Greetings,

Well, the dunes shoot was an outstanding success and a fun time. This old man slept for two days in a 2 person pup tent in the cold desert. All for the chance that we might capture some art, and we did. There were also some fun side trips to see some grown men running their sand vehicles up and down a large hill. And, of course, the sitting by the fire and talking about the day and planning for the next. Fun time with friends Elley and Dan.

The first day included the drive there and we were set up and ready to head for the dunes by noon on Thursday. We made a couple of trips out with different outfits. Poor Elley was wrapped in a blanket most of the time between sets. Her skin got a lot of exercise, making goosebumps in most images. Yet, never a complaint. Well, not one I listened to anyhow. (grin)

The first evening we waited for the sunset and found a nice small dune close to our camp that we could walk to. She did the archer set there with Dan holding the light. The sunset in that image was actual. Because I put a light on her from one side, it almost looks like an elaborate studio shot. I don’t do elaborate. (grin). It was very cool and breezy, but at least she had that green dress on.

The next day, after breakfast, we headed out with several outfits. One for some ‘Dune’ movie shots, Man Max, a mummy style, a wedding dress, and several others. I look back and wonder how we fit them all in. And she changed her makeup for several looks. She worked overtime on this two-day shoot, no question.

We brought back 1300 images for me to pick from to create our art. As you’ll see in the gallery this week, I’ve included all of the images I’ve edited so far from the trip. I’ll toss in some from last year’s trip to the dunes.

I’ve been asked about what it was like. The most important part was our ability to head deep into the dunes to find virgin areas not full of tracks. Fortunately, there was just enough wind that each day was a clean slate. Sometimes, we would walk down the sand to shoot in a lower area and find our tracks almost gone as we returned. Each place we stopped at gave me four directions to shoot in generally and get four different background looks…and lighting, of course.

Like any shoot, but probably even more prevalent, is a bit of regret about all the things we could have shot and didn’t have the time. It makes it bittersweet when we get back home. The new art from the trip helps soothe that feeling and increases the excitement of our next trip out. Next February? We shall see. Annual traditions are always fun to create.

Stay curious, my friends!

Dave

And if you’d like to give me any feedback on these Museletters, feel free! I love to hear from you all! - Contact form