Evening Sun and Sand
Sunset in White Sands New Mexico, USA
Sunset in White Sands New Mexico, USA
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Mar, 2017Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
One day in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico a rain storm had been brewing for much of the day. One could see, as the clouds began to break, that the sky was going to be quite unique. With weather and natural light, things change quickly. This photograph was one of a series of shots taken as the light and clouds changed rapidly.Time
Most of the day a storm developed over the sand dunes. By mid-afternoon, as the clouds broke, it was obvious the sky was going to put on a show. By sundown on September 5th 2016 at 06:05 PM I took this picture.Lighting
Lighting changed rapidly while the sun would hide behind clouds, then come out and shine bright between them. I tend to like dark lit photos so I knew my best chance of getting what I wanted would come with the sun just peeking through small openings in the clouds, while sitting on the distant mountains. I under exposed a few stops to get it a bit darker.Equipment
I used a tripod, cable release, with a Canon EOS REBEL T2i and a zoom lens set at 18mm.Inspiration
I hate clear blue skies, even if I’m not photographing. The worse the weather the happier I am. This day was stormy with clouds coming and going, light changing, and even sand storms in the distance. As the sun sat the sky displayed this.Editing
For this I increased the contrast a little, and darkened the light to improve the sunbeams on the top and bottom. A lens flare was cloned out.In my camera bag
I don't carry a lot of equipment as I don't have a lot. I have my Canon EOS REBEL T2i with a zoom lens from 18mm to 50mm and another lens from 50mm-250mm Then I have a Canon Power Shot SX60 HS.Feedback
I like to look for balmy to stormy weather with lots of cumulus or lenticular clouds. Dramatic clouds, dynamic clouds. Evening or morning sunlight is best to create decent dynamic range, and improve feature relief (shadows and highlights) in the landscape. this also can give vivid colors. High sun position gives flat, featureless scenery; avoid it.
