Big Dunes, Snow: Death Valley, CA

Walking on these huge dunes, I felt like I was high on a snowy mountain top.  The sand was very firm and covered with light snow in the shade.  I was surrounded by the expanse of the sand, and its oppressive weight.

I liked the way the low winter light fell on the dunes, accentuating their textures.  I liked that it was the wind that carried them there, and that it might carry them away some day.

I photographed the largest of the dunes in a way that showed its texture and enormous static weight.  In contrast, the smaller dunes behind it appear more fleeting, like choppy waves.

Big Dunes, Snow: Death Valley, CA, 2003