Category: Monochrome

Algodones Dunes

The Algodones Dunes are a large sand dune field (45 miles by 6 miles) in the southeastern portion of California, east of the present day Salton Sea (currently -236 ft below sea level). Typically, the Colorado River flows south to the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). But, once in a while, due to several reasons, the ancient Colorado River spilt into the present day Salton Sea area and a freshwater lake developed, called Lake Cahuilla. The last Lake Cahuilla covered much of the Imperial, Coachella, and Mexicali Valley, and occurred as late as 1450. The most popular theory suggests that the Algodones Dunes formed over thousands of years from the windblown beach sands of landlocked Lake Cahuilla, especially when it’s water slowly evaporated and the aeolian processes picked up the finer sediments in this forming arid environment.

Today, the Algodones Dunes is used by men and women who are in need of driving sand buggies around and around until all beer is spilt or the gasoline tank is empty. Luckily, some parts are closed off for sand buggies. The photo shown here is from the closed off area.

Late Winter Storm at Zion National Park

“Bad weather makes great images!” I had a chance to proof it during my last visit to Zion NP. I was hoping for nice Spring weather instead I woke up to snowflakes and rapidly moving clouds. Once in a while there was a lighter moment and the sun almost peaked through.

Making Music – Playing Conga Drums


“Music” is quite difficult to photograph since you can’t see it. Therefore I wanted as much as possible a blurry picture. When you listen to music time passes so I decided on motion blur. Then I experimented with the exposure time. I had the camera mounted on a tripod and settled for 1/10 of a second. Next consideration was the light source. I experimented with a video light and two light wands. I used purple light on one of the wands to create a contrast between hands and body. Finally I converted the image to black and white. Again the idea was to take away as much as possible visual elements. Enjoy!