Category Archives: desert

How to photograph Calico Ghost Town

2010/02/09 – 16:59

History turned amusement park at Calico, where a circus of actors reenact gunfights for the amusement of tourists and where shopping, gold panning and train riding have displaced the ghosts who probably desperately try to cross over to escape the charade.

I am sure most visitors to Calico will leave with a happy smile on their faces, having had a wonderful time filled with activity. I have no doubt about that, but the Calico Regional Park is clearly mislabeled as ghost town. It is a Wild West Show on the grounds of a former mining town. You need a vivid imagination to see anything authentic behind the glitter, the decorations and the air-conditions on the roofs of the buildings.
Calico Bottle House

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Ghost Town, mine, park, Southern California, state park | Tagged , , , , | Comments (4)

Hole in the Wall to Mid Hills scenic detour – Mojave Desert

2010/02/05 – 05:22

One of the least visited parks in California, the Mojave National Preserve offers great value for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. The desert landscape is especially interesting for purists who love to explore shapes, light and color free from distractions.

Desert landscapes look barren only at first glance. Upon closer inspection, they reveal an immense beauty. Drive through this landscape with open eyes and you will want to pull over constantly to jump out of your car.
Cholla Tree, Mojave National Preserve

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Mojave, National Preserve, scenic drive, Seasonal | Tagged , , , , | Comments (1)

How to photograph Aguereberry Point

2010/02/02 – 17:35

Aguereberry Point is located high above Death Valley in the Panamint Mountains. It is the western cousin of Dante’s view, which is located in the Black Mountains on the opposite side of Death Valley. Agueberry Point thus is the best place to photograph the valley in the late afternoon with the sun in your back. Despite its unrivaled views of Death Valley to the east, Aguereberry Point does not see much tourist traffic.

On a visit in early January 2010, we were completely alone and could enjoy the peacefulness this remote location offers. The only sound came from my camera shutter, as I captured the fleeting light.
View from Aguereberry Point

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Death Valley, national park, Panamint Mountains, Southern California | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (2)

How to photograph Ballarat Ghost Town

2010/01/26 – 16:15

Located at the foot of the beautiful Panamint Mountains, Ballarat Ghost Town consists of the remains of a former supply station for the nearby mines. As the gold rush ended, Ballarat quickly declined. Residents left everything behind in pursuit of new dreams. The old fossils in the wonderful setting of Panamint Valley create uniquely photogenic ruins that many people miss in their rush from or to Death Valley National Park.

Ballarat is a small gem that nicely completes a portfolio of Death Valley, don’t miss it!
Ballarat through the window of Charles Manson's family car

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Death Valley, Ghost Town, landmark, Panamint Mountains, scenic drive, Southern California | Tagged , , | Comments (4)

How to photograph the Huntington Library and Gardens

2010/01/19 – 05:02

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens (short: The Huntington) is the former estate of railroad tycoon Henry E. Huntington (1850-1927), who left this magnificent 150 acre pleasure garden as his legacy.

With an astounding amount of themed gardens, fantastic collections and the Mediterranean / Californian architecture of the library buildings, you will find many compelling motifs and room for unique compositions, despite the crowds exceeding one half million visitors each year.
Tree at the Huntington

By myphotoscout | Also posted in flowers, lake, landmark, Los Angeles, park, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (7)

How to photograph Father Crowley Point

2010/01/15 – 16:55

Father Crowley viewpoint displays sweeping views of the colorful Panamit Valley and Panamit Range. The short drive and conveniently accessible location make this a great place to get in the mood for a weekend in Death Valley. Depending on the weather conditions, you can walk away with dramatic images.
Panamit Mountains as seen from Father Crowley Point

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Death Valley, national park, Southern California | Tagged , , , , | Comments (2)

Kelso Dunes, Kelso Depot – Mojave National Preserve

2010/01/12 – 06:20

Pure randomness determined the name of Kelso and the giant dune field southwest of town. Randomness also seems to govern the dune field and much of the desert around it, as patterns emerge from the sand and weather determines if you will have a good day in the field or not.

Amidst one of the least hospitable and least visited places in California, the Mojave National Preserve, Kelso Dunes and Kelso Depot are the most prominent and most visited feature. Unlike most other large dune fields, no ATVs tear up the beautiful landscape.
Kelso Dunes sunset

By myphotoscout | Also posted in hike, Mojave, national park, National Preserve, Seasonal, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (5)

How to photograph Goldwell Open Air Museum

2009/05/14 – 15:49

You can find one of the strangest places in America next to the Ghost Town of Rhyolite, just outside of Death Valley National Park. The Goldwell Open Air Museum features an unusual collection of sculptures by a group of Belgian artists. The Museum is open 24/7, which inspired me to try some light painting techniques, much to my fellow traveler’s displeasure. The eerie feeling you get when you explore this area for the first time at night, combined with the sounds of metal scraping on a wooden pole and wind whistling through the wooden structures sets the perfect atmosphere for ghost photos.
Ghosts at Night

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Death Valley, Ghost Town, national park, Southern California | Tagged , , , , | Comments (5)

How to photograph Death Valley from Dante’s View

2009/05/07 – 06:04

Death Valley stretches almost a mile below you, generously affording you some of the best mountain views, when you are standing on Dante’s View parking lot. Directly below are the salt flats of Badwater, the lowest point on the Northern Hemisphere.
Sunset at Dante's View (HDR)

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Death Valley, national park, Southern California | Tagged , , , , | Comments (5)

How to photograph Zabriskie Point

2009/05/05 – 15:13

Zabriskie Point is one of Death Valley’s most famous and most photographed areas. It is easily accessible, even for disabled people, and the views are magnificent.
Zabriskie Point BW study

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Death Valley, national park, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (4)
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