Mesquite Flat Dunes
p.2 #1Mesquite Flat Dunes
ElvisD wrote:
After viewing these images for 20 minutes, I realized I had to bookmark this page so I don't stay here for another hour.
All are superb, but the third-from-last one won't let go of me.
David, thanks for telling me that! I’m so glad that particular image speaks to you, it’s one I made on my last shooting day there and as I finished it up in development I felt it was a special scene that keeps drawing me in.
After viewing these images for 20 minutes, I realized I had to bookmark this page so I don't stay here for another hour.
All are superb, but the third-from-last one won't let go of me.
David, thanks for telling me that! I’m so glad that particular image speaks to you, it’s one I made on my last shooting day there and as I finished it up in development I felt it was a special scene that keeps drawing me in.
Dec 01, 2025 at 10:49 PM
p.2 #2Mesquite Flat Dunes
mudnut wrote:
Those dune images are so mesmerizing! I was there last fall and wish I had a long telephoto to capture undisturbed dunes without having to endure what would've been a strenuous hike. Sadly, all I had was a standard zoom and lacked the stamina to hike far enough to parts undisturbed by foot traffic.
Thank you, Craig! It’s always a challenge at these dunes to find good sections to photograph that haven’t been trampled. It helps to go right after a windstorm that makes it all look pristine again. On this trip I avoided the official dunes parking area and instead pulled off the road about a mile further east and hiked 2 miles roundtrip to a section with no people and no footprints.
Those dune images are so mesmerizing! I was there last fall and wish I had a long telephoto to capture undisturbed dunes without having to endure what would've been a strenuous hike. Sadly, all I had was a standard zoom and lacked the stamina to hike far enough to parts undisturbed by foot traffic.
Thank you, Craig! It’s always a challenge at these dunes to find good sections to photograph that haven’t been trampled. It helps to go right after a windstorm that makes it all look pristine again. On this trip I avoided the official dunes parking area and instead pulled off the road about a mile further east and hiked 2 miles roundtrip to a section with no people and no footprints.
Dec 02, 2025 at 12:13 AM
p.2 #3Mesquite Flat Dunes
Quite a brilliant set of images Ross! They really capture the power, beauty and mystery of the desert.
Dec 02, 2025 at 04:23 AM
p.2 #4Mesquite Flat Dunes
One of my most favorite places to shoot. You did an excellent job capturing its luring effect. 
Dec 02, 2025 at 05:27 AM
p.2 #5Mesquite Flat Dunes
Ross,these are the best photographs of dunes I've seen so far.
Dec 02, 2025 at 09:21 AM
p.2 #7Mesquite Flat Dunes
mudlake wrote:
Ross, your dune images are some of the best I’ve seen. Simply beautiful in every way.
I really appreciate that encouraging word, Eric!
Ross, your dune images are some of the best I’ve seen. Simply beautiful in every way.
I really appreciate that encouraging word, Eric!
Dec 02, 2025 at 09:39 AM
p.2 #8Mesquite Flat Dunes
Wonderful images. I really like how the longer focal lengths compress and accentuate the dunes. I have almost always shot wide angle in dunes and will have to make a point of trying for the perspective given from the longer focal lengths in the future. Thanks for sharing.
Dec 02, 2025 at 11:48 AM
p.2 #9Mesquite Flat Dunes
All outstanding images Ross! Voted. Great light in the last picture. I also like the combination of dunes and layers in the background in #3. Both processed expertly...
jacob
jacob
Dec 02, 2025 at 12:59 PM
p.2 #10Mesquite Flat Dunes
adventure_photo wrote:
Those are all great Ross! Every one has beautiful textures and tones. Amazing work!
Thank you very much, Scott!
Those are all great Ross! Every one has beautiful textures and tones. Amazing work!
Thank you very much, Scott!
Dec 02, 2025 at 01:47 PM
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p.2 #11Mesquite Flat Dunes
Great to see my old 100-400 back in Death Valley doing work. What focal lengths were the images taken at out of curiosity?
Dec 02, 2025 at 02:35 PM
p.2 #12Mesquite Flat Dunes
Luballs wrote:
Great to see my old 100-400 back in Death Valley doing work. What focal lengths were the images taken at out of curiosity?
#5 - 306mm
#7 - 100mm
#9 - 348mm
Great to see my old 100-400 back in Death Valley doing work. What focal lengths were the images taken at out of curiosity?
#5 - 306mm
#7 - 100mm
#9 - 348mm
Dec 02, 2025 at 02:47 PM
p.2 #13Mesquite Flat Dunes
Ross: Superb imagery. It is no small feat to create work of genuine impact in a location so exhaustively photographed, yet you manage it. The images also stir many memories of my favourite US National Park.
Dec 02, 2025 at 03:12 PM
p.2 #14Mesquite Flat Dunes
guidostow wrote:
Quite a brilliant set of images Ross! They really capture the power, beauty and mystery of the desert.
That’s a great comment, thank you Guy!
Quite a brilliant set of images Ross! They really capture the power, beauty and mystery of the desert.
That’s a great comment, thank you Guy!
Dec 02, 2025 at 10:00 PM
p.2 #15Mesquite Flat Dunes
schlotz wrote:
One of my most favorite places to shoot. You did an excellent job capturing its luring effect.
Matt, thank you! It’s a wonderful location, isn’t it?
One of my most favorite places to shoot. You did an excellent job capturing its luring effect.
Matt, thank you! It’s a wonderful location, isn’t it?
Dec 02, 2025 at 10:01 PM
p.2 #16Mesquite Flat Dunes
Peire wrote:
Ross,these are the best photographs of dunes I've seen so far.
Piotr, I so appreciate you telling me that! I’m thankful to have been there.
Ross,these are the best photographs of dunes I've seen so far.
Piotr, I so appreciate you telling me that! I’m thankful to have been there.
Dec 02, 2025 at 10:02 PM
p.2 #17Mesquite Flat Dunes
Monika C wrote:
That last one is just magical!
Monika, I’m glad you like that image and appreciate your comment!
That last one is just magical!
Monika, I’m glad you like that image and appreciate your comment!
Dec 02, 2025 at 10:03 PM
p.2 #18Mesquite Flat Dunes
Thanks for the shot out Ross. Beautiful images! If I had a little to do to inspire you, I'm very happy about that. Now let's go shoot White Sands in New Mexico. 
Dec 02, 2025 at 10:30 PM
p.2 #19Mesquite Flat Dunes
CPWarner wrote:
Wonderful images. I really like how the longer focal lengths compress and accentuate the dunes. I have almost always shot wide angle in dunes and will have to make a point of trying for the perspective given from the longer focal lengths in the future. Thanks for sharing.
I appreciate your comment, Cliff! I sure do love the compositional possibilities provided by a tele zoom.
Wonderful images. I really like how the longer focal lengths compress and accentuate the dunes. I have almost always shot wide angle in dunes and will have to make a point of trying for the perspective given from the longer focal lengths in the future. Thanks for sharing.
I appreciate your comment, Cliff! I sure do love the compositional possibilities provided by a tele zoom.
Dec 03, 2025 at 09:49 AM
p.2 #20Mesquite Flat Dunes
jm10_former wrote:
All outstanding images Ross! Voted. Great light in the last picture. I also like the combination of dunes and layers in the background in #3. Both processed expertly...
jacob
Thanks so much, Jacob! I do like the added mountain layers in that third image, and the pastel cool and warm tones were attracting me.
All outstanding images Ross! Voted. Great light in the last picture. I also like the combination of dunes and layers in the background in #3. Both processed expertly...
jacob
Thanks so much, Jacob! I do like the added mountain layers in that third image, and the pastel cool and warm tones were attracting me.
Dec 03, 2025 at 09:51 AM