Namibian dunes at sunrise
People climb these very high dunes at sunrise. It's WAY too hot later. The sand colors are fantastic.
People climb these very high dunes at sunrise. It's WAY too hot later. The sand colors are fantastic.
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Nov, 2016Views
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Awards
Top Shot Award 21
People's Choice in Little People, Big World Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in Namibia. They have the most incredible dunes and I was blown away by the colors and shapes. I am a self-taught amateur and I love the excitement of translating the images I see in my mind's eye to the pixels in my camera. Sometimes I can even get a picture that shows what I see. This was one of them.Time
This was taken at sunrise. It just gets too hot to be clambering around these dunes later in the day, and the shadows are not as interesting, and the colors are much more washed out. Getting up that early sure does pay off with some of the most breathtaking sights.Lighting
This is natural light, no enhancements and no editing (I didn't even have to crop). That early morning Namibian light is awesome.Equipment
I use a Nikon D5100 with a Nikkor 55-300 mm lens. With this much light, fast speed was available so there was no tripod and certainly no need for a flash, or additional light.Inspiration
I was just blown away by the shapes, colors, and textures of the scene. I loved the peoples' shadows, the mysterious footprints that seemed to go nowhere, and the contrast of this great brooding dune and the little, tiny people climbing up it.Editing
I usually crop, color correct, and fiddle about with an image. This one just fell into place and I found that anything I did to it detracted from the effect I was going for. So I left it alone.In my camera bag
If I'm on safari or travelling, I keep my bag very spartan. I love my Nikon and Nikkor 55-300 mm lens, which seems to get me most of the results I need without causing sprained wrists. Lens cleaner, lens covers, wipes, SD cards, sun shade, extra batteries complete my out-and-about bag. When I'm not travelling, 2 or 3 lenses ( from macros to hernia specials (the ones that need a sherpa and cost more than my first car)) and a ton of other junk, like card readers. I take photos of dogs for a local animal shelter so I have tricks like treats and squeakers to get the dogs' attention. Since I love taking outdoor shots, I don't fiddle about with too much stuff.Feedback
Be patient but take as many shots as you can of something that catches your eye. Then edit out the crap. And if you love it, share it. Someone else might love it, too.
