I had one day off this week, so where else would i go? I didnt set out to become obsessed with GSDNP, but if the shoe fits...
I figured the little bit of monsoonal moisture leftover, along with the ridge building from the SW, would give me some great warm light at sunset, so i hiked out to the extreme southern end of the Dunes where i could get the very last rays of light before the sun went under the San Juans. It worked out perfectly, well until i ended up with a scratched cornea due to all the blowing sand--it was nuts. Must remember goggles next time... Ah well, it was worth it, my best shoot yet. 2d best shot is on ESS shortly, i havent even processed #1 yet, its like a Christmas present, i want to prolong the joy of opening it
Here's a look at the crazy warm light just before sunset
Stan
Wow! That first one is fantastic!! The light and shadows are very nice. You anticipated this picture and nailed it. I like the way the ripples lead into the picture. I like the way you can see the sand blowing in #3.
You're really spoiling us with all your incredible dune images, Stan. These are no exception. Being a lover of B&W, #2 just jumps out and hits me right between the eyes. My favorite of the bunch for sure, but I find 3 and 6 really intriguing also. 6 would be a killer B&W too. Great stuff as usual.
Posted by Jack Garrett on July 25, 2009 at 9:55 AM
I like 1,3,4 and 6. I keep going back to number 3. You really have a knack for bringing out the best of the dunes Stan!
I guess sand dunes has gotten under your skin. Literally. And don't forget the goggles next time, Dude. Nothing is worth the loss of sight. I'm out of superlatives Stan Dune. Maybe I could say I'm going Lady Ga Ga over these shots! It's 2, 5, and 6 for me. Two illustrates the reasons for your love affair with this place, and yes, we are all becoming a little worried about how true that statement really is. There is something absolutely sensuous about that one. I love the light raking the foreground dune in #5 and the crazy comp is crazy good for me. And finally, #6 has all the right stuff. It seems every great photographer has one place he owns, and you are on the way with this place.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on July 25, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Another great series you've produced from this fabulous part of the state. The first is my favorite as well with #6 not far behind. I think #3 would've been more effective without so much of the oof fg though (had to critique something!).
Posted by Grant Collier on July 25, 2009 at 11:54 AM
The light was phenomenal as shown in all of these and on ESS, really great stuff Stan!. I like the ESS one, #1, #2, #4 and #6, you truely are becoming/have become the master of the Dunes!.
Standune, I am sorry but I will have to call you that from now and I think it is a cool name. Especially after seeing your work, everytime you produce from here. The first one is as good as it gets. Wait!! that's what I said, when I saw your last post!!! So keep it coming so we can find you some other cool names. First one is the best but all of them are great shots. Did you use a ND filter there? , a blend or a straight shot? Great job Standune....
Thanks for the input, guys!
Rajeev; thanks, i believe #1 was a two exposure blend, one for sky one for fg. I say "believe" because i had similar shots i just processed with one exposure, for example #5 was one exposure, but you can see the dynamic range was a bit less there. Ditto with the ESS shot. It was a close call, i could have used one exposure for #1 too, i think i probably blended it because the sky histogram was intact in the faster exposure, no need to pull back or recover the highlites. I could have used my gnds too but i'm too lazy, don't even no why i still carry them since they've become dead weight
1, 2 and 3 are the best for me, Stan. A big beauty! Congratulations. You are the man, for sure.
Posted by Pam Colander on July 26, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Don't know what your unshown #1 is but this #1 is my flat out favorite. Unbeliveable light and detail. Second fav is the B and W I agree about shaving the bottom off that one. Have they changed the entry sign to Great Stan Dunes N P yet?
The more you travel and shoot there, the better your results.
I like every single one of these...no wonder it feels like Christmas when you get home!
There's a book in your future should you decide to pursue it.
Discussion
33 repliesI figured the little bit of monsoonal moisture leftover, along with the ridge building from the SW, would give me some great warm light at sunset, so i hiked out to the extreme southern end of the Dunes where i could get the very last rays of light before the sun went under the San Juans. It worked out perfectly, well until i ended up with a scratched cornea due to all the blowing sand--it was nuts. Must remember goggles next time... Ah well, it was worth it, my best shoot yet. 2d best shot is on ESS shortly, i havent even processed #1 yet, its like a Christmas present, i want to prolong the joy of opening it
Here's a look at the crazy warm light just before sunset
Wow! That first one is fantastic!! The light and shadows are very nice. You anticipated this picture and nailed it. I like the way the ripples lead into the picture. I like the way you can see the sand blowing in #3.
Sounds like rough conditions for shooting.
Without a doubt, my favorite of your Dunes series. Excellent, excellent work. You really know how to do this area justice.
Rajeev; thanks, i believe #1 was a two exposure blend, one for sky one for fg. I say "believe" because i had similar shots i just processed with one exposure, for example #5 was one exposure, but you can see the dynamic range was a bit less there. Ditto with the ESS shot. It was a close call, i could have used one exposure for #1 too, i think i probably blended it because the sky histogram was intact in the faster exposure, no need to pull back or recover the highlites. I could have used my gnds too but i'm too lazy, don't even no why i still carry them since they've become dead weight
Just wanted to add my "ooh" and "ahh".
I like every single one of these...no wonder it feels like Christmas when you get home!
There's a book in your future should you decide to pursue it.
Brian
Excellent work Mr. Sandman. Just bring your goggles next time.