Next to winter, August is my favorite time in the Dunes. I just love the sunflowers. According to the rangers the very dry summer has led to few flowers this year--but i guess they didnt know where to look After hiking 4 miles, i put down my pack to take a short stroll up a dunecrest, when much to my surprise i spotted a black bear crossing the dunes!! Amazing! Unfortunately, by the time i ran back to grab my telephoto, the bear had run off Ah well, now i know to keep my camera pack with me at all times
Anyhow, the cloudy skies and filtered sun were perfect mid afternoon conditions for sunflower photography. Here's a sampler, my best shot is a variation on #1 so ill post it on ESS.
In #1 i purposely left a sliver of horizon to give escape to the scene and a bit of tension.
You are too kind, Todd! ill never touch John's stuff--its one of a kind, im just trying hard to do my own thing there--im really looking forward to winter!
More excellent stuff Muad ' Dib! #5 brings down the house!
Posted by Jesse Speer on August 27, 2009 at 11:01 AM
#1 is REALLY good Stan. Love the hint of blue, although it seems barely not enough. Barely. Very, very nice. #4, #5, ... can't wait to see your future book dude.
Posted by Guy Schmickle on August 27, 2009 at 12:20 PM
More wonderful shots from your personal playground, Stan. I love the sunflower season at the Dunes as well, but I won't have the time to make the trip out this year. I'll have to settle for viewing your excellent images.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on August 27, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Again, a wonderful set of images. I like #4 the best, nice comp you found there!
Posted by Brian Jackson on August 27, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Amazing stuff again.
Posted by Bryan Maltais on August 27, 2009 at 11:05 PM
they all have drama to them, but #1 is just classic.
Posted by Jack Garrett on August 27, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Great series Stan. I'm glad I didn't know about the bears since I was trodding through there in the dark! We saw some of the bones in the sand and I told the others in my group that they were from photographers who never made it out . I took several pictures of a single flower in the sand but the wind was blowing so hard I couldn't get a sharp image so I commend you on your patience.
Posted by Kelly Black on August 28, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Awesome shots, Stan. How cool it is that you found deer bones amidst all of that! What a bonus. Images captured well, as usual.
Discussion
18 repliesAnyhow, the cloudy skies and filtered sun were perfect mid afternoon conditions for sunflower photography. Here's a sampler, my best shot is a variation on #1 so ill post it on ESS.
In #1 i purposely left a sliver of horizon to give escape to the scene and a bit of tension.
Ken