Evening in the Nambung National Park. It seems I always have this magnificent wild empty desert to myself. Today a stray branch has been blown into view as the ...
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Evening in the Nambung National Park. It seems I always have this magnificent wild empty desert to myself. Today a stray branch has been blown into view as the shadows lengthen and the sun sets, adding to the drama.
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Awards
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Contest Finalist in The Color White Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Simple Landscapes Photo Contest
Featured
Contest Finalist in Visuals of Life Photo Contest
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Genius
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Palominolady
April 09, 2015
Congratulations on your finalist award. I love your use of light, composition, colors and texture. Stunning!
scruffyherbert
June 04, 2015
This is a terrific shot and a real page jumper. The blues are beautiful and I envy you having a place so stunning to yourself. Well done on the feature.
KIRWAN
June 04, 2015
Simply stunning. Having lived in a desert for 5 years, this brings back so many happy memories. A truly beautiful photograph. Many well-deserved congrats
fineartphotography
June 05, 2015
Thank you everyone for the generous comments, they are all very much appreciated :)
PetarBphotography
March 21, 2023
Great shot i seen this photo and thought if it was the sand dune near Grey WA :D
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
Desert Branch Void, was taken within the Nambung National Park. Most people who visit the national park, do so either passing through or to visit the Pinnacles. On the way to the Pinnacles can be seen on the horizon huge almost perfectly white sand dunes. After walking all day through the white sand desert, I came across this magical spot.Time
The shot was taken just before dusk, the shadows were moving across the sand rather fast and the mood and colours cast were also fast fleeting. I took advantage of the changes and moved fast to capture all I could.Lighting
The daytime light cast on the sand by the sun is quite intense and often difficult to look at - it is just way too bright in the hot Australian desert sun. When the sun drops and the shadows get longer, the whole landscape takes on a magical presence.Equipment
My Canon 1DS Mark II has been with me for the past decade, I am due for an upgrade but it can still perform comparatively well. For the desert and now for almost all of my photos I also carry my Canon 16 - 35mm wide angle lens. I like the sense of immersion only available to such a wide angle lens. For all landscapes, I use my faithful Cullman 528C tripod. I love focus, clarity, texture and detail and the tripod, together with mirror lock and a remote shutter release also help.Inspiration
I have visited the Nambung National Park many times, and of course this white sand desert. I love this desert, the feeling that perhaps I am the first person who has ever walked and seen these sights. I hope the emptiness, the fastness and untouched nature of the desert shines through.Editing
The finished shot is pretty close to the original as from the camera. Maybe some tonal adjustments to balance the exposure here and there, but it is faithful to the original scene.In my camera bag
These days I carry about 5 or 6 32GB memory cards. Sometimes a card will get corrupted and I never want to be out somewhere and not be able to get the shot. The same goes for my camera, so I have a spare battery at all times. It is a heavy accessory, but necessary. I do carry other lenses but fewer and fewer when I am out in the desert. I sometimes spot emus on the horizon and so take a telephoto with me, just in case the right shot opens up to me. I always carry some dried fruit, maybe some chocolate and of course some water. Being out all day and most of the evening gets tiring and I make sure I get a kick of energy just before dusk, so I am on form for some of the best photo opportunities.Feedback
It is quite easy to forget what you are seeing and where you are when you are in the desert. It is physically tiring wandering across the dunes in the heat, with or without a camera. Never complain to yourself that you are tired, your bag is heavy or that you have had enough. Focus all your energy on absorbing where you are and what you can see. Always be mindful of the 'glimpse' of recognition, when it all falls into place and make sure you do everything you can to capture that glimpse on camera. Ignore the flies, your hunger, the heat and exhaustion and enjoy the rare beauty of the place.