Death Valley
Death Valley
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Sunrise Or Sunset Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Composing with the Horizon Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in In The Desert Photo Contest
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Superb Composition
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
All Star
Great Find
One Of A Kind
Exceptional Contrast
Genius
Jaw Dropping
Virtuoso
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Orphee
June 07, 2014
What an awesome rock-story portrayed here. Great colors, perspective & texture. I want more :)
MikeCeglady
July 25, 2014
How about that stretch of primitive road that leads out there? Talk about a killer...
garota88
May 29, 2015
I love how the light reflects off that rock. Beautiful shot and thank you for the input on how the image was captured. I have a picture of a "sailing rock," too, taken at Death valley, but it wasn't taken at the racetrack playa, so it's probably not a "true" sailing rock. Stunning work capturing such an incredible place (my favorite National Park).
KayBrewer
June 19, 2015
Hey, Jeff - ya done it again! congratulations on Finalist in the Desert contest
christopheralger
August 25, 2015
Pretty amazing photo! If I had taken it, I'd complain to myself that I perhaps should have cleaned the front of my lens noting some spots around the sun... but even they are likeable....
Witold
July 26, 2016
You have what I can only dream about. But I will keep trying. Super quality work.
ayleen_3691
August 24, 2016
Join the conversation. Add a comment or even better, a critique. Let's get better together!
BLPhotography
August 25, 2016
I broke 3 shock absorbers getting a similar picture. I am glad I went and think it was worth the trip. Excellent capture, Congrats on being a finalist.
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Behind The Lens
Location
The Racetrack Playa in Death Valley. It is a magic and scenic dry lake in the middle of nowhere. It is a long and bumpy drive , but is the only place where you can find these famous "sailing stones" that leave "racetrack" imprints.Time
To get this shot, it was neccesary to camp in a nearby primitive site, and get get up before sunrise. By the way, this spot is so remote and far away from civilization it is also an excellent place to photograph the night sky, especially the Milky Way.Lighting
I rarely use flash in nature photography. Rather, I usually bracket up to 9 exposures to allow me to use HDR in post.Equipment
I used a Nikon D800E, with a Nikon 14-24 lens, at f22.Inspiration
I had been to Death Valley many times, but never wanted to abuse my car to get to the Race Track. One morning at a crowded sunrise shoot, elbow to elbow with other photographers at Zabriskie Point, I met a nice guy who had rented a Jeep to go to the Race Track that day. He agreed to allow me to split the cost of the rental, and we both had a fabulous time shooting deep into the night, and of course early in the morning. It was lifelong dream to finally get to this powerfully magic place. The fact that we had it all to ourselves was a pleasant contrast to crowded Zabriskie Point.Editing
I used Photomatix HDR software, the only way I would have been able to get decent exposure in both the sky and the shadows. I also used Nik Color Efex Pro and Viveza for final touches.In my camera bag
Nikon D810 body, with Nikon 14-24, 24-70, Sigma 15 fisheye, Zeiss 135 APO. Really Right Stuff Tripod and Ball head.Feedback
When shooting this rock, I put the front of the lens just a few inches away from the rock, at just high enough of an angle to get the depth and pattern of the dried lakebed. I then waited patiently for the sun to just peak over the distant mountains. I would be lost without the ability to bracket, and later have the decision to used HDR, or not. So Obviously a sturdy Tripod is needed. I urge anyone who want's to visit the Race Track to do it. It is indescribably magical. Not sure if it officially has an "energy vortex" like Sedona Arizona is supposed to have, but something special is going here. I strongly suggest spending the night, and taking your time. You will not regret it.