In my last post, I shared an image that shows the intimate connection between man and nature.  Today’s image, and the 4th of my favorite images from 2009, is from an April trip to Death Valley National Park.  I had visualized in my mind’s eye the types of shots I wanted to get for weeks leading up to this trip.  However, my plans were foiled on the first night there when a large sandstorm moved into the valley.  We drove to Badwater for sunset photos, and even though I took several frames–including today’s photo–I was ultimately let down with the evening.

When I got home from Death Valley, today’s photo became one of my favorites of the trip, and obviously, of the whole year.  It was taken just as the sun dipped below the peaks of the Panamint Range to the west, giving the feeling of a growing storm.  Because the sky is completely obscured by sand, combined with the salt pan formations, it gives a very otherwordly feel to the image.

Sandstorm at Badwater salt flat, Death Valley National Park, April 2009

Remember to receive 30% prints of all five of my favorite images from 2009 through January 15, and to check out my first two choices here and here.