There are times where an image develops over time, thought goes into the framing, I carefully consider if the subject is worth the time and effort. Then there are images like this. I have no real clue why, but the curve of this salt formation (taken from well over 5k feet up in the air), combined with the light and colors was an instant “click” for me. Both high and low, Death Valley is full of surprises!

I drove by this spot probably 10-15 different times in a handful of days in Death Valley. At first, I didn’t think twice about it, but then it drew me in! There was something about the smaller badlands in the foreground and the patterns of light and dark with the larger peaks beyond. I had to show a bit of patience to get it in the right light. At mid day it was too harsh but just in the morning the light peaked above the mountains to the east and below a heavy line of clouds to light up the peak. Being their at the right time made all the difference. This image, along with Storm Light are a bit of a processing experiment where I convert the image to black and white and then add just a bit of warm tones back in. I hope you like it!

This black and white image, along with another in this series - Patience and Time, are an exploration of a new processing method for me. The toned black and white images brought out something new in the image that it lacked for me as a straight black and white image. Here the salt flats, alluvial fans, mountain peaks, and storm light all come together in their own layers to create this scene.