Exploring Sand Dunes in Death Valley at Sunrise (Part 1) | Desert Landscape Photography w/ 5DSR | 4K

For my first trip to Death Valley National Park, I headed straight for the Mesquite Sand Dunes section of the park. Unfortunately, I arrived just as the sun had set, so I was only able to find two scenes to photograph before the light had completely faded and the howls (and shadows!) of coyotes surrounded me. It was definitely not the night to stay out for astrophotography, so I hiked back to camp and called it a night.
I pick up where I left off the night before just about an hour before sunrise the next morning. There were so many interesting sights in the sand dunes: patterns illuminated by the rising sun, cascading dunes set against rugged mountains, and small desert shrubs that look like they shouldn't be able to grow.
There were stunning views to see in all directions, and I took nearly half of the photographs from my entire trip on this morning alone! Thankfully, I had two high capacity cards in both my EOS R for video work and 5DSR to capture all the interesting sights and photo process behind choosing the compositions I did. I may have gone a bit overboard, but when using a telephoto lens like the 100-400mm in Death Valley's sand dunes, there are seemingly endless options for compositions!
This video is part 1 of 3 showing my trip to Death Valley in the winter of 2021. If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe to receive notifications for the next two!
Website: www.bbeattypho...
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Facebook: / avoidingconcrete
Gear Used:
Canon EOS R: amzn.to/3a3gN0L
Canon 5DSR: amzn.to/3qE6UMS
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II: amzn.to/2W17SEV
Canon 16-35mm f/4L IS: amzn.to/37VFvgQ
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II: amzn.to/3870td1
Canon 35mm f/1.4L II: amzn.to/38uPpHJ
Geekoto Tripod: amzn.to/3gzcU4R
FLM CP30S Tripod
Really Right Stuff BH-40: amzn.to/2LxFmZX
Mindshift Pack: amzn.to/2K7vjK2
#landscapephotography #desertphotography #DeathValley #5DSR #nature #outdoors #hiking #CanonEOSR

[@fototripper]

That's the best tripod and ballhead combo possible right there.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Haha thanks Gavin. Yeah I did a ton of research to eventually arrive at this combo. Love how light, compactable, and durable it is without becoming flimsy like the cheaper ones I’ve used before it.

[@briestockwell5402]

I think I have the same setup!

[@DeathValleyDazed]

Enjoyed your relaxing morning out on the dunes😎

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks! It was a really fun outing for sure. Can't wait to head back

[@johnpouw3352]

Definitely the second shot of the sunrise is my preferred one. Cool video and excellent images.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks John!

[@GrandWalkingTours]

Another great video , nicely done As for the sunrise , both have their merits and like you its hard to choose , but i am a fan of color in the sky so the first one with the purple hue in the skie wins it be the hair on a mouses nose

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you Dorans! I agree completely. While I like the landscape more in the second photo, the brilliant sky in the first tips the scales back in favor of the first one.

[@AMPhotography]

Great compositions on those images...

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you!

[@mikearnspiger9715]

excellent...great tutorial as well...been there 4 times and never gets old...

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Mike! I'm glad you enjoyed it. This was my first trip and I'm definitely looking forward to many others.

[@RangeTimeRicky24]

Really glad I found your channel. It's been my ambition to visit here for several years.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed it. I highly recommend a trip to DV in the winter/early spring. Hard to beat and so beautiful!

[@BarbierPhoto]

What a great video and beautiful photos! Man I miss Death Valley so much.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Heath! Same here. I wish I made more visits to the area when I lived closer.

[@SniperPhotography]

Very well presented with great images. Thank you

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you!

[@mattorrz759]

Amazing texture in those B&W images mate 👌

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Matthew! It was the perfect lighting for them 👍

[@moshumiahmed36]

Your videos are so peaceful

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy them 👍

[@oliwallner4633]

Really liked to watch it! Well done!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Oli! Appreciate it man 👍

[@ijoshpics0171]

Awesome! I enjoy your style of videos much. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them

[@HimalayaSolukhumbuNepal]

Hi Thank you for this wonderful share ~ such a beautiful photography Great video shared. Keep it up and stay safe, stay connected. Warm greetings from New York.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Death Valley Vlog, thanks for sharing

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Tony! Glad you liked it

[@1958zed]

Great video and images. You're absolutely right about one mile in the dunes equaling four or five on normal ground. I was there on Monday and my 65-year-old legs are still sore. 😲 Unfortunately, the atmospheric river that hit California brought rain and wind to the dunes, making it tough to capture anything. One thing that surprised me during my first visit 2 years ago (also from San Diego) was how quickly the sunrise light changed on the dunes. There was little time to recompose if you needed to. (Hiking out at 4:30 a.m. and trying to find a composition in the dark was a hoot, too.) The next time I try, I'll opt for going out several hours before sunset so I can see potential compositions in daylight and be ready for them.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

That's great you got to visit recently! I'm sure the recent weather made things very interesting there. I agree that sunset was easier to photograph, while the sunrise light was better and the park quieter with fewer visitors.

[@chadpurser]

The closeup at 6:30 looks like it came straight from Mars!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Chad! I think it looks that way too. Probably my favorite from the morning

[@astralbody]

Another good video, Brian! Beautiful desert shots. Lighting was spot on with them. So many to pick from for fav...Like them all, if forced though... Shrub amongst the dunes with the sun is first, then the dune shot at 12:00....I keep going back and forth tho.... Great trip! Cheers, Brian!!!! PS, the leaf with ripples is epic! That's the top one....I know I'm all over the board. 😁

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you Victoria! Glad you had a hard time deciding :) I definitely couldn't pick a favorite easily from this trip either, as each is so different. If I absolutely had to though, it might be the leaf... which is strange for how amazing the scenery is in Death Valley! Thanks as always for tuning in!

[@perpetualmoto]

Great vid and photos! Keep up the great work! Big LIKE from seattle!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Brad! Glad you liked it 👍

[@TheOutdoorswithTonyNoble]

Oh man, these are just getting better and better...👍👍 - The video work and images were top drawer - Cheers Brian, T🙂

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Tony! Appreciate it

[@GreenhornPhototaker]

Well done Brian!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks!

[@forced_perspective]

Spent a night here during the dark sky festival a few years back and was amazing. Nice vlog

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks James! And that sounds incredible. The stars were unreal!

[@Andhiksmjy]

09:09 is great picture, desert footages so interesting

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you Andhi! Glad you liked it

[@afsincelik]

Great images!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you!

[@MrNegative]

Sigh. I spent about two hours trying to photograph that same bush and set of dunes at 8:19. Came away with nothing. You nailed it. Great light and composition.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Haha the dunes are definitely a challenge! You came away with some great ones that I wasn’t able to nail too. Makes it a fun spot

[@RauriBarron]

This video is full of great subjects and textures 🤩 great stuff mate, at 4:50 I prefer the first of the two, mostly as the sky is so unique! 8:08 is a stunner, love the light and shadows and layers. 13:06 too is a great image, would make a great print, I’d love to visit that location... shots everywhere! Awesome video mate.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Rauri! It was one of the best morning for subject quantity in a long time haha. Glad you liked all of them, and I think that dune one at 13:06 is my favorite of all the dunes as well. Hope you get to visit soon! You’ll have to let me know if you do. Thanks as always for stopping by and watching 👍

[@kamilfreebirdmovingpictures]

Superb video and photo's...

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Kamil! Glad you enjoyed them

[@PTPhotography]

One mile in the sand is equal to four miles of regular hiking😂 the most accurate thing I've ever heard!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Haha... I kept thinking why am I so tired? I can still see my car..

[@briestockwell5402]

Just watched this and was reminiscing about my last trip there and now longing to get back. I think I’ll need to,process some dunes images now. Great job!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Brie! I’m excited to head back as well. Really looking forward to a winter weekend there! I’m looking forward to seeing what you end up editing and sharing 👍

[@CluelessYoutuber]

What a landscape paradise!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

It really is!

[@myphotographyworld9780]

The dune shots, every one a winner!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Colin! Appreciate it

[@robertpopper9001]

Super video very inspiring tks

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks a lot

[@sarahy5540]

These desert landscapes sure are beautiful. I prefer the second sunrise shot. The foreground made the difference, how the dune curves in front, goes offscreen, then curves right back in. The textures in the sand are amazing too.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Sarah! I do love that part of the second sunrise scene too. And the sand is amazing in both but much more prevalent in the second for sure! Thanks as always for watching :)

[@chrisathanasiadisphoto]

Great photos man. I'm planning a trip to Death Valley in November, can't wait to see it.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! Enjoy, it's an amazing spot!

[@chrisnowellphotography]

Another great set of images. Out of the two you question and I probably like the second one more perhaps it’s just a more balanced image but to be fair they’re both very good. Another fantastic relaxing video well done

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Chris! Appreciate it. And I think you’re right on the balance. I do wish I had a little more time to find a better image before the sunrise, but they still both looked pretty nice.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Beautiful shots... DV now added to my photography bucket list. (@6:20 - Mars shot :) @9:30 great composition and good b/w, curious to see what the color image looked like. @13:05 - really good!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Robert! Much appreciated. And you definitely need to make a trip when possible, it’s a stunning park. And the color image versions turned out ok. The light wasn’t as golden as I had hoped for, so they looked good but not amazing. I preferred the bnw in those cases with such the dramatic light contrast

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

There’s definitely a weird kind of telepathy going on here Brian - first off it was your sunrise at the coast video I watched and commented that I was making a sunrise v sunset film Then today I’m watching you talk about shapes and patterns and that’s exactly the topic for my next film ! Spooky stuff . Anyway this was a splendid watch, such a beautiful desolate alien landscape with befitting images and looking forward to seeing part II . So much opportunity from the first sunrise photographs through the sometimes quite abstract landscapes in the dunes. Comet neowise was a great analogous composition and capture as well as a most intimate landscape image. A wonderful watch 👍🏻

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Haha that’s so funny Andrew! Looking forward to your video work on pattens as well. It’s so interesting seeing different perspectives. I’m glad you enjoyed it! And yeah it felt like there was so much to see everywhere. Will be on the watch out for your next one!

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

I love the abstract dune shots. Great images and a great watch.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Andrew! Glad you liked them.

[@ScottWalton]

You certainly had some wonderful subjects, light and compositions today. Great job! Can’t pick a favorite. They’re all so nice.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Scott! It definitely lived up to the hype I’ve been hearing about how awesome Death Valley is. One of my most productive mornings shooting in some time. I’m already looking forward to going back!

[@kevinjmurrphotography]

I'm a fan of shooting lakes and forest scenes but man those desert landscapes are absolutely beautiful, Great work Brian.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Kevin! I appreciate it. Completely agree too... I tend to be drawn to woodland and mountain photography more than anything else, especially those days with poor weather or changing fall color. Focusing on the ocean and desert photography so much the last year or so has really stretched my skill set! Glad to hear you liked the video, and you definitely should give the desert a trip sometime! It is something else.

[@TravelsofRedRover]

Very nice video Brian. I just bumped into your channel. We have been shooting Death Valley for years. We were envious of the lovely light you got on your first trip. Definitely liked the second photo of the set a little better. It seemed more balanced (at least to me).

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! And what a great place to be able to so frequently visit and shoot. I definitely can't wait to go back! And I do agree that the second sunrise image is more balanced with less jarring color contrast. Depends on personal taste, as I can see liking both more based on color preference.

[@thetravelinglens]

Amazing photos as always Brian, glad you remembered your headlamp! That definitely made me chuckle 😄

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Haha thanks Michael! I was wondering if you'd get that comment reference :)

[@hughwolfe1176]

Great video Brian, love all the locations you’ve visited. These dune shots in B&W are wonderful, relaxing lines to sooth the soul.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Hugh! Glad you liked the bnw photos. It was the perfect location for them! Thanks as always for watching 👍

[@TravisRhoads]

Really enjoyed the video. I recognized you from IG and this video popped up on my reel here in YT. I recognize a bunch of those spots from the dunes.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Travis! Hope you get to head back to some of these spots soon!

[@thevalleywalker]

Gorgeous scenery & so well captured Brian. Love the ambience created in your videos. A stunning collection of images and seeing you still shooting in the "black & white" hours brought a smile to my face... fabulous shots. Atb Alan

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Alan! I’m glad you enjoyed the videos. And of course... when in an area as awesome as Death Valley there’s no need to stop shooting!

[@berthaduniverse]

Nice shots, almost reminds me of Curiosity/Spirit images from Mars...

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Paul! And haha definitely, it definitely was the most Mars-like place I've ever visited.

[@ChristopherCina]

A slew of great images, especially the BnW's. I like that you went vertical on the image at 12:58, I was thinking 'I bet that would look good vertical'. That was my fave shot.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Chris! much appreciated. And yeah it’s amazing how just changing the orientation can change an image so much. Glad you liked them!

[@timothylabrecque8589]

I definitely liked the second shot from behind your first comp. Some really beautiful images. Excellent work Brian

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Timothy! I think the landscape is certainly more interesting in that one too. I just wish the sky had the same color as the first view!

[@shupingyin8082]

Great images

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

As for the sunrise images, the first was more interesting to me. What I really like is the transition of color temp, the warmer colors in the foreground, to the cooler temp of the mountains and back to the warm sky. That transition pulls my interest through the image. Nicely done. However, I am wanting to go there to shoot those in black and white, medium format film. All that texture plus the grain of film, makes me drool just thinking about it. Nice video, Brian. Thanks for posting it.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Steve! I agree with you, I think the dramatic difference in colors in the sky compared to the warm color of the sand makes for a more interesting overall image than the second, which has a bit of a tempered sky. And definitely! You would capture some stunning images there on medium format, and B&W is perfect in the dunes because you can shoot well past golden hour. Looking forward to the day you post that vid!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Awesome video! Nice footage. Great pictures. New follower here. Crow✌️

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed they and thanks for tuning in 👍

[@JonStallings]

I liked the first sunrise shot. Seemed to be a little brighter image overall. I really liked the moon shot showing the transition coming out of blue hour. I don't think I have seen anyone capture the transition from blue to gold. I think the leaf was my favorite. Very artistic with the lines.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Jon! The sunrise images may be different because of my editing abilities haha. And glad you liked the others too! I think the leaf was my favorite 👍

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks for this Brian, somehow I've always driven right past the Mesquite Dunes assuming there was no hope for it considering the crowds of people in the parking lot but this taught me that was the wrong thinking. Maybe I'll give it a go next trip instead of writing it off. You got some great images in there. Great video!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thanks Chris! I had the same thought about the dunes given the popularity of the area. But, the field is enormous and if you go more than a mile or two from the main lot, the sand looks almost completely untouched. Just takes a bit of work to get there!

[@mikkirurk1]

My man, huge photos, you're being very generous with us sharing this. If I may, I can offer you an interesting technique, that may sometime help you to compose more pronounced shots - leave out everything that is not crucial to the composition, simplify it to the bottom. Those pictures are beautiful.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! Glad you like the photos. This was one of my best and most productive trips in the last few years.

[@actionimagesphotography]

The B&W's are great. With the first shots I was wondering why you don't use a Grad ND filter for the sky?

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Thank you! I do have one grad filter I will occasionally use, but they tend to be destructive to a photo. For example this isn’t a great scene to use as an example, but if there was a mountain peak or tall tree it would darken those along with the sky, which is challenging to fix in photoshop. I’d rather bracket and blend later if needed. But even this one wasn’t such a huge difference that I was able to get away with a single shot. Good point though!

[@todddevore1458]

I just picked up a Canon 5DSR for my upcoming trip to Oregon. Great video, and great pictures! Debating on bringing a 135 f2 for landscape, thoughts?

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Hi Todd, excellent choice going with the 5DSR! I absolutely love this camera. A couple things I recommend to make sure you come back from Oregon with the best images possible: 1. definitely use a tripod. All the time. It’s amazing how much even slight movements register with such high resolution. 2. Use the 2 or 10s timer, or a cable release. Even touching the shutter button will introduce blur. 3. Stick to ISO 400 tops. The images are exceptional up to that point, but it’s not a very good high ISO body. The 135 f/2 is an amazing lens. It’ll excel on that body and you’ll get some stellar images from it. Definitely a lot of creative options with that big aperture that most other lenses can’t match! The only reason I haven’t used mine yet on any video is due to the lack of weather sealing. But if there’s no rain or dust you’re good to go!

[@todddevore1458]

@@brianbeattyphotography Thank you so much for the advice! I just watched your Carlsbad video, and you have a gift. Great point about the 135mm and weather sealing! I think I am going to bring a 24-70mm f/4 L, 70-200 L, 400mm 5.6 L, and a 14mm. I have two tripods, but the Manfrotto is a little heavy ( 17 lbs), so I will be using an old carbon fiber one with a 3 way geared head. I still might bring the 135mm or the 100mm 2.8 L, but I should also be careful not to bring the kitchen sink either. 2weeks to go! Decisions! Ha. Take care! Great shots! -Todd

[@brianbeattyphotography]

@@todddevore1458 that is a great collection that will have almost every possibility covered! And the lighter tripod should be fine. And haha, at least the good thing about the 135 is it’s relatively lightweight. I’m thankful my backpack has a fixed number of lens compartments…. Still a struggle to choose though!

[@pramodgosavi7617]

Are you still using 5dsr

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Yessir!

[@RangeTimeRicky24]

FYI Walk barefoot

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Haha! If it wasn’t so chilly I would have 👍