Death Valley can be a hard and harsh place. Even the dunes with the textures, hard shadows and ridges can be that way. Not to mention the summer sun and heat. If you’re at the right place at the right time, it can be a different world. This image was taken about 20 minutes before sunrise. The camera can see into the dark sometimes. What I like about this is how soft and safe the dunes look this time of the morning. Yes, the colors of twilight are vivid and a hint of what’s ahead later in the day, but the sand of the dunes, the subtle curves and undulations are just inviting you in. The dunes are a spectacular place, but this may be my favorite time and my favorite image, when the dunes are still asleep, warmed by the color of the impending sunrise.
And, don’t forget, click on the image to see a larger version!