Went to the Dunes overnight Tuesday, and it was WINDY. The wind was basically 40mph sustained straight outta the west... like a microderm abrasion. Didn't make for great photos on the dunefield but Medano Creek was so running and it was quite a phenomenon. I've never experienced that before. Also we took the 4WD road up behind the field and outside the Park boundary to find free camping - very much advised if you have high clearance (most of you veterans know this already), but what a great spot to camp, and get away from the riprap at the main campsites.
This was a last minute decision and was able to put the new 5D2 in gear. Overall results are pretty amazing, but even more so was the Lumix LX3. I've posted a few shots for those interested... thanks CR
Whoosh - not a fan of the mountains in the ULC, but it works for now (5D2 with Tokina 14mm f2.8)
Posted by Pam Colander on May 15, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Looks like the Lumix performs great! These are all really nice Chris. I can't put my finger on why but the very bottom of #1 seems odd somehow. My eye wants to stick there. Maybe it's the black in deeper crevices. The second is sublime but I'd tone down the sat in the sky somewhat. My fav is #3...great flow in the comp. #4 has great detail in the FG. Interesting blur along the dune top from the "gentle breezes". I agree with your thoughts about the LUC. Thanks for sharin' these Sounds like a good time plus a facial!
I hope you grabbed some shots of those clouds in the first shot, pretty sweet! And overall a really nice collection!!! Glad you were able to get away for a R&R, I know you've been hating the last few months of school so I know you deserved it. And getting a free facial is always nice
Posted by Kalin Wilson on May 15, 2009 at 12:42 AM
Those camping spots are nice, especially if you don't have to compete for them. Too bad about the wind, but it looks like you made the most of it. I've been wanting to get down there. Thanks for the inspiration!
I see you tricked us by posting your best stuff last! I like 3 & 4. The light seems a bit harsh in #1 and #2 is close, but not quite for me.
I was also at the dunes a few days ago and the wind was blowing like crazy then too. I was determined to still make it to the top of High Dune, so I managed that. But that was the most exposed possible place and the wind was relentless. So I sat at the top of High Dune for 20 minutes, with my jacket hood over my head and didn't dare take out my camera for fear of destroying it. I finally headed back down and got off some shots really quickly during some short breaks in the wind.
Surprised we didn't see you. My friend found a set of keys in the sand near the base of the dunfield and they turned out to be the ranger's set - talk about luck. 10 minutes from that moment they would have been buried under an inch of sand.
The High Dune was grossly brutal. Spent about 2 minutes up there and hurried on down the express route. The dunes had those 'hard edge' features I'd never experienced before!
I rented a 14mm Tokina for two days to check it out... lots of flare if you're sideways to the sun.. physics at play, but can be mitigated with a hand or flag...
Here is a night shot at the campground (5 min 5D2 @14mm, ISO400)
Hi Christopher,
Looks like you had a productive time there. I've still yet to visit this place. Is it windy all the time there?
I like # 2, but the sky seems a bit strong for my tastes. I do like the ripples and flow of the creek, though.
My faves are # 3 & 4. The lighting and the detail in the ripples in the sound is great. I like the little blur of the blowing sand at the top of the dune in # 4.
Nice shots.
News flash--its always windy at the Dunes!
Great stuff Chris, i like 2 and 3, especially #2--looks like Castle Creek was kind to you. Ill be headed back to the Dunes soon.
Discussion
19 repliesThis was a last minute decision and was able to put the new 5D2 in gear. Overall results are pretty amazing, but even more so was the Lumix LX3. I've posted a few shots for those interested... thanks CR
Medano Ripples (LX3)
My friend Dave Smith was hanging out there Tuesday night, too, and got some good stuff of the creek Wednesday morning.
I was also at the dunes a few days ago and the wind was blowing like crazy then too. I was determined to still make it to the top of High Dune, so I managed that. But that was the most exposed possible place and the wind was relentless. So I sat at the top of High Dune for 20 minutes, with my jacket hood over my head and didn't dare take out my camera for fear of destroying it. I finally headed back down and got off some shots really quickly during some short breaks in the wind.
Surprised we didn't see you. My friend found a set of keys in the sand near the base of the dunfield and they turned out to be the ranger's set - talk about luck. 10 minutes from that moment they would have been buried under an inch of sand.
The High Dune was grossly brutal. Spent about 2 minutes up there and hurried on down the express route. The dunes had those 'hard edge' features I'd never experienced before!
I rented a 14mm Tokina for two days to check it out... lots of flare if you're sideways to the sun.. physics at play, but can be mitigated with a hand or flag...
Here is a night shot at the campground (5 min 5D2 @14mm, ISO400)
Looks like you had a productive time there. I've still yet to visit this place. Is it windy all the time there?
I like # 2, but the sky seems a bit strong for my tastes. I do like the ripples and flow of the creek, though.
My faves are # 3 & 4. The lighting and the detail in the ripples in the sound is great. I like the little blur of the blowing sand at the top of the dune in # 4.
Nice shots.
Great stuff Chris, i like 2 and 3, especially #2--looks like Castle Creek was kind to you. Ill be headed back to the Dunes soon.
#s 1, 3, and 5 are fantastic...great job!