White Sands

[Aaron Macomber]

Hey All,

Just left White Sands a couple days ago, I was really hoping to be out there at night, but they kick ya out of there at 6:00.. lame. This is what I came away with from that evening before having to slow jog back to the van in enough time to get out before they close the gate. I’ve been there a couple times now, and I’m always amazed at how far people are willing to hike to sand sled You really have to hoof it to get away from footprints. I would love to show up the day after a heavy windstorm, that would be amazing!

 

[AlanLichty]

I like the crisp edge to the dune you used as a foreground in this composition. Nice sunburst and skies too.

 

[Aaron Macomber]

Thanks Alan

 

[Ben Egbert]

What Alan said.

 

[JimFox]

Love the way the sun reflects off the crystals in the sand. And great job on working the sand.

Yeah, their limited hours really stinks. For as awesome of a park as it is, it's really a shame it's closed at night. The 2 ways I have gotten around that is I have camped out there. They have 12 backcountry camp spots. It's about a mile out to them, which has the reward of also getting you back into pristine sand. Or you can pay to have them open the gate and let you in an hour before sunrise. As much as it feels like we shouldn't have to pay since the park truly should be a 24 hour National Park, it's a cheap price to get in early and get the sunrise.

 

[MonikaC]

Love the way the sun reflects off the crystals in the sand. And great job on working the sand.

Yeah, their limited hours really stinks. For as awesome of a park as it is, it's really a shame it's closed at night. The 2 ways I have gotten around that is I have camped out there. They have 12 backcountry camp spots. It's about a mile out to them, which has the reward of also getting you back into pristine sand. Or you can pay to have them open the gate and let you in an hour before sunrise. As much as it feels like we shouldn't have to pay since the park truly should be a 24 hour National Park, it's a cheap price to get in early and get the sunrise.

There currently is no backcountry camping allowed (covid-19 restrictions)

 

[MonikaC]

Nice composition with the strong line of the dune balanced with the sunstar and mountains. Maybe someday they'll re-open the camping.

 

[Timmeh]

Really nice Aaron! I like the placement of the sun, the balance of the clouds being lit up, and your overall comp. I'm not sold on having the dune ridge go out in the corner since the ridge goes out on the right with a little sliver of lit up sand above it.

 

[Aaron Macomber]

Love the way the sun reflects off the crystals in the sand. And great job on working the sand.

Yeah, their limited hours really stinks. For as awesome of a park as it is, it's really a shame it's closed at night. The 2 ways I have gotten around that is I have camped out there. They have 12 backcountry camp spots. It's about a mile out to them, which has the reward of also getting you back into pristine sand. Or you can pay to have them open the gate and let you in an hour before sunrise. As much as it feels like we shouldn't have to pay since the park truly should be a 24 hour National Park, it's a cheap price to get in early and get the sunrise.

Thanks Jim! THey have to lock it up so you dont steal all the sand... She did say that you could apply for a permit (currently three weeks out) to stay longer at the price of $50/hr. No thanks, I dont want it that bad

There currently is no backcountry camping allowed (covid-19 restrictions)

Due to Covid-19, we can start every sentence with “Due to Covid-19"

Nice composition with the strong line of the dune balanced with the sunstar and mountains. Maybe someday they'll re-open the camping.

Thank you!

Really nice Aaron! I like the placement of the sun, the balance of the clouds being lit up, and your overall comp. I'm not sold on having the dune ridge go out in the corner since the ridge goes out on the right with a little sliver of lit up sand above it.

Thank you! I played with not having it come out of the corner as well when I cropped it a touch, but ultimately decided to let’r fly. Point taken though, for sure