I'm planning a trip to the Imperial Valley sand dunes just west of Yuma Arizona on the California side of the border to take pictures this weekend. I'd like any advice or suggestions from those who have photographed the area before.
I went there last year and my results were very disappointing. I want to go back to capture much better images this time. I plan to take sunrise shots but if someone has input for sunset I am all ears.
Of course, the downer part about the dunes is they are mostly overrun and marked up by dune buggies. That is why I am planning to go to the extreme North section where they are banned.
Any comments or suggestions regarding what I plan to do would be much appreciated. Thanks.
I know exactly where you are going and you have to be there before sunrise. Wander around, paying close attention to where you walk (unless you want your footsteps in the image, which can be a neat effect) and scope out the shapes the wind made during the night.
The desert rats hit the dunes early and then all you have is messed-up sand. The sunrise and the low shadows / glow on the edges of the dunes is a sight to see.
All the shots about were taken there. (exit on I8 where the vendors are, bathrooms and park entrance fees are paid for - right?)
I don't plan to take pictures anywhere near where you did off I-8. I want to photograph the North Algodones Wilderness Area on the North side of the dunes about 25 miles north off highway 78. That is between Glamis and Brawley. I know there will be no buggie tracks.
Where I photographed before the marks left by the dune buggies lasted all night, I was there at sunrise and so were a lot of buggie enthusiasts.
I took this picture at the dunes of the Old Plank Road last year:
Has anyone taken pictures on the North end where the dune buggies are not allowed? If so, what do you suggest for taking pictures up there? Locations? Time of Day? Stuff like that. Thanks
I know exactly where you are going and you have to be there before sunrise. Wander around, paying close attention to where you walk (unless you want your footsteps in the image, which can be a neat effect) and scope out the shapes the wind made during the night.
The desert rats hit the dunes early and then all you have is messed-up sand. The sunrise and the low shadows / glow on the edges of the dunes is a sight to see.
All the shots about were taken there. (exit on I8 where the vendors are, bathrooms and park entrance fees are paid for - right?)
