Death Valley is the lowest, windiest, hottest and driest place on the planet. That’s usually how I introduce the valley on the way in to open our workshops. On most days, even if the weather media likes to change the names to give their stories some variation, it is the hottest spot no matter!

Death Valley stretches some 125 miles long and 20 miles plus across in places. The valley is bordered by mountain ranges on both sides with inviting names such as Panamints, Black, Grapevine and Funeral. Most of these names stem from the 49ers headed towards the goldfields of California. From these names we can infer that their time here had little to do with photography!

Roads for hundreds of miles were forged out of this rough terrain for the purpose of mining. These roads and trails lead to some of the most unique locations imaginable. Here at over 6,000 feet above the valley floor we await a sunrise that may, or may not happen. Even in the spring and fall seasons when temperatures on the valley floor may hit 100 degrees F, it can be in the high 20’s to low 30’s usually with a stiff wind. The thrill of direct light we hope, is only seconds away!

Canon 1Ds, Canon 24mm 2.8 T/S, Singh-Ray Color Intensifier, Singh-Ray 2ss ND grad.