Death Valley National Park.
On this road trip, I had the most anticipation for Death Valley National Park, however the combination of sweltering heat, sand storms, and unexpected conditions made for only a brief stay. After driving from Joshua Tree National Park we arrived and started scouting a few locations for sunset. I pictured golden light sweeping over the dunes like so many photographers share. I visualized compositions and where I might stand at each location based on watching numerous YouTube videos on multiple locations. This was probably the most preparation I did for any location I've photographed before.
We waited until it was close to sunset and set off across the dunes, doing our interpretations of the Fremen Sandwalk, attempting to avoid the worms (this is a Dune reference). As we neared the distant mound we planned to photograph from, we noticed a haze in the distance that looked like rain. Soon after clouds blotted out the sun. I hoped for dramatic sun rays to pierce through the openings of the overcast sky, shifting my idea of golden light to more dramatic dappled light across the desert. People were littering the expanse I planned to photograph. Pristine, untouched sand was a rarity, and the wind was picking up as a storm ominously drifted toward us. In minutes sand was blowing, and dunes were blanketed in darkness.
I traipsed my way back toward the parking lot, cameras around my neck, hoping the sand would not wreck them, and still looking for an image I would like. It wasn't until I found this feeble creosote bush (the one featured) that I was excited again about this unexpected experience. I steadied myself and took a quick series of photos and compositions. Most were out of focus but the vertical orientation is my favourite photo of the year so far. That night the wind continued to howl, and sand caked my scalp the next morning due to having the tent window open for a reprieve from the heat. We departed shortly after photographing sunrise in a spot we anticipated to provide beautiful crystalized salt formations. However, the location was flooded with water this time of year.
I'm grateful for the unusual conditions I witnessed, and I hope to eventually return to Death Valley and experience the alien landscape a bit closer to what I envisioned.
