Congratulations to Gregg B. for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 7 votes - View Previous Winners
Last week, I finally visited the White Sands National Park in New Mexico. It’s a trip I’ve been wanting to make for years, but other plans always seemed to get in the way.
First things first: the place is absolutely stunning in the winter. If anyone tells you to go in the summer, don’t listen to them. Sure, you can visit in the summer, but the scorching temperatures will make your experience far less enjoyable. Hiking over the white dunes—which aren’t actually made of sand but gypsum—becomes extremely challenging under the intense heat and sunlight bouncing off the surface. You’ll likely end up cutting your visit short.
Another issue with visiting in the summer is the park’s operating hours. White Sands National Park closes after sunset and opens at 7 a.m. If you visit during the summer, spring, or fall, sunrise will already be long past by the time the park opens, robbing you of the best light for photography or simply enjoying the serene beauty of dawn. In winter, however, sunrise is around 7 a.m., giving you the perfect opportunity to catch the beautiful morning light.
Sunsets at White Sands are equally spectacular. The white gypsum dunes reflect the colors of the sky, creating a soft, glowing effect that’s nothing short of magical. If you’re planning a visit, winter is undoubtedly the best time to experience the park’s breathtaking beauty.
Here are several of my shots from last week. They did require some hiking, around 6 miles (10 KM) in and out. The good thing is, you don't hike it all at once. You take brakes, and shoot away...
I'd like to thank Ross Martin for hints on hikes and park hours etc. Thanks mate!
Gregg, when I saw your post that you are planning a visit to White Sand dunes, I really got excited as I knew you you come up with a stunning set. This definitely didn't disappoint my expectation. Each and every image is worthy of a large print. Great work as usual an easy vote for me. Thanks for posting these.
Ross pointed you in the right direction for sure! These are outstanding IMHO.
These exhibit a total perfect use of a single element and light and a wonderful harmony of both!
Soft light, soft color, soft texture with only shadow that gives contrast all work so well together. Kudos on comps on the last 3, really pleasing to my eyes. Only one makes me wonder, #3, can or should there be more drama built in the clouds? Just seems that it would give more depth to that shot?
Great work, great lessons for me, enjoyed each
Karl
Greg, I’m so glad you had a good trip. As I fully expected, on your first visit you have produced beautiful art. You absolutely have my vote for Jan. 24 thread of the week.
Ross Martin wrote:
Greg, I’m so glad you had a good trip. As I fully expected, on your first visit you have produced beautiful art. You absolutely have my vote for Jan. 24 thread of the week.
Thanks Ross. I appreciate your time and knowledge of the place you've shared with me. It's definitely not my first time there. I'll try again this Fall, to capture some drama in the sky (stormy, maybe with lightning skies), and maybe even a rainbow if I get lucky
Your "dunescapes" as I always call them have always been top tier. I think this might be my favorite set to date. These genuinely feel like you took them on another planet.
If you camp in the park you get to work around normal business hours. Not that I advise camping in the summer, it must be a miserable experience.
Have been meaning to go there for quite a few years, but it is a 2 day drive from San Diego, so I never seem to make it. Some day... will combine with Bisti...
Beautiful images with restrained processing... the latter being somewhat of a rarity these days.
Gregg, other photographers make some really excellent dunes images. Taking nothing away from anyone else. You somehow manage to keep doing things I've never seen in these settings, and execute your fresh vision flawlessly, masterfully. The image that includes the clouds; the pink-infused earth shadow image; the last one of the set. I'm just in awe of what you are able to make.
Thank you all, very much. I’ve posted another set on my IG and Threads page if you’re interested in these types of shots. They kind of look similar though, just another set of dune shots.
By the way, I think this coming weekend we may have some decent winds in Furnace Creek so it may be a good idea to go and shoot Mesquite Dunes. The steps might be wiped out and dust in the air will obscure mountains/hills in the distance creating nice atmosphere for dune shots at sunset!
Danpbphoto wrote:
Just pure enjoyment Gregg!
Mesmerizing!
I tend to like parks in the winter also! Less people, less hassles...
Great compositions Gregg!
Yeah Ross is a great guy! Unselfish to members...
Dan
Dan, what a kind thing to say! I appreciate you.
I’ve told Gregg before and to me it’s true, he is the Dunes Master! His work has inspired and influenced me. That’s one of the best things about this forum, when our sharing can motivate each other.
