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DPChallenge Forums >> Out and About >> trip to the dunes
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12/19/2006 08:39:37 PM · #1
I've always wanted to take a photo-trip to some sand dunes and having been looking at this all week I've decided to make a trip down there. Since I have some time off during the holidays my wife and I will make a one-dayer between christmas and new years day.

Since I've never been there I was wondering if anyone else has and can give us some pointers as to where to go exactly and the best time of day.

This could also be a get-to-gether if anyone wants to join us.
12/19/2006 08:42:36 PM · #2
Where exactly are you going on on what day? I've always wanted to try and shoot dunes, too.
12/19/2006 08:43:06 PM · #3
What Dunes?
12/19/2006 08:45:58 PM · #4
Sunsets are better than sunrises at the dunes, it's a mostly western exposure. I would make it an afternoon trip, when the shadows are a bit more dramatic. High noon in full sun can glare a fair bit.

Edit: nevermind, wrong dunes. My directions are for Colorado.

Message edited by author 2006-12-20 00:37:39.
12/19/2006 08:49:03 PM · #5
Sunrise or Sunset for the colors and shadows.
If the dunes are used by ATV's and such, Sunrise is best, as the sand has had a chance to settle down and hide the tracks.
These were all taken at or near sunrise for example:



Take a look in Sammie 's portolio for better examples than mine.
12/19/2006 08:51:40 PM · #6
Originally posted by sammy_stecchino:

Where exactly are you going on on what day? I've always wanted to try and shoot dunes, too.


I'm sure where exactly, that's what I need help with. and the day will be after christmas, I'm thinking a weekday might be less crouded (i understand the people go down with their quads) or sat might be easier. not sure yet.
12/19/2006 08:53:18 PM · #7
Originally posted by tooohip:

What Dunes?


Imperial dunes, down near the calif/arizona/mexican borders.
12/19/2006 09:00:52 PM · #8
California Imperial Sand Dunes is where I took all of mine, at Gray's Well exit off Interstate 8.
Info & Map

After shooting there on numerous occasions, get there before sunrise, drive into the area, turn right and follow the road down a bit and park off the pavement (not too far off the asphalt like I did once and got stuck - oops) and hoof it South up on top of the dunes and be amazed when the sun comes up.
<---- to give you an idea of the hike.

About an hour after the sun rises, the dune buggies and ATV's are already starting to travel around and will track up the beautiful designs left in the sand from the night winds.

Message edited by author 2006-12-19 21:57:34.
12/19/2006 09:05:01 PM · #9
Originally posted by briantammy:


Imperial dunes, down near the calif/arizona/mexican borders.


Ah yes. I remember the restroom facilities there fondly. ;-)
12/19/2006 09:56:29 PM · #10
Originally posted by BradP:

California Imperial Sand Dunes is where I took all of mine, at Gray's Well exit off Interstate 8.
Info & Map

After shooting there on numerous occasions, get there before sunrise, drive into the area, turn right and follow the road down a bit and park off the pavement (not too far off the asphalt like I did once and got stuck - oops) and hoof it South up on top of the dunes and be amazed when the sun comes up. About an hour after the sun rises, the dune buggies and ATV's are already starting to travel around and will track up the beautiful designs left in the sand from the night winds.


thanks,

thats funny that they have the live bombing in the same area as the tortoise habitat.

are there really that many people with atv's down there?
12/19/2006 09:59:13 PM · #11
Originally posted by briantammy:


are there really that many people with atv's down there?


Yes!
12/19/2006 10:06:38 PM · #12
When you get there, you will see RV's already there, parked overnight. The ATV's & Dune Buggies start early.

(taken Oct 30th 2004)

12/19/2006 10:08:58 PM · #13
Originally posted by BradP:

When you get there, you will see RV's already there, parked overnight. The ATV's & Dune Buggies start early.

(taken Oct 30th 2004)


that also might be pretty neat, getting shots of riders out there. This is looking to be pretty interesting.
12/19/2006 10:26:30 PM · #14
The view is amazing if you get there early enough.

12/19/2006 10:31:53 PM · #15
Originally posted by BradP:

The view is amazing if you get there early enough.


best thing probably would be to bring a trailer and camp there, could also get some night sky, long exposure with moon. Maybe another time for camping.

If I can get my wife outta bed early enough to do the sunrise thing i'd love to see it. Maybe. There has to be some areas that are not permitted for off-roading. Definitely like to shoot untracked stuff.
12/19/2006 11:02:59 PM · #16
Did I mention the view?


(ok, so I'm having fun digging back through old pics..)

By the way, if you don't have to change lenses, don't! There's fine sand mist in the air and it gets into every nook & cranny. If you do, do it under a jacket that has been on, not carried, as it too will have sand in it. Trust me - I had camera gear feeling gritty for a while!
12/19/2006 11:13:17 PM · #17
Originally posted by BradP:

Did I mention the view?


(ok, so I'm having fun digging back through old pics..)

By the way, if you don't have to change lenses, don't! There's fine sand mist in the air and it gets into every nook & cranny. If you do, do it under a jacket that has been on, not carried, as it too will have sand in it. Trust me - I had camera gear feeling gritty for a while!


Oh Great! Now you've freaked me out. I just got my camera and yes I plan to change lenses. Darn! I'll have to find a safe way to do it.

nice pics you have, I hope I come back with something half that good, well at least one.
12/19/2006 11:55:17 PM · #18
Originally posted by briantammy:


Oh Great! Now you've freaked me out. I just got my camera and yes I plan to change lenses. Darn! I'll have to find a safe way to do it.

nice pics you have, I hope I come back with something half that good, well at least one.


I used to shoot out there a lot, with my film Nikon. We used a pillowcase to change lenses in. Never had a problem.

R.
12/20/2006 12:38:11 AM · #19
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by briantammy:


Oh Great! Now you've freaked me out. I just got my camera and yes I plan to change lenses. Darn! I'll have to find a safe way to do it.

nice pics you have, I hope I come back with something half that good, well at least one.


I used to shoot out there a lot, with my film Nikon. We used a pillowcase to change lenses in. Never had a problem.

R.


good idea, I was just thinking of a way to make some kind of change bag.

thanks robert
12/20/2006 01:00:06 AM · #20
like to go but sadly i am desperately broke- don't forget to share the photos when you get back
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