The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
How do you know the most interesting time to photograph sand dunes? Wait for the RV to start rocking in the wind and filling with dust. I headed out before sunset and arrived at my usual location to hike the one mile into the dunes only to find there was no wind!
I could look back towards Furnace Creek and see a massive dust cloud working its way north. I moved to another access location “Old Stovepipe Wells”. Within a few minutes, the wind arrived. The dunes here are more linear and lower than the more popular areas of Mesquite Dunes. The compression of 500mm focal length resulted in a stormy seas feel to this scene, at least for me.
Specific Feedback
I went back and forth between the BW vs Color version but think the BW works better for the “nautical” feel.
Nice take on the DV dunes that are photographed so much (for good reason.) They really do look like waves, especially in the BW version. I thought that’s what it was at first glance. Detail and texture are nicely captured and there is good definition between the dunes. They almost look alive and moving.
Both of these are nice but it’s the B&W for the win. I think the main thing I like about it is that the blowing sand is more visible in the sky than in the color version. Also, the image is about patterns and textures, and those types of photos almost always seem to work better in b&w IMHO. It does also look like a giant wave about to crash with mist pouring off the top of the water. No critique, just praise on this one.
Hi Keith,
Your perseverance chasing the winds certainly paid off with another winner. My first impression when I viewed the jpeg was that of an incoming wave. While I think both versions are fantastic I am partial to the B&W because the details of the drifting sands are more prominent in the upper darker area. My only suggestion would be to tone down the brightness of that area along the base of the FG dune. Exceptional image.
Thank you @Chris_Baird, @Ed_Lowe, & @Bret_Edge for the feedback! I posted a rework with Ed’s recommendation and I really like that version, thank you!!!
Landscape Photography can be full of surprises, when I first arrived at the location, I was a bit annoyed with the muddy patches of darker dirt/dried mud between the sand dunes. At first, I tried a number of compositions to keep those areas out of my images. Then after an hour of shooting, this composition came along. I have to admit looking through the viewfinder my goal was just to capture the waves/streamers of airborne sand going over the dunes. It was not until I started processing the image that I was delighted by this composition and the nautical feel came to mind.
OMG, been there done that at Furnace Creek Campground…
My input on this image is short and simple. I find all versions work very well for my taste. Very nice work here and the reward for your efforts overall, Keith.
Wonderful dune imagergy. I quite admire those who venture out with expensive gear in windy and sandy conditions! Brave!
This is a fascinating capture and from the thumbnail view I too saw this of an ocean wave or sorts - with the wind whipping things up. The sand blowing off the top looks as one might expect, but the vertical lines of blowing sand seem quite unique and and really make this image stand out.
I too prefer the b&w and your edited version looks good. I could see playing around with the contrast up top possibly even making the sky/bg even more black - in an Ansel Adams kind of way. If that makes any sense.
For some reason, the color version almost comes across as less dramatic. But I’m not sure why I think that; but for sure as others have pointed out, b&w is great for emphazing shape, form, etc etc, without having color as an added element.
I like your story about the RV rocking. Lately I’ve been very attracted to simple graphic images with a soft desaturated color palette. I do love the colors in that version, but I think the B&W more emphasizes the blowing sand.
Thank you @Paul_Breitkreuz, yes seems to be the ritual if you want to get something more interesting in the dunes, go when the wind is blowing! .
Thanks @Lon_Overacker, I did try darking the sky and it is darken some, but I wanted to keep just a hint of something there in the BG, in this case mountains but you really can’t tell. I will have to play with this one some more and see.
I concur @Michael_Lowe, when first processing this image I did it in color and thought I’d try BW to bring out the sand tendrils a bit more and now that I have spent some time with this image. BW seems to work best for this interpretation. Thank you!
An excellent photograph, Keith. It’s almost an abstract, which I really like and I find it very moody - like spirits rising, almost other-worldly. The colour version is striking but your revised B&W hits it out of the park.
