photographing Death Valley in bloom

March 23, 2005 4:57 AM

Death Valley in Bloom: where and what would you photograph if you were going?

I'm sneaking off for the weekend to join a friend down in Death Valley, and as a photographer who can count the number of landscapes he's ever taken on one hand, I'm not familiar with the landscape or natural attractions in that area at all. The main site I have on my itinerary is the newly swollen lake at Badwater, along with some vague notions of shooting dunes and Joshua trees as we stumble across them (blooms will be everywhere of course). We have the upcoming three-day weekend, and maybe a day or two longer at most. Anyone else have any personal favorite spots or routes in that area they'd like to share? What's in Death Valley now that won't be there again (or will be very different) if I returned at the same time next year? If you could be there yourself (or have already been there recently), what would you see and photograph? As a bonus, I can take some requests and I'll be happy to post the results online, as much as my limited time and landscape shooting skills permit.

Also, any practical advice about the area would be useful. I have some basic desert survival training from Burning Man, but details regarding DV-specific issues (such as whether we'd need a four-wheel drive vehicle), navigation, hazards at specific places, etc would be appreciated. On the photography end, I'm bringing a DSLR with a 16-35, 70-200, 1.4x TC, a tripod, and a polarizer (I don't own a macro lens); will that cover the bases, landscape photogs? I'd be happy to take tips as well.

posted by DaShiv to media & arts (4 comments total)

Well there was this from last week, which grew from this, by way of background.
posted by peacay at 7:25 AM on March 23, 2005

How about the weird and wacky Devil's Hole pupfish? If you're going in April, that's your chance to see these fish. This is not a hoax!
posted by nancoix at 8:05 AM on March 23, 2005

There is a fantastic view of the panamint valley(dunes) from the saline valley road near the hunter mountain road , ignore the road closed sign at the 190 saline rd. jct. The eureka dunes are the tallest, 8 ply tires are recomended if you venture off the pavement,bring shade and water. The AAA
map rules.
posted by hortense at 9:38 AM on March 23, 2005

You must go to the Artist's Palette. It's one of those "I'm seeing it, but still can't believe that natural processes could lead to this" experiences. I love the Devil's Golf Course, too, and Ubehebe Crater, and the sand dunes (Tatooine).
posted by Aknaton at 9:44 AM on March 23, 2005