A Night in the Dunes

Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, clouds

Medano Twilight : Prints Available

Spooky clouds hang over Medano Creek and the Great Sand Dunes after sunset. 

On Monday I headed to the Great Sand Dunes for a quick overnighter. I hiked in at about 10pm, slept on a dune for about 4 hours, then woke up around 3:30am to shoot the setting (nearly full) moon, followed by sunrise.

I had a blast out there with the camera… so much fun! And the hike out with Pink Floyd Meddle playing on my iPod was pretty groovy too! Here are some photos from the trip.


Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, moonshine

Dunes Moonshine #1 : Prints Available

A setting full moon illuminates the dunes with dim alpenglow, enhanced by a long, high sensitivity exposure.

 
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, moonshine

Dunes Moonshine #2

A setting full moon illuminates the dunes with dim alpenglow, enhanced by a long, high sensitivity exposure.

 
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, moonset, San Luis Valley

Dunes Moonset : Prints Available

A nearly full moon sets beyond the San Luis Valley, as seen from the Great Sand Dunes. 

 
Blue, Great Sand Dunes, Colorado

Blue Dawn : Prints Available

A deep blue early dawn sky casts a luscious blue hue on the dunes during this 2-minute exposure.

 
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, sunlight

Touch of Sunlight : Prints Available

These shades of color lasted only for the brief moment when the rising sunlight was just beginning to touch the dunes.

 
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, sand

Sea of Sand : Prints Available

Waves of sand crash onto the mountain shore.

 
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, ripples

Two Ripples : Prints Available

Two patterns of ripples catch the morning light in the Dunes. 

 
Great Sand Dunes, Colorado, shadow

Sand Shadows : Prints Available

Morning light and shadow play in the waves of sand. 

12 thoughts on “A Night in the Dunes

  1. Top-notch work and very impressive, Jack.
    My favorites are the sand dune-series; a fantastic collection of abstracted landscape with inviting tones and light. Wow!

    Best Wishes
    Seung Kye

  2. Not a single one of these I don’t like. Really nice stuff. I kick myself every time I see shots from the Dunes because I never made it out there! One day.

  3. What words to describe your work? You are truly blessed with a wonderful talent! Your photos are the best I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

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