Racetrack Sunrise, Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park’s Racetrack is one of the most incredible locations for landscape photography. The iconic rocks that litter the playa with mysterious trails behind them are an endless source of wonder. Death Valley in general appears dull and lifeless during most hours of the day, but at sunrise and sunset the landscape transforms from a dull colorless environment to one overflowing with texture and vibrant hues. As you drive through the park it’s tough to imagine, but once you experience it you’ll never look at the landscape the same way.
On this trip getting the most out of the morning light was not a problem for those in attendance of my photo tour. The side and back lighting of the sun brings out the texture of the playa and the tracks behind the rocks. One merely needs to find a distinct rock with noticeable tracks to have a morning full of fun. On this morning there were a half dozen photographers on the playa including photographer and friend Gary Crabbe and Rebecca Jackrel who were some where off in the distance behind me. This trip was particular productive for everyone and I’m tempted to line up another tour of this area in February. Anyone interested?
Racetrack Sunrise, Death Valley National Park
Technorati Tags: Landscape, Photography, Racetrack, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Stock Photo
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Such a strange place and such a great image!
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Great image Jim. I'm not sure I have ever seen a shot from the Racetrack that includes the sun. The white balance on the cool side gives off the impression that it is one hot place, even that early in the morning. I like it a lot.
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Jim, I'm jealous any time someone visits the Racetrack and I don't get to go – so count me as officially jealous!
I've been out there a number of times and after being asked for advice on many occasions I finally wrote up some reports on my experience with the place, including both access and photographic information. Here is a link for anyone who wants to read more about this:
http://www.gdanmitchell.com/?s=visit+racetrack&...
Dan
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Nice shot, Jim. I especially like it with the starburst sunrise. Only been out there once, and not with a photographer. Hope to try again and make more of a point of shooting the place.
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Here is an image of the racetrack taken at mid-day (it was dec 31st and my wife wanted to be at home in time for new year's eve celebrations). Is it considerably more dull and lifeless than the sunrise image ?
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Here is an image of the racetrack taken at mid-day (it was dec 31st and my wife wanted to be at home in time for new year's eve celebrations). Is it considerably more dull and lifeless than the sunrise image ?
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