Category: Southwest Deserts

Mesquite Dunes – Dust in the Wind

~ lawrencepallant ~ 1 Comment


I went back to Mesquite Dunes in Death Valley National Park again in early January during a dust storm. I was prepared with goggles and face mask. It was dusty everywhere.  I loved the moody atmosphere this created.  Here are five of my favorites. Go to my website to see the full Mesquite Dunes – Dust in the Wind collection.

Dust Storm on the Dunes
Dust in the Wind

The next morning, I went out again as the sun began to light the landscape. The wind had died down and the dunes were blown smooth.

Pastel Palette
Sea of Dunes at Dawn
Desert Solitude

Back to Alabama Hills

~ lawrencepallant ~ 7 Comments

I returned to the Alabama Hills in the Owen’s Valley in early January. My favorite shots this time were in the grassy meadows on the north end of the area. I also enjoyed exploring around the boulders and rocks. One place I particularly wanted to visit was a spot called Boot Arch. Here are my five favorite shots from this part of the trip.

Splash of Light – I captured this scene just as the shadow of the mountains were about to extend over the meadow. I had to act quickly. A few seconds later the entire meadow was in shadow.
Hairy Blue Thing
Blue Tails

I like to shoot places in the early morning, often arriving before sunrise to witness the soft light as the sun rises. In these situations, I often explore a place the afternoon before. That’s what I did here, at Boot Arch in the Alabama Hills.

Boot Arch Panorama

I continued this trip with a visit to Mesquite Dunes in Death Valley during a dust and wind storm.