Pale orange sand dunes in El Paso
Speaking of dunes, as I have the last couple of times, I hadn’t known there are pale orange sand dunes on the east side of El Paso (Texas). There are. They made for a pleasant surprise along US 62 on the morning of November 9th last year, when dramatic clouds added to my appreciation.
© 2017 Steven Schwartzman
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Not only is this a surprise and a delight, it would be far easier to visit than New Zealand. I like the way that little triangular cloud bit forms a center point for the photo, with the clouds flowing upward and the sand flowing down. It makes for a surprisingly dynamic image.
shoreacres
April 1, 2017 at 7:04 AM
The clouds were great that morning, and I took plenty of pictures of them in their own right. The problem I had with the dunes was the people on dune buggies, some of whom were still there and others of whom had left tracks in the sand. I walked around in vain looking for something pristine to photograph. Eventually I found the one spot shown here, where I could crouch low enough to exclude the human elements in the background while bringing in the clouds to complement the dunes
When you eventually take your trip to the Southwest, you’re likely to pass through El Paso. As you said, it’s a lot easier to get to than New Zealand is, and a lot less expensive.
Steve Schwartzman
April 1, 2017 at 7:32 AM
I like the inclusion of the rough bit of sand (clods or whatever)
Steve Gingold
April 1, 2017 at 12:58 PM
I had it both ways, so to speak. In the other picture I took of this dune, I aimed just high enough to exclude the darker bits and include more of the dramatic clouds. I might have been tempted to stitch the two images together but I see that I made the two views ten seconds apart and changed my position somewhat.
Steve Schwartzman
April 1, 2017 at 2:24 PM
That composition would put you into the thirds which must look good also.
Steve Gingold
April 1, 2017 at 3:36 PM
Here’s the other version. You can click to enlarge it.
Steve Schwartzman
April 1, 2017 at 10:02 PM
Each certainly has its merits.
Steve Gingold
April 3, 2017 at 9:24 AM
I guess that makes me a doubly meritorious photographer.
Steve Schwartzman
April 3, 2017 at 9:40 AM
Beautiful.I am glad you were able to eliminate (visually) the dune buggies.
Gallivanta
April 4, 2017 at 6:11 AM
I had the same problem with dune buggies and trails of footprints when we stopped at two other sets of dunes on that trip. Likewise at Te Paki on the New Zealand trip, though just with footprints and sandboards. I didn’t see or hear any dune buggies there, so perhaps they’re not allowed.
Steve Schwartzman
April 4, 2017 at 8:27 AM
Hopefully dune buggies are not allowed.
Gallivanta
April 4, 2017 at 9:08 AM
I hope not. I looked online but didn’t find the regulations that apply at Te Paki.
Steve Schwartzman
April 4, 2017 at 9:18 AM
This is such a dramatic sight. Are these shifting dunes? I don’t see any vegetation.
melissabluefineart
May 27, 2017 at 7:50 AM
I was there only briefly, so I don’t know anything about these dunes. I do know that the sky was great that morning.
Steve Schwartzman
May 27, 2017 at 7:53 PM
Indeed.
melissabluefineart
May 28, 2017 at 9:14 AM