Great Sand Dunes NP - Monochrome Reflections of Life

[terrib]

On the serious side, while I was putting titles to these photos it occurred to me that the series reflects my life experience over the last year.

On the lighter side... I spent a short time late in the day at the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. I've never photographed anything like this before and I hope I have the opportunity to return and spend more time. These dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. Earlier in the year, there is a creek that runs between the parking area and the dunes but at this time it is dry. Unusual for me, but I felt these photos worked best in monochrome since there wasn't much color anyway and it was all about the play of light and shadow. I really struggled, however, with the choice of low vs high contrast. I'm sure every time I look at them, I'll be tweaking that aspect.

All shots taken with my 24-105 lens on my old Rebel Xsi. The wind was blowing sand terribly and I wasn't about to change lenses in the field so I hoped this one would give me what I wanted. Kept the camera and lens under my shirt until I was ready to shoot.

#1 Left Behind. (This photo is out of order) I wish I'd noticed the driftwood at the beginning when there was still light on the dunes. But when I saw it on my way back to the parking lot, I decided to play with the composition anyway.



#2 Fading. Not an original idea, but I had to take that shot.



#3 Light & Dark. I really liked the shape and tones of this dune.



#4 Lows & Highs.



#5 Ascension. Nice of this person to leave footsteps on the light side.



C&C always welcome and appreciated!

[Brownbear]

Hi Terri,

Thank you for sharing such a lovely set.

My favourites are the 1st image for the composition, and #3 and #5 also for the composition but I especially love the light in these two images. The curvy lines and detail in the sand are gorgeous.

[Stagecoach]

Very nice series Terri, it's difficult to pick a favourite but I'll go for 3 then 5.

[NorthernFocus]

This a really a nice set, Terri. Like you I rarely dabble in B/W but in this case I think you made the right call. This series demonstrates a good eye for recognizing interesting lighting opportunities. I really like nos.3 and 5. And as you said they could be changed completely by playing around with different levels of contrast. Nicely done.

By the way, what's with the stilt legs in no.2?

[Saorsa]

Those are great. I really wanted to go there but was time limited when heading south to Carlsbad which ranked higher on my places to see on the trip. Now, I kind of wish I had made the effort.

[Loose Canon]

These are awesome Terri.

With the exception of #3 & #5.

They are nothing short of stunning.

[IzzieK]

My vote goes to #1...Period. Even if you complained about it...it is your complaint that makes the composition really good.

[Nicks Pics]

Spectacular dunes you captured! This a very unusual place. I think the image and PP quality looks great, I wonder if I would like them better in color, but I am not everybody. Perhaps it just depends on your intent of course.

[Mike Buckley]

I agree with Terry: all good but #3 and #5 are exceptional.

At the risk of suggesting something you already tried: Raise the black point in #5 and determine if you find a look that works better for you.

By the way, my guess is that it's not so much the contrast that your grappling with as it is the dynamic range. Review your black and white points with that in mind.

[Shadowman]

Nice series, nicely captured.

[FootLoose]

Great set, Terri. I also think the 3rd and 5th are the stand-outs. I wonder how the 5th would look if you cropped the bottom dune off so that there was just that giant S-curve occupying the frame.

[ajsmith]

This is a great series of photos, I like #5 the best.

[Kodiak]

•
Hey Terri,

Awesome #5! …could be sand or snow…

[Teton Chuck]

Terri, this is a beautiful set of images. I think I can understand where Left behind, Lows and Highs and Ascension combined are a visual metaphor for you. How special that you can use your photography to address your "life experience over the past year". I will revisit this set from time-to-time. They have a universal quality. Thank you for posting these.

[Loose Canon]

Brian (Saorsa) posted this here Terri.

I think you should go for it!

[csa mt]

Wow Terri! I really love #3 and #5!! What a great series, and they do very well in B&W!

Excellent work!

[csa mt]

Great set, Terri. I also think the 3rd and 5th are the stand-outs. I wonder how the 5th would look if you cropped the bottom dune off so that there was just that giant S-curve occupying the frame.

Just my opinion, but I think it would not be as spectacular, since she would lose the rippling in the sand on the bottom of the image. That adds alot to the overall image. Again, just my 2Cents worth, and worth every penny!

[Wavelength]

Magnificent !!!!!!

[terrib]

...
By the way, what's with the stilt legs in no.2?

The sun was getting low and I guess combined with looking downhill, it caused that to happen. Slenderizing, so I wasn't complaining.

[dabhand]

#3 for me - it just has everything a really super image should have.

steve