Dunes Aglow

[Marcus Reinkensmeyer]

Where

Sand dune ripples aglow in warm sunset light, in the aftermath of a major sandstorm this past summer, July, 2011. Temperature: 112 F. Mesquite Flat Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California.

How

This image was captured using a wide angle lens, with the camera sitting on a tripod positioned about a two feet from the ground. Sun setting directly to my left side lit the dune formations and sand ripples in high contrast. A circular polarizer filter was used - at full strength - to reduce glare on the sand. A lens hood was also employed to block the sunlight from directly reaching the lens and washing out the image. I also cupped my left hand near the upper left side of the lens hood to further block the sun rays, as the lens hood for my wide angle lens is only about an inch deep and did not fully block the strong side lighting.

Lessons Learned

For these kind of photos, the likelihood of exposure and focus problems is very high. I've found it best to bracket these shots, capturing between 3 to 5 images of the same scene at different aperture settings.

Also, sand storms are a regular occurrence on the dunes, as I found again on the afternoon of this shoot. Some helpful protections: a plastic rain sleeve on the camera, no changing of lenses in the field, eye protection (shop goggles for me), long sleeve shirt and pants, large hat, "gaiters" over hiking boots, and a couple of water bottles.

Equipment and Settings

Nikon D300, Nikkor AF-S 12 – 24 mm 1:4 G ED lens, B&W Polarizer Filter, Gitzo G1325 tripod, Swiss Arca Monoball Z head. White balance: sunlight. Exposure: f/14 at 1/20 sec.

More Dunes

Marcus Reinkensmeyer | Death Valley Sand Dune Photos.

[Frank Schmidt]

Excellent ! Marcus !

Thanks for the write-up. Great picture. Please post more of your work with notes if you have time.

[Grizraz]

Great photo. Makes me look at the dunes near my home in a new way! Now if it wasnt so wet out..

[Glayva]

Hi Marcus

Brilliant shot and a ver well described write up. As I was reading it I thought did this guy protect his gear from the sand - and you did!!

I have looked at your website and have to say there are some of the very best images of sand dunes I have ever seen. You have certainly mastered the art of "Dune Photography"

Very well done and many, many thanks for sharing with us all.

I strongly recommend everyone to take a look at Marcus's images - AMAZING

[Claudia5573]

Marcus, Beautiful, inspiring images! Also took a look at the other dunes photos. They are amazing and should be published!
TFS.

[Marcus Reinkensmeyer]

My sincere thanks to you all for your feedback and encouragement on the dunes photo. Now, I am inspired to get out and do lots more field photography ....

[JudiRose]

Your dune photos are breathtaking. Kudos!