There’s something about deserts. I hate everything about them. The sand, the scorching heat, and the even more scorching burn in your calves as you trudge through the unstable terrain. Hiking through Great Sand Dunes National Park was absolutely punishing on the legs, especially having done a high-altitude, 10-mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park the day before. I lagged behind my group of friends, only partially due to the frequent photo stops. I was welcoming any break in the action that would allow me to rest the legs even for a few seconds.
I hate the desert, but damn, does it look good. One of my favorite landscapes to shoot are deserts. They are so fluid and ever-changing. The way the sun works shadow games on the sand dunes is a marvel to watch. Throughout the day, you can stay in the same spot and experience hundreds of different views as the landscapes and shadows change. It was a fun adventure, and a great re-introduction into photography after a pretty lengthy hiatus from traveling.