Witness the Magic: A PHOTOGRAPHY Trip to Namibia's Stunning Sossusvlei!

In this video, I'll explore Namibia's Sossusvlei, photographing Deadvlei's 900-year-old skeleton trees. These trees are a remarkable part of the Namibian landscape and provide an incredible opportunity for photography.
I'll discuss this destination's photographic aspects and share some of my favourite shots from this trip. If you're interested in photography, check out this video! It'll provide you with some great insights into the photography of this remarkable location.
Check out our sponsor squarespace.com for a free trial and squarespace.co... for -10% off your first purchase.
patreon.com/QuietLight
Website - adamgibbs.com/
Instagram - @adamgibbsphoto

[@rodschweiger4195]

Adam, I love the way you show your raw image with camera specs, then the final edit. You are a master.

[@mere_mort4l]

For someone who "struggled", you produced amazing images :)

[@jeffhobson5885]

5:44 is my favorite photo! What an incredible journey!!

[@stevetracyvananda820]

What I thoroughly enjoy about your videos are the fact that you show the Raphael and then the finished edited file. This is very honest and helpful for those trying to understand the basics of composition, editing, etc.. Thank you.

[@rbeaubien7868]

That tire was shredded. Fantastic shots of the trees. Some looked like paintings with pastel colours.

[@denisesavage2382]

Fascinating part of the world. I love the simplicity of the seemingly empty space, the depth of the colours and their minimal range of palette. A great place just to wander and explore really.

[@JaypeaFoto]

What a cool place. Love how clean the lines of the dunes are.

[@tjcuneo]

Your recommendations for Sossusvlei are spot on. Staying inside the park is a must if you want to capture morning or evening light at its best. The first time in the area can be overwhelming and you rush and try to capture as much as possible. I also found that staying in one area and exploring it resulted in images that I was more satisfied with and enjoy. An additional option is ballooning over the dunes in the early morning results in some spectacular perspectives of Sosusvlei and some memorable images. A beautiful country that will take several trips to explore. I enjoyed your images and this video documenting this portion of the trip. Thank you.

[@AliasJimWirth]

I have to say I am truly impressed with what you came away with. I am nobody, and my opinion is nothing, I know. So, what I am getting at is that I follow several photographers who have been here and shot these areas, but, as it should be when it comes to art, your take is you and so different from the other images I have seen from here. I really love how you saw Namibia, and how you captured it through the lens. Inspiring! Thank you, Adam.

[@erwinkruger-haye2698]

Adam, I live in Cape Town and have been there twice and have seen 100s of pics of Deadvlei at Camera club evenings and on social media ...you have some amazing compositions that I have never seen before...I am blown away... well done..

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Awesome, thanks!

[@RFranks]

Fantastic images! Easily the best I've seen out of that place. My favourite was probably the shadow of the tree at 15:20, love those straight lines!

[@bethwodephotography]

I loved seeing your blog and stunning images as it brought back wonderful memories of my visit there. I actually stayed at that lodge too. Thank u for taking me down memory lane, I’d go back in a heartbeat if I could.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

really magical conditions. That image at 2:44 is spectacular

[@KellyPettit]

You said how I feel too. It's an epic place but I'm sure I wouldn't be able to capture an image that hasn't already been taken there. I think you have though. Some of your shots are quite unique for that location. Thanks Adam.

[@ChrisKoehn]

I really like how you have your partner recording you. It adds a nice feel to the video. You made some amazing images, those colours and shapes are inspiring.

[@buning_sensations5437]

Namibia is on my bucket list. Especially after watching Itchy Boots YT channel. So many other locations, but she was on a motorcycle. So, i'd be renting a 4x4. With a platform on top. You just made me want to get there even more.

[@keithreid4032]

Thanks for visiting Namibia. We live in South Africa which is next to Namibia and visit it evey year. It's a fantastic place to visit. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You captured some lovely shots.

[@c.alcazar2584]

Enjoy the photos. You happen to find photos that I haven't seen before, Ill guess that I have to wait for your next trip....enjoy the rest of your trip and safe flight......

[@roryhaymanphotography8882]

Great images of a really beautiful and mysterious location. Nice to meet the often referred to, but rarely seen, Karen 😊

[@seventhsun1]

Yes, nice to see and hear the Mysterious Karen :)

[@redauwg911]

Thank you for the video... Reminded me of the photos by Art Wolfe

[@lennartphotography]

What a amazing location and superb photos. 🤩👏👏👏

[@northstarcreative]

Beautiful, plus these scenes are new to me so no downplaying your work thinking everyone has seen them before 👌

[@djjurky]

Adam, fantastic photos and particularly the one with the tree shadow on the dune. Inspired!

[@georgemason2472]

Karen makes an excellent assistant. So nice to have some of the panning shots as you fuss with your composition. Great idea to stay inside the gates as that morning light is so special here. Lots of great shots. I hope a few of them make it to your next years calendar. Maybe a shot from here in January rather than the snow that has lost some of its magic by then 🙂

[@seth.graham]

The textures on the dune in that B&W image are super neat, making it my favorite from this collection. Fun to see the "real" look of the park, had no idea there were so many footsteps around because most images people post are pristine. Wonder how much of their life they spend cloning those out.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Most of the footprints are from animals I think

[@tTLM823]

Wow Adam! Once again your photographs are amazingly stunning! What an inspiration you are to any photographer interested in improving their craft. Thank you!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

My pleasure!

[@viviennenoble4035]

I love those more pastel colours of trees and desert, they aren't the usual saturated colours.

[@kerriewilson7714]

Loved this video Adam, very different to your usual landscapes and seascapes. A new level of photography, keep up the great photos.

[@ianbayley6092]

Thank you Adam.

[@marcusslade9804]

Your inclination to be more of a “literal” photographer and less an “abstract” one seems to represent no conflict in these images. They’re not the least bit grumpy. Nicely done.

[@petesuchon7340]

Quite a magical mystery tour you're on there, Adam.

[@hybboul7377]

Thanks Adam, I feel blessed to see nature through your lens !

[@MadsPeterIversen]

That was a gorgeous vlog and collection of photos, Adam! It's hard to be original in that location, but you definitely came away with some compositions I haven't seen before :)

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks a bunch Mads!

[@CalebWeston_dubland]

Awesome you got to visit that area. I agree it would be hard to find unique shots there, but what an experience. I did find the fog image quite interesting. Thanks for sharing! I also liked the pano of the lone dead tree with the shadows, as well as the living tree panos!

[@francoisroberge3117]

As you know, we have seen many photos from there; but yours are the most beautiful that I have seen. Thank you for sharing.

[@SueFerreira75]

Stark and surreal - such a contrast from the rain forests of the Pacific North West - fascinating. For me, you have captured some different images of the area - beautiful compositions. Love the images of the tree through the foreground tree and the tree at dawn with the shadow on the dune.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@Mark-qn9xl]

Some really lovely images Adam. I particularly liked the monochrome near the video end and the cracked ground with dune behind. Sossusvlei was on my bucket list for many years and I visited in 2010. We had a few days there and it was just magical. The balloon ride is worth doing and for us was a fantastic experience, followed by champagne breakfast amongst the dunes. Thanks for documenting the trip and I'm sure it will inspire others to visit.

[@andrewsimpson5436]

Stunning locations and beautiful images, then BOOM the B&W at the end! Love it.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

It must be a struggle to find a unique composition in a place as stark and well-photographed as Deadvlei. Wonderful images and video!

[@jmorty52]

As much as you discounted your photos in this location given your desire to produce non-abstract images, this is by far some of your best work. Kudos!!

[@johnpierce4742]

Adam, you are a master presenter and photographer. Your videos always astound! Much respect!!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Appreciate that

[@MLC48]

Thanks for the visit to Namibia and thanks to Karen for the additional video and commentry.

[@erkko69]

Great movie again!🇫🇮🐘🌄♥️🌷🌴😀🦜👍,!!!!

[@walex19]

Love it. I was there in September last year and it was surreal! It has to be seen in person!

[@davebenson1504]

I actually liked the people at the 3:00 point, sorry to see they were removed 🙂 Love the focus stack image.... great use of the technique 🙂 Thanks for sharing

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks! 🙂

[@oneandonlyjaybee]

Great stuff. I know what you mean about those dead trees and trying to do something different, it looks like no matter the composition it's always going to look a bit 90s rock band CD album cover. I'm pretty sure I'd really struggle in such a place and it was great to see you going elsewhere to try a few different things, definitely a good strategy

[@eltinjones4542]

But you got some striking images Adam 📷👍 Especially the last one 😍

[@rhodesia1578]

Great stuff Adam .. the dead vlei is an amazing place and completely overwhelming on ones first visit.. it’s difficult to gain a composition at first.. and as you noted .. so many others have already taken hundreds of similar compositions from that location .. before my visit in 2016 I shied away from looking at the hundreds of images of this location online and went there to see for myself and use my own imagination which I confess at first it was very intimidating 😂. It’s not a huge area where the trees are located and limited to find something unique with so many other tourists around . But definitely it’s a sunrise location , the trees you see are called “ Camel thorn trees ! Excellent for hot coals! Thanks for sharing your adventures !

[@laurelb8372]

Thank you for taking us along to Namibia. Such a stark but stunning area. So different from your usual green forests. 👏

[@QuietLightPhoto]

It really is!

[@duncanwallace7760]

You discovered the gnarly Camelthorn (Kameeldoring) trees! Some of the really old big ones are truly unique. My favorite thing to do in the area is climb 'Big Daddy' dune. There are many photo possibilities as grasses and sand patterns as well as the many beetles and other insects make interesting subjects. From the top you can even see distant mountains half buried in the sand an a sea of dunes extending all the way to the horizon.

[@lancealbon46]

That would have been such a great place to get a shot of the Milky Way coming up behind those dunes with the trees in the foreground.

[@woflgangdurst6752]

Stunning images of this unique place. Great composition. The tree and shadow are my favourites. Thanks for taking us there. Wolfgang

[@tomgrigsby5401]

I think your photos are the first I have seen where the background dune is coved in fog, I prefer that, love the B&W.

[@rosssayer6524]

Thanks Adam for sharing one amazing place and the brilliant images you manage to capture, what a great experience.

[@garyverstick1620]

Wow. Just wow! (Nice to see and hear Karen).

[@mainline464]

Loved the photos,

[@jimbembinster]

Thank you Adam for another video of a magical place. Exceptional photos I enjoyed every one. I will be watching the video a second time for sure.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@doncason6108]

Great images. Thanks for another great video. The last shot was a great end of video shot.

[@warricksmith5178]

Stunning shots, Adam --- the best I've seen from this location! And thanks for once again sharing your thought process behind each image -- a rich learning resource for your less experienced viewers. Cheers

[@ritamoll4347]

I have seen many pictures of these trees but yours are very special. Very impressive .❤

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gayleruble6529]

Uhhh…”blown tire” is an understatement! LOL. Really cool images…I can see your perspective regarding your style is more literal vs abstract. Although is that more your comfort zone as you always capture great images.

[@sandybottom6623]

Lovely colours and WB.

[@pmc7105]

I think you were able to put your own spin on the images; I've also seen lots from here but yours were unique.

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Great work framing up some unique shots of some very cool trees!! Very inspiring for bonsai!!!

[@csayban]

The tree with the shadow against the red dune is such a beautiful and unique composition. Thanks for sharing it!

[@roybixby6135]

Some of your best images yet - love them ... 🦘

[@jamespanter4060]

Another great vidio,and photography.

[@ThomasRaskPhoto]

Absolut privilege to just watch your video Adam. Loved it! You captured some incredible photos. Just wow!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@photocoach.courses]

Brilliant images and awesome commentary

[@thomasphillips5850]

Adam this is beautiful country, never did I realize how beautiful this area was. Wow, thanks for sharing as usual beautiful images and a great video. Your shot you were having trouble with would have been great with a wide angle on top of the vehicle. I don't think you would have too tilt it much but whatever . Thanks for such great videos. Really great stuff!

[@rexgold101]

Great Video Adam... at some point in my life, I will make a trip to Namibia and see all this.. until then, watching your video will have to do...

[@jsimes1]

Oh nice I liked the black and white image towards the end of the video. That was unique! I'm gonna jump over to Patreon and see if there is a how to change a tire behind the scenes clip! 😄

[@ammadoux]

breathtaking shots, thanks so much.

[@demacf6805]

Exquisite! Thank you so much.

[@QuarkCharmed]

Thank you Adam, always inspiring!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks very much!

[@NeilArthurs]

Another fantastic Namibia video! The images turned out really lovely! I absolutely agree with you about that location, I certainly felt a bit overwhelmed too trying to figure out compositions. When you first get there it kinda seems too messy or something, you have absolutely done the place justice with your imagery!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@kingair414]

the last shoot in BW is my best

[@seantomlinson3320]

Yes I’ve seen this area before but I really enjoy your style.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@malteeckhardt4546]

very good

[@brianmckeever5280]

Wow! Without a doubt, some of my favorite images that you've ever presented: 3:05, 5:40, 6:40, 8:31, 9:12, 14:00, 15:22, 15:50. At one point, I was wondering if there was a Mark Rothko-esque composition of white, red, and blue and there it was a few minutes later. Definitely some very different compositions than those I've seen in other videos. Well done sir. Well worth the cost of changing a tire I should think. The good thing I suppose, to/from that place, you don't have to wait too long for another photog in a 4WD comes past to lend a hand!

[@deanpratley125]

Beautiful pano & reg shots.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@lynnecliffe3056]

Starkly beautiful!

[@gordonbrunner9429]

some several wonderful images...well done

[@nickbristol3457]

A wonderful video, Adam. Your photographs were just amazing. Thank you!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@mrskarshsphotos]

Inspiring, thank you!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Good work

[@robertwhitemoto]

So very cool !!

[@Simon_PieMan]

Your best video since the flooded blue lake in the Autumn ✅

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks 👍

[@davidkelly1427]

super images and video Adam looks a fantastic place to visit and photograph

[@QuietLightPhoto]

It really is!

[@bradpeck1901]

those are really cool pics

[@tompetersphotography]

Stunning area again Adam, great compositions

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks again Tom!

[@brianaikens7282]

Great video of that far away place. Very different than the west coast of BC, I can see how it would be overwhelming. My favorite shot is the pano at 8:40.......I am drawn to the lines and colour. Well done.

[@shannonsnow8298]

Stunning!! WOW!

[@jonathancleall8595]

lovely photos

[@altrujillo3566]

I believe this is the first video I've watched of this unique area. Your image at 8:33....love that one!

[@dwrisdon2487]

How serendipitous your timing with the paralleling of the North America arrival of Allister's book. Or is that just what good buddies do for each other? Loved the pixs, reminded me of your Antarctic work, just a slight difference in the terrain. Bill

[@pixel2224]

Awesome images.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Many thanks!

[@mzerk9324]

Sandwich harbour must be compulsory to see on Yr next visit to Namibia especially photography.

[@NeonShores]

Wonderful images all around, and I'd love to see the image at 06:01 in B&W.

[@andrewfindlayphoto]

Great video and photos. Except at the end of the video there seems to be a random image of a shadow of a woman kissing the shadow of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? 🤣🐢