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.

Death Valley Sand Dunes at Sunset

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

[tags]Death Valley National Park, California, Mesquite Dunes, Landscape, Photography, Nature, workshop,[/tags]