This is Dead Vlei which has long been cut off from the Tsauchab River by a large sand dune. The result: a large amount of dead camelthorn trees, which have been...
Read more
This is Dead Vlei which has long been cut off from the Tsauchab River by a large sand dune. The result: a large amount of dead camelthorn trees, which have been conserved by the extremely dry climate which prohibits the trees to decay. Whilst you can't see the trees in this shot (they are behind the left hand sand dune) climbing to the top of this dune meant we had amazing views of the sunset and the golden sand dunes of Namibia
Read less
Read less
Views
8326
Likes
Awards
Runner Up in The Ultimate Travel Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in The Ultimate Travel Photo Contest
People's Choice in Desert Explorer Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in My Best Shot Photo Contest Vol11
Legendary Award
Contest Finalist in Around The World Photo Contest Digital Camera World
Contest Finalist in Capture Leading Lines Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Favorite Travel Memory Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in People Hiking Project
Contest Finalist in Curves In Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Summer Time Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in One With Nature Photo Contest
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Genius
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This is Dead Vlei which has long been cut off from the Tsauchab River by a large sand dune. The result: a large amount of dead camelthorn trees, which have been conserved by the extremely dry climate which prohibits the trees to decay. Whilst you can't see the trees in this shot (they are behind the left hand sand dune) climbing to the top of this dune meant we had amazing views of the sunset and the golden sand dunes of NamibiaTime
After a long drive we'd arrived too late to get to Sossusvlei so decided to explore Dead Vlei which is closer to the campsite. This meant that we were there in the late afternoon and through to sunset. This photo was probably taken about an hour before sunset so you can start to see the shadows of the dunes and the the ripples in the sand.Lighting
Unlike a lot of my current photos which are blended bracketed shots this is single image that has been processed to bring out the shadows and add depth to the scene.Equipment
This is quite an old photo and was taken on my first DSLR, a Canon 300D with the 18-55 EF-S kit lens which I loved and missed once I upgraded to a full frame body.Inspiration
I'd hiked to the top of a very steep dune which left me totally out of breath, but once I'd turned around and saw the view, the clear leading line of my footprints heading towards my wife, and the sheer scale of the desert dunes and their shadows from the setting sun, it just screamed out to be captured.Editing
This has just had a some colour balance and exposure adjustments (the sky darkened), other than that it was straight out of the camera.In my camera bag
I've upgraded from the 300D and now have a Canon 5D mk3 and a 6D (which I prefer to the 5d). As landscapes are my main focus now I've a range of zoom lenses with my favourite being the Canon 16-35 f4L which I use most of the time. I've a Benro tripod but I tend to use one of two Suiri tripods that are more compact and lighter for when I travel which I combine with one of two ball heads. I use Nisi ND filters for my seascapes and waterfalls as I've found they are value for money whilst still being good quality. These are are all in an f-stop bag which is great for protecting my gear but also being comfortable when you have to hike to locations.Feedback
Namibia is a photographers dream and I'd highly recommend it. The deserts, the wildlife, the people were amazing on our trip. We bought a car in South Africa and self drove around Southern Africa for three months camping every night in a small two person tent and loved every minute of it. The Namib Desert was a major highlight for us - go see it for yourself.