Tips for photographing the dunes at White Sands

[@cartercooperpa]

that BW at 4:56 is stunning, not only for it's beauty but for how unexpected getting that image from that scene. Fantastic!

[@altrujillo3566]

I believe what you said about NM's skies has been known by artists for many years....there is something in the quality of the skies that makes it a great place. For those planning on visiting WSNP I have one bit of advice - clean your camera's sensor before shooting! That high contrast background really shows off anything on your sensor. Thanks for another great video Todd!

[@FrancescoCarucci]

"Simplicity is hard". Beautifully said.

[@kqschwarz]

WOW, I can't recall a better example of "an artist" using a camera than this video. The example final images could not have looked more different than reality, and I say that in the most complementary way possible. Holy smokes. The difference in what you must have pre-visualized and then produced in your final images shows you are a unique "artist who paints with a camera". All the best.

[@just_eirik]

That last shot of the crumbled dirt(?) looks so nice! Love it!

[@sharonsuskin6859]

I've been to White sands and know how difficult it is. You are a master! Love this photos.

[@malcolmmacgregor6222]

Excellent photography - perfect compositions, despite the problems you describe. I travelled to White Sands six years ago, from Scotland, and I did not achieve anything like you have.

[@davidmccarthy3069]

Todd, great video & great tips...thanks

[@alanp253]

Yep. NM has blue skies. High elevation and clear air.

[@lynsmith1096]

Some good shots Todd

[@futureexperience]

Very nice tips Todd! Thanks for sharing

[@jasongastelum1675]

There used to be two options to see a sunrise at WSNP. The park would occasionally offer sunrise walks geared for photographers. Or, if you were really motivated, you could get a camping permit and sleep on the dunes. However, as of May 2024 I don't see that either of these options are currently available.

[@gameshoes]

If you want to enter White Sands way before sunrise, consider visiting during the White Sands Balloon Invitational (well, it's not really called that anymore since Alamogordo is trying to tie in some music festival stuff with it). It's in September and the hot air balloons will take off in the park on one of the days (usually it has been Sunday but last year was Saturday), and spectators will be able to enter well before sunrise. Be sure to be at the front of the line like you were at the beginning of this video because the line will stretch for miles. If you want to get silhouettes of people on dunes (or just the dunes) against the morning glow this is the time. Otherwise go for what you were wanting. The chances of flying have been iffy these past few years. The winds have to be blowing in the correct direction (as in not towards the missile range) and many times they don't. Some pilots will try but packing up becomes a major pain point then so they often won't. Anyway, you don't necessarily have to be there for balloons (though I recommend you come and see). This year's event hasn't been planned out. They're pretty slow on finalizing details but keep an eye on it.

[@garrettmain3712]

On Mother’s Day?! Woo!!!

[@OpalescentBlue]

Amazing!

[@davidholland611]

Great video! A few questions...I'm going there on 8/1/24 and have applied for a permit($100) to allow me entry at 6:00am. Sunrise is at 6:19am. How far fromn the parking area would I need to walk to footprintless sand? Which direction would you recommend walking? Where would you park? I'll have limited time to get to a spot, since I wont be able to enter until 6:00am (that gives me 19 minutes so I'd best have a plan!! Any foregrounds out there?--yucca's, flowers, etc?

[@jamesvanhoy9643]

One can pay to enter early or stay late. I need to look again, but it was $50/hr, irrespective of the number of people in your group.

[@jayboom25]

New Mexico is commonly said to have the best sunsets. And the mountains and lack of pollution are a big part of that

[@techguyml]

When it was a national monument still a few years ago you could be in there 24/7 and camp in there. Making it a NP ruined it.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I see no problem. I don't shoor for colour, I shoot for light. You show the light's fine.