Cracked

Dry, cracked soil interrupts an otherwise soothing landscapes in Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park. The valley floor, which lies below sea level, was actually a large, shallow lake—30 feet deep—around the time of the Roman Empire.

Even in winter, daytime temperatures in the valley average 80°F (27°C), while the peaks of the surrounding mountains remain frozen (I should know, we hiked a 9,000 foot peak two days later).

This photograph, taken about an hour prior to sunset required the use of a 4-stop graduated ND filter and a graduated tobacco filter to subdue the intensity of the sun. Even so, the result was largely monochromatic. An effect which, I think, accentuates the feeling of emptiness.

As always, best seen large on black.