Creme de la dune

Gallery: LandscapePosted March 25, 20184,253 views18 comments

Three morning trips to the Mesquite Dunes yielded a plethora of images. As this was my first ever trip to Death Valley, I did not hold back on wearing out the shutter. This may be my favorite of the set from Mesquite Dunes. An hour after sunrise, the white sun coming through the thin clouds gave the dunes a creamy, silvery appearance.

Focus stack of 5 images. Nikon D810, 70-200mm @ 200mm f/8

(please open the larger 1600px version for better detail)

Comments

18 comments

Comment posted by Ronald Murphy on March 25, 2018 at 11:47 AM

Fantastic photo. I thought that was sky in the distance, until I looked at the large image. Just superb.

Registered on March 13, 2012, 279 Posts, 975 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on March 25, 2018 at 4:02 PM

This really nice, Doug! Let me say that the large version is a must-see. There are subtle variations in color and texture that do not show in the small version. The subtle colors and the curves of the dunes are wonderful. Nicely done!
--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on March 25, 2018 at 5:04 PM

Really nice high key presentation, Doug, and good example that "less is more" works quite well. I can see lots of potential for many options of different color balance, exposure/contrast etc.

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Cameron on March 25, 2018 at 8:48 PM

Dreamily Cool. Love it Doug. Scotland has so many things to commend it but alas no deserts to play with. Put a big fat shoeless footprint in that sand for me.

Registered on August 6, 2004, 1125 Posts, 3318 Comments

Comment posted by Genny K. on March 25, 2018 at 8:52 PM

Wow.
So many cool things in this. The subtle differences in color, and all the curves and lines. And then there are the ripples in the sand. The large image is absolutely superb. It makes me feel as though I am there. Bravo!

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments

Comment posted by Marylynne Diggs on March 25, 2018 at 10:29 PM

Wonderful image here. I love the isolation from the surrounding area and the high key effect. I really appreciate the approach to placing the shadow/swirl. It can be hard to decide while shooting where that kind of element should fall.

ML.

Registered on December 14, 2010, 122 Posts, 1034 Comments

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on March 26, 2018 at 6:34 AM

this is expertly done. killer shot.

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by Ed McGuirk on March 26, 2018 at 9:45 AM

If not for your description, I would have guessed that this was shot at White Sands, and not Death Valley. So many dune shots at DV include warm golden hour colors, but I really like how your last few shots have played around with more unusual color pallettes.Your composition here is so simple, but very strong, this image is elegantly done. Love the ripples in the sand.

Registered on November 29, 2017, 19 Posts, 260 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on March 26, 2018 at 10:34 AM

Thanks all for your nice comments on this image. My only thought for need may be a very slight dodge along the top right edge.
Ian, I did not take my boots off, but warm loose sand between the toes sounds good. Barefoot prints next trip ;-)

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Reno DiTullio on March 26, 2018 at 11:20 AM

So dreamy! Wonderful shapes and undulations, love it, well done, Doug

Registered on November 14, 2003, 130 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on March 26, 2018 at 3:36 PM

Doug, Wow! This is absolutely fantastic work! Love it. devil

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Kearl on March 26, 2018 at 11:36 PM

This is so nice....
A contest entry or just one on your wall if you print them, it is superb.

Registered on September 2, 2013, 209 Posts, 1514 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on March 27, 2018 at 10:06 AM

A lovely, high-key, take on these dunes, Doug. I'm thoroughly enjoying how the small ripples at multiple depths dominate the scene.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on March 27, 2018 at 10:12 PM

Lovely work. The subtle textures and patterns are wonderful.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on March 28, 2018 at 11:08 AM

Outstanding dune image!! Great dreamy feel to it and lots of depth. Really, really nice.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by John Williams on March 28, 2018 at 1:11 PM

Exquisite Doug. The larger version is WOW.
devil

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on March 28, 2018 at 10:50 PM

Sorry to be so late to comment on this one. This is beautiful on multiple levels. From a distance I enjoy the sweeping lines and creamy tones with the subtle interplay between light and shadow. But a closer look reveals all of the fine details and textures. Beautifully done!

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on April 10, 2018 at 8:59 AM

Doug: Having just returned from White Sands I thought sure this was from there. Marvelous curves and subtle shadow play. Superb image. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments