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Finding and planning photographic locations takes time, patience and physical effort but the reward can often yield more than some fantastic photographs but some absolutely amazing memories too! That said, finding a desert scene isn’t easy because it's cluttered but when you enjoy hiking, the sunshine and desert life, scoping out a location isn't a chore! This photograph was taken not far from where I stayed in my RV in North Scottsdale. I had parked here many times and I always felt so very privileged by the many meandering desert trails that were right at my doorstep; they were perfect for cycling and hiking and I used them a lot. I noticed this scene (not far from my RV) many times but I waited patiently for not only the right lighting conditions, but for the right cloud formations too. Notice how the clouds have a powerful and dramatic impact on this image. Notice how the clouds have a powerful and dramatic impact on this image. Then, to add to that sense of drama, I also converted it to a sepia tone. It took patience for everything to come together, but I got the shot I wanted, and I now have many lifelong and heartfelt memories of this location too.
“Desert Dust Storm” While visiting the Palm Springs area recently, the frequent high winds meant my camera had to stay in my bag, and Arlo and I were sequestered to the RV; it was quite the site to see, and experience. The wind howled as the blowing sand and dust pelted the RV. At times it looked like fog, and it blanketed entire valleys and neighborhoods. Drifts of sand accumulated as the sand blew and swirled across the roadways. At times the wind was almost violent, and yet it was “only” 70 mph winds (I can’t imagine winds over 100mph!). This photo was taken from inside my RV :-) ....where I was sheltered from the wind and (most) of the blowing sand and dust. The wind shook the RV so I waited for a moment of calm before capturing this image. I love how the dust helps to define the depth of field in this image; something I didn’t expect to ever capture in a desert scene. I'm thrilled!
"Joshua Tree Nightscape" It’s long been known that our cognitive brain health declines as we age and that diet, exercise, sleep, social interaction and mental stimulation can prevent it. As I’ve aged, I’ve noticed the normal changes in my own cognitive function but I hope that as I sharpen photography skills (including night sky photography), will help; I have my fingers crossed! I pre-planned this location earlier in the day (I even marked the spot where I’d stand). With the help of an app, I knew exactly where and what time the milky way would line up with this scene. What I didn’t realize however (until after the shoot) was that the milky way was rather “blah” from that angle; hmmm, so what to do? I decided to learn something new by blending a previous Milky Way photograph with the foreground; the results of which you see here. This now known as a “composite" image; which is an image comprised of two or more images to create one. Joshua Tree National Park is a vast protected area, not far Palm Springs, California. The high elevation of the park is characterized by it's rugged rock formations, Joshua Trees, “dark sky” landscapes and sunsets. The Joshua "tree" is not really a tree because it belongs to the yucca plant family. They typically grow only in higher elevations (1,300 to 6,000 feet) and grow quite slowly (up to 3 inches per year). They have an average lifespan of 150-200 years but some live much longer.... hmmm, maybe I will too, lol!
