White Sands
A panorama view of the sunset near White Sands, new Mexico.
White Sands is a park in the south-central New Mexico desert. The area may be better known for its military ranges and bases—the first atomic bomb explosion, the Trinity test, occurred in the northern part of the missile range. But, a small patch of land within the range is the White Sands National Park.
White Sands is somewhat of a challenge for photography mainly due to the lack of contrast. The sand is very white, so the same challenges with a snow-covered scene are present here too. Black and white, with a high contrast helps.
At times, the contrast is ridiculous—I’m thinking about the photo below with the dead tree, where the ground is pure white,the sky is mottled grays, and the plants are nearly black.
White Sands, in southern New Mexico, is a great place for contrasts. It's similar to a snow scene and every bit as challenging for a photographer.
Black and white brings out the contrast in White Sands.
A yucca elata, or soaptree yucca, grows in White Sands National Park, New Mexico.
The last bit of sun on the road to our camp near White Sands.