Nirvana

White Sands, New Mexico
Most times when I want to shoot a sunrise, I explore the area the previous day in order to plan my image. I need to be extremely organized in the mornings, as there is such a short window of time in which to actually capture the shot. When I set up–usually in darkness - I have to be able to concentrate on the light rather than composition. Finding this dune the afternoon before, I knew that it’s scalloped form and gently contoured ridges would give me the mood I wanted. I arrived by torchlight before dawn, with just enough time to hike back in to the location. Setting up on the frozen sand I waited until the sun was a little stronger to create the central shadow which adds depth, and composed so that the dunes lead the eye in and give the shot continuity. With its subtle lines and delicate dawn skies this image portrays a lesser-seen, softer side of the desert.  

45 Artist Proof / 950 Limited Edition