We unfortunately had only one day in Death Valley to spend in the park while on vacation. I was aware from reading on the forum that the blossoms were back in bloom. Even though I had heard that they were not quite as nice as the year 2003 we still felt compelled to visit the area.
Death Valley is a huge park. Immediately from the gate we were welcomed with the sight of patches of wild flowers everywhere. Below is a mini-landscape of one of these patches we were treated with.
Later on we ventured further into the park. This was one of the most accessible sand dunes from the road. It was about a 45 minute haul up and down the dunes to reach the farthest point. I wandered around for sometime before I decided to setup for this shot. What a gorgeous sight! I know this image does not come close to the beauty we were seeing but it serves as a nice memory.
Just prior to sunset we decided to make our way back. It was a long way back to our hotel so it made sense to start out at this time. But heading out of the park the light was calling. Viewing the flowers from the vehicle was far too tempting to just pass by. So what I did I do? I did what any other photographer would have done. I pulled over for that one last shot. Hope you enjoyed our little visit to the park.
Nice! Well atleast you got your feet wet, I mean dry in DV! The dunes are incredible huh? But isn't it amazing how hard it is to find some without footprints! When I traveled into the dunes, I always tried to step where others had stepped. But obviously many people just aren't thinking like that...
It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think that last one with the softer light is really nice, and a wonderful view of the desert as a whole.
I agree! Lovely set, Al! You can find some really cool scenes in some fairly mundane scenery!!
Really love the grand view in the last, with the softer light and fantastic catch of desert color and texture! Well done!
Nice pics, Al. Especially like the last one - great composition and the detail from foreground to back is really nice. It's a shame someone had to leave footprints all over the dune in the 2nd one.
Nice! Well atleast you got your feet wet, I mean dry in DV! The dunes are incredible huh? But isn't it amazing how hard it is to find some without footprints! When I traveled into the dunes, I always tried to step where others had stepped. But obviously many people just aren't thinking like that...
It's hard to pick a favorite, but I think that last one with the softer light is really nice, and a wonderful view of the desert as a whole.
Jim
Hi Jim,
Absolutely! What a shame people are not more considerate of their paths they take over the dunes. I walked around for over an hour once we got there only to find it was impossible to capture a shot without foot prints. I ended up using the 70 -200 to reach out to an area that had the least amount of traffic.
A location that I would love to return to. It's difficult when you are on vacation to get each spot at all the right times of the day and night.
Glad you enjoyed this series. They are all special reminders of the wonderful time we had in the park.
A great set, Al. So different from when we were there a year ago. No flowers, it was all just dry and hot and overcast. I like the last one the most.
Ute
Eric - It was the bloom of the century that attracted us to this area. Thanks for verifying the year. Yes, the pink flower is unusual.
John - It was our first time there. I'd love to go back and spend more time. Glad you enjoyed this series
Barry - It was the light as we drove out of the park that motivated me to pull over and capture that last shot. I will never forget the feeling we had as we stood there and observed the field of flowers stretched in front of us.
Javier - Always great to hear from you! I've enjoyed your shore images very much this week.
Hugh - Glad you enjoyed the images. It was great being there and it was great giving my new gear a chance to work out.
Adam - I had extreme difficulty in the dunes setting up because of all of the foot prints. In the end and looking back it was still great to be there and view their beauty. The last image is one of my favourites as well. Glad you enjoyed this series.
Zeph - I am pleased the last shot really captures the essence of the valley for you as it does for me. It truly is one of my favourites. Appreciate you taking the time to comment.
David - Yeah, for desert scenes I was surprised how the colour could dominate. Have to ....have to return one day soon to experience more areas of the park.
Thanks everyone for all of your comments. I hope to have more images from the rest of our trip posted later on in the week. Al B
Ute - A very unique area...that's for sure. Glad you enjoy this series! The last image is my personal favourite as well. The light was so sweet I couldn't resist pulling over as we pulled out of the park. I really enjoyed your moody English capture this week.
ltr03 - Thanks! We were both captivated with its beauty.
Peter - The colour was everywhere as we entered the park. It really did catch us by surprise. Glad you enjoyed them. Your support of my work is always appreciated.
Thanks everyone! Still a few days left of the trip. I hope to be able to process more later this week.
Nello Milanese wrote:
2nd shot works for me the best! I like the gold-blue contrast and the comp.! good job Al
Hi Nello,
I am pleased you preferred the 2nd shot the best. I had difficulty composing this shot in the midst of all of the people foot imprints. After quite sometime of wandering around the dunes I decided to go long and try in pull in a more distant dune with perhaps less human effects. Glad it worked for you.
Al
Well seen and captured. The dunes around Stovepipe wells are always difficult th shoot without the ubiquitous footprints. DV is a place to be savored many times.
Tim ONeill wrote:
Al
Well seen and captured. The dunes around Stovepipe wells are always difficult th shoot without the ubiquitous footprints. DV is a place to be savored many times.
Agreed, Tim. The DV is indeed a place to be savoured. We can't wait for one day when we can return.
I ended up using the 70 -200 to reach out to an area that had the least amount of traffic. 