Photo: "Things That Go Bump In the Night"

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Car near Aguaberry Mine Camp, Death Valley

On our first evening in Death Valley last month, we ventured out to shoot a mine camp. It was the first time I had been shooting at night in a few months, so I was feeling a bit out of practice, but it was amazing being out under the stars again.

(Technical: This is a blend of two images, one exposed for the sky, the other for the light painting and car.)

Photo: "Mine at 1,000 Feet"

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Within the first 3 years of operation, 11,000 tons of ore, comprised of 15% lead, was mined here in Death Valley and hauled by tractor-drawn trucks for 45 miles, before being  transported by rail. After dumping the ore, the trucks brought water back to the mine. 

The mine remained in operation for another 46 years, but only yielded another 5,000 tons during that time. 

Photo: "Mesquite Waves"

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On this particular morning, we made the trek out to the dunes, despite the lack of clouds. For some reason, though I shot here during my last trip in 2010, I forgot how long the hike to the untouched dunes actually took. (Most are covered in footprints.) After walking for around 30 minutes, I decided to stop and take a shot here I blue hour was over. Shortly after I finished the final shot, the sun was up and lighting the dunes with an amber glow. 

Photo: "Another Day in Solitude"

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One this particular day, we had shot a cloudless sunrise at Zabriskie Point and feared we'd have the same cloudless skies for sunset out at The Racetrack, but we decided to go anyway. Thankfully, the evening turned out better than expected. 

By sunset, we were the only people on the playa and though it was chilly, there was virtually no wind. A few small clouds moved in over the mountains as the sun went down and lit up in hues of pink and lavender. Taking our chances definitely paid off.