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Desert Lines


Desert Lines
Photo Information
Copyright: Lee Marshall (litiancai) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 105 W: 1 N: 142] (469)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-01
Categories: Nature
Camera: CANON EOS 40 D, Sigma 24 - 70 mm EX DG Macro
Exposure: f/10.0, 1/80 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2008-05-10 7:49
Viewed: 391
Points: 23
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Within walking distance of Dunhuang town centre are some enormous sand dunes at the start of the Kumtag Desert, most notable of which is Mingsha Shan, or 'Echoing Sand Mountain' in English which is renowned for the sound it makes when you slide down it. They say it sounds like thunder and at first I was sceptical, however they really aren't lying! At first it starts quietly, but as you slide further down it the sound really booms to the point where it's almost disconcerting!

This picture was not taken from Mingsha Shan, but was taken from another dune some 5km away which also shares the same characteristics. It looked close to the top of the biggest dune, but even with a bunch of young, fit and healthy guys the ascent took over 1 hour. Walking on dunes really isn't as easy as it looks!

As with most of my recent trip west across China, we weren't blessed with great light, but a dusty and subdued light where the sun disappeared some 1 hour before sunset due to the dust and haze in the distance. This is around the time I took the photo when I realised the light would only get worse from here on in. I've seen some very orange looking photos of these dunes, however this really wasn't the dunes I saw so I've eased off on the contrast adjustment and colour embellishment as this is what I feel you could actually see (or something like it!).

Let me know what you think!
belido, jimkilgallon, jean11-3 has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Stepan: Workshoplitiancai 3 05-17 06:31
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Lee,

at first welcome to TE. I wish you long life in here. Well, starting with this, I can tell you go far. It's a superb composition. You made very good use of the dune lines for this attractive image. Great photography sense. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

Hi Lee

Love sand dunes, cant get enough of them, however they are very bad for the camera if there are strong winds. Anyhow, I like your composition, especially the foreground as we can see some sand blowing from the top, the shadows are really showing off the dunes and the colour looks spot on to me. Well done
Regards
Jim

Hello Lee, an unusual shot from the desert.I appreciate that you have left the colours as truthful as possible.
The sand looks so smooth,I like the lines created by the wind.
Interesting notes.
Tfs,regards Jean.

Helo Lee
Amaizing lines in sand and you are welcome here on TE
Excellent work
TFS
Cheers,Braca

  • Great 
  • Gustaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2309 W: 700 N: 186] (18988)
  • [2008-05-10 9:27]

Hi, friend!
It is very oryginal photo. I like your idea. Good composition and interesting colours. I like your frame. Good quality.
Marek

Hi Lee,
nice one and interesting note !
Compliments, Chris

The shapes and lines are amazing and give a real sense of the shifting nature of the place. The only suggestion I'd make is to boost the contrast just a little.

Nice one!

Salut Lee,
Cette image est d'une simplicité et d'une pureté limpide. Parfait. Amitié, Patty.

Hello Lee,
Goot beautiful.Thenqu sharing.

Hi Lee, just very good photo. I really enjoy! No doubt perfect POV and composition!

TFS and regards,

Philip

Desert can really produce strong and lovely compo, as it is here. The only problem is that there is no light and all the visual power of the shot has gone (I hope my WS will show you what I mean).
Whatever, a great place.
Stéphane

Hi Lee!
Wow! absolutely great! Simply beautiful (I'm quoting from Apple)
It is!!
I'm enjoying looking at this great part of nature!
The edge is perfectly chosed!

regards
Phil

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