Sand Dunes, Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley National Park, California

First trip to Death Valley. Venturing to the Sand Dunes near

Stovepipe Wells for sunrise and sunset became a favorite. This old

tree captured my attenton. Amazing how this old tree was able to

survive and grow. After many years of shooting 6x6 medium format, I

thought I would bring back the perspective and cropped accordingly.

Capturing the spirit of the tree, the dunes and moment was the goal

and intent. Comments appreciated.

OUTSTANDING composition and colors!!!!....great shot Steph.

Hi Stephan,

 

This is a very nice shot, and I too love the square composition (not that I use it much myself). The only thing I might do differently is try a different crop perhaps, where the dead tree is slightly more to the right. I just think that this would pull in that branch in the bottom-left a little more and create a more 'angular' composition.

 

Regardless of that, the tones and textures in this shot are very nice.

I agree, moving the tree to the right a little would be a good thing..always depending on what would move in on the left, of course.

 

This'd be neat as a black and white, too.

Quite nice. Good time for a wide lens. The tree comes alive as a group of strange creatures, when viewed from a distance. However the composition does feel like a rectangle that was cropped into a square. We compose in the viewfinder first, on the easel second. I also like your other surreal Death Valley image.

Another great image! The warm tones of the sand/light agains the blue sky really makes this stand out. I would have to disagree about moving the tree--it is creating a wonderful diagonal which works well with the diagonal created by the clouds just above it bringing the viewer into the center of the image. If anything--show more space on the right--the square format with this composition makes me feel like I have to stop looking too quickly. Everything is directing me to the right but I come to the frames edge too quickly.

 

Well done!

Excelente calidad tecnica, color y composicion genial, con un perfecto encuadre, un cordial saludo Stephan.

I like the idea of cropping the right side. It pulls everything together. The color balance on the subject still needs some work--the shadows on the tree are too warm or something. Tough to tell on my notebook...

Great sand, sky, subject. I like the warmth of the sand and wood against the cool sky. Good going. Bob.