extreme heat testing. Guess it is a good test for camera equipment as well.

montreal florist

The simple texture make a painting. It's awesome.

montreal florist

The simple texture make a painting. It's awesome.

Roberta

I've not seen a photo quite like this of Death Valley before. The white & blue coloring make it look like snow drifts.

Roberta

I've not seen a photo quite like this of Death Valley before. The white & blue coloring make it look like snow drifts.

Richard Wong

Really great shadow play with the light Jim. I like the pano look for this scene.

I admire your tenacity in going out there in such conditions.

gregrussell

Very nice shot! I love the dunes in DVNP, and this gives the feeling of an endless sea of sand.
Thanks for sharing.

Richard Wong

Really great shadow play with the light Jim. I like the pano look for this scene.

I admire your tenacity in going out there in such conditions.

gregrussell

Very nice shot! I love the dunes in DVNP, and this gives the feeling of an endless sea of sand.
Thanks for sharing.

Ron Niebrugge

I can't imagine what the heat must have been like Jim, but you came away with a great image!

jimgoldstein

Thanks Ron. I took a hike at 3pm and walked a 2/3 of a mile 110 degree heat. I would not advise it with out having tons of water. It's amazing not how fast you sweat there, but how fast you dry out. It is certainly a dangerous place, yet strangely so beautiful.

jimgoldstein

Thanks Ron. I took a hike at 3pm and walked a 2/3 of a mile 110 degree heat. I would not advise it with out having tons of water. It's amazing not how fast you sweat there, but how fast you dry out. It is certainly a dangerous place, yet strangely so beautiful.