New Zealand's Sahara Photo

Photographer’s Note

New Zealand’s Sahara. These are reputed to be NZ’s largest sand dunes and are situated a few KM’s south of Cape Reinga at a beach called Kahokawa Beach. This is also the northern most point of Ninety Mile beach which is not ninety miles long but is a public road.
When we were there a truck was hiring out Bogie boards for people to use on the dunes. I have a photo in WS of a couple on the learner slope.
Hope you enjoy this shot.
Cheers, Paul.

pboehringer, robertosalguero, dhurjati, limaz, pablominto, HOBO, feather, riclopes, plimrn, Floydian, Photo65Net, modzi, ChrisJ, somkiat, josepmarin, Henryk_Bilor, izler, Cricri, Click3, cunejo200, zeca, sufi, Donald, PixelTerror, elmec, Vato_Law, jhm, vincent24, leo61, tonyking, Didi, MLINES, ribeiroantonio, emjleclercq, veve, fserajian, hispic, danos has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

robertosalguero (110) 2006-11-10 1:28

Beautiful desolate landscape. Lots of sand and not trees in sight. Good picture showing an excellent perspective of this are. I have never been on a desert but I imagine it similar to a large snowfield. Good use of light and nice colors.

Roberto

pboehringer (770) 2006-11-10 1:28

Paul, I learned something new today with that posting. I wasn't aware that NZ has a "Sahara". It is quite difficult to take photos with such a diffuse light. You really would prefer to have more contrast between light and shadows for such a landscape, but I still think that you managed it quite well and the texture in the clouds reflects the almost same texture in the sand dunes.
TFS, Peter

dhurjati (2827) 2006-11-10 1:34

Hi Paul,
"Sahara" in NZ!!!Something new really....
Fantastic capture of the sand dune.The overcast atmosphere is captured in amazing perfection.Vastness can easily be felt from this shot.Great saturation of colours.Lovely pattern of ripples that have formed at the bottom part.Nice clear shot.Top class.
Greetings from India,
Dhurjati
:)Outof

darrasin (2860) 2006-11-10 1:40

Hello Paul! Very nice work here. The texture of the dunes is very clear and well seen. The clouds seem a little pushed exposure-wise so I think you were wise to de-emphasize the sky in the shot. And the DOF is very good too, sharp from foreground all the way thru. Nice job!

Regards,
Doug

limaz (406) 2006-11-10 1:47

Hi Paul.
A nice sand dune shot. You've managed to capture the shades on the dunes beautifully. It has a painted quality, smooth like an
aquarelle.
TFS

Cato

pablominto (40824) 2006-11-10 2:30

Hello Paul,
Pleasantly minimalistic!
Sand dunes are interesting subjects beacause of the lines, colours and textures... This is nicely done making the best out of the possibilities!
All topped by an interesting sky...
Greetings,
Pablo -

rossofuoco (6372) 2006-11-10 2:41

Hi Paul.
Foto surreale con composizione e colori mozzafiato.
Renzo

marjan (6085) 2006-11-10 2:58

hi Paul, nice and simple photo. Atractive with nice motive. Marjan

HOBO (5244) 2006-11-10 5:03

Hello Paul,
due to the WS I know now, your Sahara isn't that untouched...
I like the colors of the sand with all its nuances, the sky fits perfectly!
Regards
Knut

feather (49868) 2006-11-10 6:18

I had no idea there was anywhere like this in NZ. Fantastic picture of the dunes. The people in the WS give us an excellent idea of the scale.
KAth

riclopes (33011) 2006-11-10 6:54

Hi Paul, very beautiful minimalist shot, in spite of the bright lighting. I like the soft shadow tones on the sand and the bright cloudy sky. Also loved the placement of the riders in the picture of the WS. Good couple of desert shots.
Ricardo

plimrn (19682) 2006-11-10 8:48

Hi Paul,
You weren't kidding about Sahara!! The light and color is lovely here. Somehow the soft detail of the clouds almost seems to make them a part of the softly flowing golden sand. The WS is a nice addition. I remeber stopping at the beginning of this road - rental car prohibitions :-) so it is nice to see what I missed.
Regards, Pat

Floydian (30970) 2006-11-10 11:41

Hi Paul,
Never in my whole life i would expected sand dunes in New-Zealand...what a strange idea.
Like your image, especially the patterns in the foreground building up to the dunes in the background. Clouds are a bit overexposed, but that is not really bothering me.
A very nice picture.
Sand dunes in New-Zealand...whaaaaaaaaaaaaa ;-) Great..!!!
Have a nice weekend, Henk

Photo65Net (43096) 2006-11-10 13:03

Hi Paul,
Magnificent graphism in this pic.
The soft tones are perfect, and I rellay like the compo.
Very nice,
JB.

arnoud1976 (1191) 2006-11-10 13:18

hi Paul, stunner here, really unexpected nz image. well done, smooth colors also! cheers arnoud

ChrisJ (70317) 2006-11-10 19:59

Hi Paul

I like the subtle warm cold colour opposition, between the blue grey sky, & yellow ochre sand. Good diffused lighting, with excellent texture & sharpness. Tfs!

somkiat (1096) 2006-11-11 2:59

hallo paul,
the very clean and easy composition.
the lighting and color is very nice.
i can see the dimention of dune.
very great capture from you.
excellent.
somkiat

tabora (13638) 2006-11-11 15:22

Bonjour Paul,
J'ignorais qu'il exitait en NZ un désert ,on apprend tout les jours, bien capturé avec une juste proportion du ciel,les dunes semblent plus lissent commme délavées.
Amitiés Joseph

Burberry1 (6041) 2006-11-11 15:22

Hello Paul:))))))
A great, inspiring image...simple but yet fascinating.
a great POV, perspective, lightning...BEAUTIFUL.

Agnieszka

josepmarin (33835) 2006-11-11 16:01

Hi Paul,
An image that I like for his great simplicity and for the environment of dunes of the desert, that it seems to be incredible in New Zealand. Your country has a great variety of landscapes, and you show it perfectly in this photo. I like the soft tones of the colors of the sand, in contrast with the gray and a bit cloudy sky.
Great shot.
Regards,
Josep

Henryk_Bilor (20367) 2006-11-11 18:14

Hi Paul
I see that on the other end of the world there are also great dunes ;). Lovely capture with the vast perspective and nice shapes.
Regards

osse (2806) 2006-11-11 20:50

Hi Paul
I did't knoe that you had sand desert in New Zealand. Good landscape shot. Good colours, sharpnes, DOF and POV.
Well done

osse

Propofol (1786) 2006-11-12 1:27

Great colours - very nicely done.

jean-marie (3088) 2006-11-12 3:13

Hello Päul,

Good point of view with great colours of the dunes. The sky was perfect for this shot.
regards
Jean-Marie

jafadabret (39777) 2006-11-12 4:58

Hi Paul !
Une photo de dunes superbe avec de belles couleurs et un beau graphisme sur le sable. Je me suis permis un Ws pour faire ressortir ce graphisme et ces couleurs.
Jacques

[workshop] [compare] +

izler (6) 2006-11-12 5:35

hello paul
really i say congratulations you are presenting excellent desert photo with your superb perspective. i like composition and successful using of filter. point of view, using of light, sharpness and details are great
TFS
regards
izler

Cricri (43212) 2006-11-12 6:04

Bonjour Paul,
Une belle image du désert, l'ondulation des dunes, le graphisme sur le sable, de jolies couleurs et lumiére, magnifique composition
bon dimanche
cricri

danyy (69001) 2006-11-12 7:09

Hello Paul, une photo bien plais claire que la précédente, un autre style, moins contrasté, mais d'autres lumières aussi.
Une composition simple mais agréble à l'oeil , qui respecte bien certaines règles du cadrage.
Bien à toi.
Daniel.

prumod (8262) 2006-11-12 7:30

hi paul!
it is very interesting to know that such places are there in newzealand... your shot has very good quality... nice one...
greetinngs
pramod

Click3 (1871) 2006-11-12 7:41

Hola Paul...you certainly have surprised us in first place because I would have never imagined you had a "desert" in NZ...and secondly you have captured it beautifully: great compo...very gentle...great management of light.
Muy bueno, sorprendente !
Saludos, Robert

capthaddock (28640) 2006-11-12 10:20

Hi Paul - this is an unexpected landscape, I did not know such dunes existed in NZ, the dark clouds make a terrific contrast to the dunes.

cunejo200 (7159) 2006-11-12 12:31

Hi Paul,
Very lovely. Texture and details on the brown sand dune is quite good as well the limited but appealing colors. Well done. Cheers. Danilo

Budapestman (42128) 2006-11-12 12:48

Hi Paul!
This is a fascinating and very spectacular natural impression! Its an particular country and very impressive theme. This is an effective atmosphere and splendid shot!
Thank you, nice days
George

zeca (20026) 2006-11-12 22:46

Hi Paul!
This country is really amazing! What do you don´t have?
Beautiful soft lights and nice colours!
Regards,
Zeca

barrufeto_77 (25817) 2006-11-13 1:14

Hi Paul.

An idilic view. The contrast with this lovely sky is enjoyable.

Rgs, Oscar

Gregtom (7119) 2006-11-13 2:22

Hello, Paul!
I didn't realize, that You have such a sandy dunes in Your country... There are similar dunes in Poland, too, but of course, not so big and color of sand is rather white.
Very interesting place, well selected exposure parameters. Good job!
regards,
Greg

sufi (9568) 2006-11-13 2:41

Merhaba Paul...
Wow... It's a wonderful landscape... The point of view and the perspective are perfect... Also perfect texture and color of the sand dune... The sky is also beautiful...
TFS...
Stay well..
Salim.

fabio_ts (13674) 2006-11-13 3:05

It really seems an African desert picture... the worderful warm colors of the sand well contrasting with the cloudy sky, excellent work Paul, I like it a lot!!

have a nice week,
Fabio.

Donald (134) 2006-11-13 5:35

A great photo Paul, I have never been to a another country in fact I have only ever crossed the Scotland border 3 times in my life, but that is why I like TE as I can go round the world in two nights now.
The Sahara looks great and you have captured it well and the sky, beautiful, one of the best I have seen.
Cheers
Donald

Giorgio (8720) 2006-11-13 6:49

- Beautiful composition on this desert like sahara, one would be mistaken there, well done!
giorgio

PixelTerror (86254) 2006-11-13 7:11

Hi Paul,
Not sure I'm so eager to comment any NZ picture today... But saturday's game was a demonstration of art mastering from a NZ point of view !
Anyway here it's about TE and photos, and this site keeps amazing me day after day discovering the unknown corners of our planets, surprise works best here as I'd never have expected to find this in your country, ligh may not be the best but I like the undulations and the suble graphism on the sand.
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

ahmetgedikli (21938) 2006-11-13 8:16

Very good colours and very nice composition. original POV. A good photo, Paul!
Best regards,
Ahmet

Bluejeans (32517) 2006-11-13 8:53

Ola Paulo que bela foto do deserto da Nova Zelandia , não sabia que tinha deserto , as cores estão fantasticas .
Um abraço Gonçalo

elmec (12194) 2006-11-13 15:10

Hello Paul!
Such a lovely photo!
I like this simple composition!
This is so calm and nice!
Great work!
Best regards!

dcawker (5691) 2006-11-13 16:36

Really beautiful textures and colors here.. Well done! Regards, Doug

mrcrow (3989) 2006-11-14 3:09

this is something i dont think many people know about..in new zealand..a land of many topographies..
the sky is good here as it forms a roof over the sand dunes..good detail in the foreground..and not a footstep to be seen
cheers
geof

jhm (82723) 2006-11-14 5:05

Hi Paul,

What a desert in your country,I learned something new today with that posting of your wonderful picture, also I find your WS very well, I like the small wrinkles in the sand, wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

Best regards,
John.

DarkoG (2284) 2006-11-14 7:45

Nice simple, but very effective photo. Good sharopness, reveal ripples in sand and gray sky enhace feeling of solitude and emptyness.

Regards Darko

jrj (34779) 2006-11-14 10:10

hi paul
Simple yet effective compo of the sand dunes. The background folds almost like mountains. Well disposed

vincent24 (9038) 2006-11-14 12:37

Hello Paul,
A landscape i wasn't expected in NZ...the large empty space of sand gives a feeling of immensity,i like the soft undulations in foreground...by the way as Mr Terror i say "bravo" to your fantastic rugby team...i'am afraid for the next saturday match in Paris :-o)
bye,
vincent

leo61 (43438) 2006-11-14 14:24

Hi Paul!
This realy does not look like New Zealand.
Nice lines,formed by the wind in the foreground and good shadows in the background.A minimalistic photo with good effect.
regards,Leo

tonyking (1599) 2006-11-15 3:44

Hi Paul,
I'm impressed with the continuing high standard of your photography. This pic is no exception. In these overcast conditions, you've done an excellent job of capturing the sand dunes and the contrast between them and the clouds. The detail and quality of your pic are impressive too.
Nice work!

Best wishes,
Tony

P.S. If I knew you were passing this way, I would have suggested we catch up for a coffee!

Vato_Law (11682) 2006-11-15 13:19

Hello Paul,
I really like this photos of desert and the colours of the sand. This one is no exception with the lovely golden tones on the sand, the textures and mostly this amazing light creating a fantastic composition. The sky and clouds are also pretty amazing with the light and colours well managed.
A beautiful scene!
Cheers.
Paulo

Didi (36196) 2006-11-15 14:14

Bonsoir Paul
I appreciate much this sight. Your country has many very varied natural sites. The light gives a beautiful effect on this composition.

pastadog (12821) 2006-11-15 16:59

Thanks for this beautiful and interesting shot, Paul, esp. as I didn't make it to the end of the 90-mile beach so I missed this landscape :) TFS! Daniel

Cretense (56318) 2006-11-16 8:47

Hi Paul!

A totally diferent aspect of your beautiful country than those we are used to see. One more time you prove that New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries of the world with a huge variety of landscapes.

Best regards,
Hercules

peco85 (919) 2006-11-16 10:21

Beautiful desert image Paul. With actually lots of interesting texture and details in the yellow sanddunes.
Nice of you to drop by:)

PeCO

rosaline (0) 2006-11-17 4:15

Hi Paul
A great shot which has a nice relaxing feeling to it. The minimalist composition has a good aspect and soft pleasing light. The sky is in good proportion to the scene and the colouring is nice and well achieved. A great shot.
Aubrey

MLINES (10884) 2006-11-21 3:54

Hi Paul. Very good compositon of these large dunes in north of NZ. The POV and framing are very effective indeed. Colour is very realistic. TFS. Murray.

ribeiroantonio (21925) 2006-11-24 0:11

I did miss this one when you posted it some days ago. But, as very often I do, I went back to your gallery and found it. It is really beautiful and I did not know about sand dunes in NZ. The photo is very good with an excellent composition and superb clouds. I like the WS as well. It reminds me the same “exercise” of going down the dunes I have done in the Moreton Island, Brisbane. Well done.
Antonio

falcon53 (336) 2006-12-12 8:18

Very interesting landscape. Reminds me of Episode IV. I can almost imagine C3PO and R2D2 treking across the dunes!

sebinho342 (18740) 2006-12-13 16:24

Hi Paul, excellent picture there, lovely mood, desolated appearance, nature is so beautiful. Perhaps a little bit burnt in sky but i don't care.
Great

Angshu (33795) 2007-01-11 22:43

Hello Paul
Amazing isn't it? sand dunes in NZ? Would be interesting to know how they were formed in the first place. The clouds are very impressive in streaks over the undulations of sand. Thanks for amazing me with this pic. because I never expected to see this in your country
Regards
Angshu

emjleclercq (14340) 2007-01-17 17:27

Very interesting view, all the more since I did not know there was a desert in New Zealand (which I had thought so far to be a green country with lots of water). Nevertheless, in my opinion, the half part of the picture is a bit void (despite the traces in the sand) which is not a bad idea for a desertic view but still a bit empty... So my preference goes to the upper part.

All the best,

Emmanuel

veve (4149) 2007-02-24 4:52

Hi Paul,
In this picture I like the surrealistic tint!
Great composition,sharpness and colors!
Best wishes,
Veronica

fserajian (4491) 2007-03-04 13:44

Hi Paul,

Lovely composition, with excellent lighting. The cloud pattern add so much interest and blend really well. TFS

Fara

hispic (7399) 2008-09-30 2:22

Hi Paul,
Splendid work depicted softly and naturally. Depiction of the light within the cloud is exquisite, though the wind patterns on the sand is also very nice.
Have a nice evening, Hisashi

Janice (4386) 2008-10-15 18:24

Hi Paul, some of your photos are part of the:
Featured Destination: Northland, New Zealand on TE's intro page.
We stopped here to see the boogie boarders riding down - it looked too steep for me to climb!!
Super image - well done
Janice

danos (32690) 2008-10-16 4:17

Hello Paul,
nice shot of New Zealand’s Sahara in a tighten frame that we can see only to things the desert and the sky.This scene with the complementaries one, make us know the difficulties to live or passing by someone in the desert.Well done.

Regards,Danos

speedymanu (1590) 2009-01-18 12:04

Hello Paul

as always your technique, your well trained eye make these landscapes even more beautiful. This photo is no exception to that. Great composition and lovely light capture.

Congratulations
Emmanuel