My original plan was to head up to S Colony, but a snowdrift changes my mind, didnt feel like hiking the 5 mile rd. So i backpacked the southern dunefield at GSD instead. Quite an experience, didnt see a soul the whole trip, and i found all sorts of cool spots in the dunes that you just cant find in the well-trodden path to High Dune. Im convinced that GSD is one of the coolest places on earth.
Heres one from just east of Star Dune. A closer comp at ESS.
I spent an hour or so looking for the perfect spot for sunset, and settled on this location just south of Star Dune. This is a bit before sunset, my sunset shots are probably some of the best ive taken, will probably post those in a couple days.
That last one is amazing!
I really like the differently hued and patterned dunes layered as they are, and the composition is mighty fine.
Your efforts to get here paid off well.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on April 24, 2008 at 8:30 AM
I'm with John, that last one is amazing.The lighting almost makes it look like a composite. Sounds (looks) like you had a great trip. I also like the one on E,S&S.
I just saw the one on ESS and left a comment. These are all sweet Stan, I really like the last one posted here!. I can't wait to see the sunset ones!!.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on April 24, 2008 at 8:54 AM
This is a very nice series Stan. The middle one doesn't work as well as the other two, but #1 and #3 are top notch.
Mel-
Posted by Kalin Wilson on April 24, 2008 at 9:09 AM
I like the color and contrasts of lines and texture in the last one. It feels a little off kilter ccw looking at the far dune line but that's probably an illusion.
Posted by Roger Rouch on April 24, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Stan, the fist doesn't do much for me, but the second and third are great. You caught some very nice sky and lighting. The third is especially unique and I find the composition quite pleasing.
Posted by Jesse Speer on April 24, 2008 at 10:21 AM
#3 is amazing Stan. Excellent work.
Posted by Jody Grigg on April 24, 2008 at 10:21 AM
#3 does for me, great job Stan
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 24, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I'm looking forward to those sunset shots - especially if they can beat #3.
Your search for the perfect spot paid off - that is a superb composition and great lighting.
That last shot is spectacular! - A real "WOW!" shot.
I can't wait to see the images you think are even better.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on April 24, 2008 at 10:38 AM
These are incredible Stan. I like all three, the light is the best in #2, but #3 is just ridiculously good all around. Love the textures. Must be nice to have the place to yourself. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by Adam Schallau on April 24, 2008 at 10:42 AM
My jaw dropped when I saw that last shot! I can't wait to see your sunset shots.
Posted by Scott Bacon on April 24, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Ummmm, ya. W-O-W ! Great stuff!
Posted by Guy Schmickle on April 24, 2008 at 11:26 AM
That last one is absolutely phenomenal! Light, texture and comp are all top notch. The other two are nothing to sneeze at either. Like others, I can't wait to see your sunset shots.
Posted by Todd Caudle on April 24, 2008 at 11:37 AM
They're all excellent, but the first and last take the cake.
That third one is fantastic - in addition to the light, colors and textures, it really captures the essence of the area, and provides a great insight into the possibilities that are available there.
Posted by Laurie Wendt on April 24, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Stan, WOW!!! These are wonderful!! #2 and #3 are SUPER EXCELLENT!! I want to see more.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on April 24, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Wow - these are just great. I'm digging #1 but #3 is rediculous. I'm gonna try to head down there in the next week, so this is great inspiration!
Posted by Paul Martin on April 24, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Awesome work, Stan. I tried getting out toward that area too, but I don't think I was quite as successful. Great use of the lighting and textures, I hope your sunset shots are just as great.
Posted by Jason Woerly on April 24, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Love #3 and your ESS post. Can't wait to see your sunset shots.
I've got to agree with most of the comments; the third pic is a keeper...the juxtaposition of textures and colors and the repeating triangle shapes is great. I want to like the first also but there is something about the composition and the light colors in the lower left corner that keeps pulling my eye out of the picture.
Posted by Jack Brauer on April 24, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Saweet! #3 is great; I like #1 too. I agree that this is one of the most special spots on the planet.
Posted by Paul Beiser on April 24, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Awesome, Stan. #3 is my favorite!
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on April 24, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Stan!!! I have no words to tell you how beautiful these shots are. I love all three of them!!! Fantastic job!!!!! regards, Rajeev.
I agree with all the comments here, Stan. Excellent images.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on April 24, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Stan, these are very nice. #2 is my favorite. To me, the FG looks added, and not a part of the picture. I don't know if it's true, but it feels that way, so it looks awkward to me.
Thanks for sharing these. I agree that this place is amazing.
Thanks, im surprised by the great reaction! Hopefully my sunset shots will live up to the hype
A couple comments: the shot is 100% level, if you need assurance look at the distant mountains. Momo, i can understand that sentiment, i actually settled on this location because of the striking bg-fg contrast. I think the grad/blend probably accentuates that, maybe a tad too much, but i had to compromise between evening out the DR, or leaving the fg overly dark, which would be criticized for being too dark.
Discussion
36 repliesHeres one from just east of Star Dune. A closer comp at ESS.
I really like the differently hued and patterned dunes layered as they are, and the composition is mighty fine.
Your efforts to get here paid off well.
Mel-
Your search for the perfect spot paid off - that is a superb composition and great lighting.
I can't wait to see the images you think are even better.
Thanks for sharing these. I agree that this place is amazing.
All fantastic images! #2 gets my vote as best overall.
I have to agree with Kalin that #3 looks torqued a little ccw.
A couple comments: the shot is 100% level, if you need assurance look at the distant mountains. Momo, i can understand that sentiment, i actually settled on this location because of the striking bg-fg contrast. I think the grad/blend probably accentuates that, maybe a tad too much, but i had to compromise between evening out the DR, or leaving the fg overly dark, which would be criticized for being too dark.