Tag Archives: arid

Photographs: Death Valley, Photographs: Desert, Photographs: Nature

Receding Desert Ridges

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Receding Desert Ridges
“Receding Desert Ridges” — Desert ridges recede into the distance, Death Valley.

The desert is a fine place to photograph basic geological forms and effects of light. At first glance this may appear to be a monochromatic photograph, but it is just that the colors are so soft and subtle, being muted by the desert atmospheric haze. That haze is also responsible for the lighter tones of the distant mountains — an effect known as “atmospheric recession.”

Now, weeks after I made the photograph, I can only recall the location in general terms. It certainly was not an iconic spot nor a location where most people would stop. But these patterns speak to me, and I’m fascinated by the conjunctions and relationships of lines and by the layers of tonality in a such scenes.

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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.

Photographs: Death Valley, Photographs: Desert, Photographs: Nature

Desert Mountain Sunset

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Desert Mountain Sunset
“Desert Mountain Sunset” — Golden hour light on desert mountains, Death Valley.

The final full day of our pre-Christmas visit to Death Valley was mostly not ideal for photography. A winter storm was approaching, and most of the day was quite gray. We managed to get out and photograph in some canyons, but by mid-afternoon the prospects were deteriorating rapidly, and we decided to take a break. Somewhat later, without warning, there was a brief clearing before sunset… so off we went to take advantage of the light!

The best light appeared to be well north of us, so we loaded up the vehicle and headed that way. By this time the light was evolving quickly, partially as a result of the changing atmospheric conditions but also because it was late in the day. When I saw the colorful light on these somewhat distant, rugged mountains I stopped and put a long lens on the camera so that I could capture the scene before the light faded.

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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.

Photographs: Death Valley, Photographs: Desert, Photographs: Nature

Badlands and Wash

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Badlands and Wash
“Badlands and Wash” — A small wash spills from desert badlands into Death Valley at sunset.

Another recent post of a Death Valley photograph noted the interesting subjects found in remote and hard-to-access areas of this national park. This is not one of those photographs. In fact, I made it a short distance from a popular lodging and camping spot, and my tripod was set up at the back of my vehicle! The subject is eroded badlands terrain where a small wash empties into the main valley.

The terrain of this park is remarkably varied, ranging from harsh, sun-baked desert playas to high summits that can be topped with snow. Among them, desert washes emerging from canyons are a favorite of mine. I love to walk the quiet washes, and they often provide trails into deep canyons and mountain heights.

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G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.

Photographs: Death Valley, Photographs: Desert, Photographs: Nature, Photographs: Southern California

Light and Dark

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Light and Dark, a narrow Death Valley canyon.
“Light and Dark” — A canyon wall lit by reflected sunlight is seen through a dark section of canyon narrows, Death Valley.

Having photographed in the red rock canyons of Utah, I suspect that I have a bias toward that sort of beautiful, warm-toned landscape. In Death Valley I often look for, and enjoy finding, canyons with similar smooth surfaces… though that Utah red rock isn’t something you’ll see very much here. The narrow canyon in this photograph is perhaps more typical of the Death Valley landscape, with much rougher and more angular rocks.

I have written frequently about how wonderful canyon light is and how much it contrasts with the harsh and brilliant light of the desert landscape outside the canyons. In the deepest and narrowest sections the shadowed light becomes quite blue since the blue of the sky that is the main source of illumination. In this photograph we see the contrast between those blue foreground shadows and the warmer colors of the more distant canyon wall that is more open to the light.

G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him. Blog | Bluesky | Mastodon | Substack Notes | Flickr | Email

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(All media © Copyright G Dan Mitchell and others.)