Sunrise over Dune 45, a photo from Hardap, South

Photographer's Note

Sunrise over Dune 45.

Part of the tourist track when visiting the Sossuvlei dunes is to wake up at 4am to watch the sunrise over dune 45. Sounds nice, right? Well, the problem is there are hundreds of people doing the same thing, and so it's hardly peaceful. Everyone marches up in the darkness, trying to stay on the narrow ridge at the top.

And what I don't understand is why do all the safari companies have to go to the same dune? There's lots of them! I understand it's probably to protect the rest of them, but I would think they would do better opening up at least one or two other dunes to distribute the crowd.

Cropped out some dead-space at the top. Watch for more photos of this sunrise - Wendy has some nice ones too. It was interesting to watch the shadows playing over the sand as the sun lifted in the sky.

Edit: Ok, I used neatimage to clean it up in a workshop and I think it takes this picture to a different level. Maybe I should re-post.

jbweasle, ChristianS, Roly, jpages has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jbweasle (9373) 2004-12-04 13:05

Very nice colours and I like the curves made by the shadows. Could possibly benefit from a little extra sharpening. Personal note: I must get to Namibia one day!

Antoni (111) 2004-12-04 13:40 [Comment]

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snuggleaphagus (4146) 2004-12-04 16:29

The colors are fantastic and the dune casting shadows upon itself is great. The photo does transmit a peaceful moment which contasts with your note, regardless of the crowd you did well.
The composition is marvelous the quality appears a little off but not a big deal.

ChristianS (2997) 2004-12-04 17:21

Very nice photo! I like the shifting play between the light and shadow and the undulating pattern. The warm tones are superb. Well captured!

lestans (16770) 2004-12-04 18:01

Beautiful, I cannot undersatnd if it is huge or small. But it is wanderul and I shall go to Namibia as soon as possible! Livia

rjamin (1169) 2004-12-05 4:50 [Comment]

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scalerman (26884) 2004-12-05 20:27

mysterious compo. realy warm pastel shades. just mesmerizing.

jpages (1670) 2004-12-12 22:10

Very warm morning light. Nice photo.
Thanks for the note, If I ever go there, I'm sure I'll not go to dune number 45!!! I will try to change the plan!
Good WS. It looks more clear and sharpness. I prefer the WS.

todbrowning (105) 2005-01-26 19:40

Another a great photo Ian ! I like these colors.
I agree with you, the ws is better.

duckpond (27) 2005-08-21 7:17 [Comment]

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rubisheikh (77) 2007-06-14 4:00

Hi Ian,
Very nice photo, I like the shifting play between the light and shadow and the undulating pattern. The warm tones are superb. Well captured,TFS
Best Regards Rubi.