Last Light on Dunes

Posted by Don Smith (California, United States) on 6 January 2009 in Landscape & Rural.

This was my first visit to the Oceana Dunes at Pismo Beach State Park, California. Cloudy skies greeted my arrival and did not allow for much of the dramatic late-afternoon light I was hoping for; nonetheless, I did get about a five-minute window at sunset where the sun slipped under the clouds and provided a touch of sweet light on the west side of the dunes which bordered the beach. Ansel Adams made many famous images at these dunes and Ed Weston shot many of his classic nudes of his model/wife Charis Wilson here (not sure if we'd get away with that today). The coolest part is they let you drive on the beach! I spotted this little creek near the front of the dunes, then ran around like a madman looking for a composition!

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Comments (8)

Marie LC from Voiron, France

Hot colours, great composition, absolutely splendid landscape

6 Jan 2009 6:29am

@Marie LC: Hi Marie, once again thank you for your continued support!

zOOm from Paris, France

Thanks to you Don, I know now that there's life on MArs ! :-)
Incredible colors !

6 Jan 2009 12:00pm

@zOOm: Thank you Florence. Oceana Dunes will be one of those areas on my list for a return visit. I just scratched the surface so to speak.

DarkElf from Perth, Australia

fantastic Don! beautifully unreal looking landscape - the colours are striking and you composition is very good! the creek adds a lot to the shot as well - great work!

7 Jan 2009 12:45am

@DarkElf: Thank you DarkElf. I probably did look a bit crazy scrammbling back and forth while trying to find my framing, but when beautiful light happens, and the sun is right on the horizon, one knows it's only a matter of seconds before it disappears. Situations like this are part of what makes landscape photography fun and exciting for me.

Scott Schilling from San Martin, United States

Don, great composition for having to work quick! the color is very warm and pulls me in. I am glad you didn't get run over by any motorcycles!

7 Jan 2009 5:34am

@Scott Schilling: Funny you should mention the motorcycles. Having never been to the area before, I started my shoot where the motorcycles were! I could see them but was not sure if they could see me. Then I realized there was an "off-limits" section of the dunes where they could not go. I did not see any openings initially in the fence line, but then I did eventually find a way in! It's a great location to get creative dune images without having to drive all the way to Death Valley.

Eleftheria! from Athens, Greece

I can't do it else, i will give you my 5 stars again! Kalimera (good morning) from Athens. You are great!

7 Jan 2009 10:42am

@Eleftheria!: Kalimera from California my young friend! You must be back with your studies (my two boys are). I look forward to seeing many beautiful images from you in 2009. Thank you again for all your kindness. Say hello to your family for me.

Eleftheria! from Athens, Greece

School is starting tomorrow, thanks!

7 Jan 2009 2:43pm

Ilan from Israel

Superb photo. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for sharing! :)

7 Jan 2009 7:12pm

Doug from Long Beach, United States

My parents live not too far from there, but I've still never made it down to the dunes. Very nice to see them at least in this shot.

26 Jan 2009 2:55am

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ISO 200
70 mm