death valley
Mar, 2016Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Death Valley, California around the Mesquite Flats sand dunes.Time
I took this photo in the late afternoon on the last day of my trip to Death Valley. A short walk off CA-190 and you can be as alone as if you were on the moon. No people, no cars, virtually no sounds.Lighting
During the mid-day in the National Park the light is very flat and the temperature in the summer can be very high. But if you wait until later in the afternoon the light gets more interesting. Dramatic light and great shadows as the sun starts to set.Equipment
I used my Nikon F3 with an 80-200mm lens. The picture was taken on film and scanned to digital.Inspiration
I love Death Valley. My first trip there was the early 1980's and I love going back to find new things every time I go. It's a very harsh environment and the temperature can be difficult to endure in the summer but I think it's always worth it. Great views everywhere you look, beautiful night time skies and at the right time in the year, amazing things you won't see anywhere else.Editing
As I said, the photo was taken on film and then scanned to digital using a Nikon Cool Scanner. I used Photoshop to increase the color saturation and remove a couple small scratches in the image that were from the original negative.In my camera bag
I have two camera bags - a smaller shoulder bag and a Pelican backpack depending on whether I am walking around town or taking a hike. But the basic components are the same - Nikon D850 with extra batteries and memory cards, a 50 mm and 85 mm prime lenses and either a 14-24 mm or 28-300 zoom depending on what I am shooting. I occasionally take a backup camera body, D750, or a film camera, an old but very functional Nikon F3. I don't carry a flash but I do take a set of closeup filters and a hard drive for recording video.Feedback
If you spend some time learning about the location before you go and have an idea what you want to accomplish it will be easier to meet your goals. Lighting is usually critical and timing can be everything so be there early to try different angles and directions but be prepared to react quickly. Patience is key but above all else, enjoy the experience of capturing the photo.
