We have just returned back home from a trip to Las Vegas and Death Valley. The purpose of the trip was two-fold; to see Garth Brooks in Vegas and to photograph and scout out Death Valley for a possible future workshop location. Oh yes I guess there was a third reason, to escape Ottawa’s winter for a while!
I can’t believe that I had never visited Death Valley before this. Especially considering that this is the largest national park in the lower 48 states and that I have also probably been to every other area around there. Some how over the years I missed this “Photographers Paradise” of desolate, and stunningly beautiful landscapes!
Here are some of the photos that I took on our first day.
Pre-dawn at Zabriskie Point
Canon 5D MKII – Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX
2-stop Graduated Neutral Density Filter (soft step)
Canon 5D MKII – Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO
Artist’s Drive
Canon 5D MKII – Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 APO
Mesquite Sand Dunes
Canon 5D MKII – Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX
Canon 5D MKII – Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 IF EX
As a side note, this was my first trip (wheels up) with the Tamrac Evolution 8 Backpack. In our review of the bag Roxann had mentioned that the bag stands up, it doesn’t flop over. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but it did when I was standing in the middle of all of that sand in the desert and wanted to put the backpack down…it made sense!
At the end of this trip, we decided that we just had to add Death Valley to our future workshop schedule. The diversity of the scenery, as well as some of the most beautiful and unique photographic vistas imaginable are just waiting for us!
Nice! Bet you’re glad you went now!
I hope to get some nice shots myself when I go. Now I know what I’m looking for too! Lol thx – and I’m glad the non flopping bag came in handy! XD
See you in a couple of weeks, Garry!
Thx for the update,
Roxann.
Thanks for taking time to share a little of your amazing trip. Beautiful images! Another photo adventure with you….?
sign me up.
Sooooooo want to go . . .
You have been and continue to be an inspiration to me and my photographic efforts. Thanks do much for everything you share, as always wonderful photographs and words that make me think.
I want to reserve a spot on the Death Valley trip!
Anyone who’s been on Garry’s workshops knows the value of his experience and advice – priceless!!!
Your compositions are breath taking! Have you ever considered writing a book?
Thanks Stephen,
I have seriously been considering writing several e-books. Just as soon as I have more or less caught up with the back log of images that I have to edit and process!
Garry. I`d say welcome back but I`m still in Florida.I hear its minus 15 in good old Ottawa. Actually it went down to 32 last night and there was frost on the shingles this morning.
Experienced the desert in California as we made a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. As you know, deserts are a great place to photograph but you really have to be prepared for the extremes. Richard
PS: I suspect you will never get rid of your backlog.
Your imagination and vision is stunning!
Gorgeous!!
Can’t wait to go. I’ve always wanted to go to Death Valley so if you were doing a tour there…. sign me up!
Barry you are going to LOVE it!
I would love to attend the workshop in Death Valley! It is my favorite place to photograph and would love to get your perspective on photographing it!
Wow! As usual. Your pictures are amazing! Please put me on your list for this workshop