Tom Morgan Photography

When shooting dunes, how do you approach them? As I was wondering around I was almost hesitant on walking too far because I knew my foot prints would screw up the spines of the dunes. There was no wind at all so I couldn’t rely on my prints to be covered. I kinda figured as I go, anything I’ve walked by is kinda out of the question with exception to scenes like this one. It’s really crazy how much there is to shoot as you walk around. Essentially I forced myself to find other subjects to photograph as I moved on. The light changes, shadows move, textures appear out of no where and then it all turns blue. I 100% was glad I could see where I walked because I wondered so far north that in the dark I couldn’t see where my truck was parked (not at Furnace Creek). Good times.

My second trip to @deathvalleynps and to be totally honest it wasn’t some inspirational trip. It’s not a very far drive (5ish) hours from San Diego to Furnace Creek which I don’t consider far by any means. As I drive anywhere like this I try to figure out a game plan based on where light will be when I get to where I’m headed. As I arrived I stopped at Furnace Creek to top off the Tacoma and head off to wash or canyon. Since Mosaic Canyon was right there I figured why not.... After an hour or so I decided to head back and not seeing anything that had caught my eye. As I passed the Mesquite Dunes I thought about stopping but I also started thinking about where the hell I was going to camp. Light was running out and I had to figure something out and quick or I would’ve theoretically wasted an afternoon. I decided to hit the dunes even though it really wanted to find some simple compositions using my 100-400mm lens in a canyon. After passing a Jeep parked by the dunes (apparently designated parking areas don’t pertain to all) and being pretty mad someone would drive through the Devils Cornfield because god for bid you actually have to walk to make pictures. I wondered around a bit and struggled to find some connection, something that would catch my eye. Eventually after an hour I started seeing patterns, overlapping, curves, the sand sparkling like glitter as sun moved lower, the haze turning yellow and the sand changed from a washed out warm tone to a blue. I don’t think I’d call that day a win by any means but if anything a good story and some lessons learned in planning better. I did make it out with this nice picture however as the shadows turned a nice, cool color and the last remaining light was warm as the sun set over the Panamint Range. See more

Zion NP Autumn 2020 I’m getting the itch already to head back out and plan for the summer. As the weather gradually warms and snow begins to melt I start shifting thoughts of lower areas such as the desert to higher elevations. What are your favorite places and areas you hope to get to this year? If I could offer any advice, it’s to start planning now. Map new routes, look at weather patterns, hit the gym to get the juices flowing again so high altitude hikes are a breeze and fun. I can’t wait to see everyone’s adventure and always leave it better than you found it!

Sunset San Diego, Ca. I went knee deep in the surf for this one. I realized that I need to do more of this and not just around the surf but in many other areas. After getting a nice carbon tripod I kept telling myself to keep my tripod spotless, clean it constantly and make sure I don’t get it scratched or banged up. But to me, that’s what it’s for. That’s why I go to remote areas, not to sit by my truck, hoping I come away with a composition I’m happy with. Sometimes a little work goes a long way.