The Winter of Wonders: Death Valley 2023-2024
Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined a season as creatively fulfilling as the winter of 2023-2024 in Death Valley. The conditions were nothing short of phenomenal, gifting me with nearly 250 images that ignited my passion. Months of meticulous culling and reprocessing followed, as I strived to create a cohesive collection. Finally, after much internal struggle, I whittled it down to an even 100 images. As we prepare to venture back to Death Valley this week, I'm thrilled to share these with you - the nudge I needed to release this work into the world.
It all began in August 2023 when Hurricane Hillary unleashed her fury, dumping over 2 inches of rain on the arid desert. This deluge breathed life into Badwater Basin, resurrecting Lake Manly - a massive ancient lake, now only ephemeral. While photographing the mesmerizing reflections on Lake Manly was a joy, nature had an even greater spectacle in store for us.
A windstorm swept through, pushing salt crystals on the water's surface and depositing them along the shores of Lake Manly. These salt piles, resembling snow drifts, created incredibly unique foregrounds. Day after day, we found ourselves drawn back to this otherworldly landscape, often in blissful solitude.
Thanks to a special closed roads permit, we had the rare opportunity to witness the Geminids meteor shower at The Racetrack. Lying under the star-studded sky, watching meteors streak across the heavens in complete solitude, was nothing short of surreal.
Just before our December departure, we stumbled upon an exceptional area in another closed section. Massive mud cracks stretched as far as the eye could see, punctuated by a small superbloom - a memory I'll forever cherish.
Returning in February, we were greeted by wild weather that kept us enthralled for weeks. Storms rolled through, painting the landscape with incredible low clouds and fog. This rare phenomenon allowed me to capture unique images that still excite me. Having witnessed this spectacle several times over the years in Death Valley feels like a true privilege.
A significant portion of our time was devoted to hiking and photographing various slot canyons in the park's backcountry. This has become the most rewarding aspect of exploring Death Valley. Once you start delving into these mostly trailless canyons, it becomes addictive. Our list of canyons to explore remains extensive, and we're eager to continue our adventures in a couple of weeks. It's the perfect escape from the crowds - a solitary communion with nature.
After the deluge of storms finally relented, our exploratory spirit led us on a quest for ephemeral mud cracks. What we discovered was nothing short of breathtaking - an area stretching for miles, blanketed in a patchwork of mud. Some sections had dried to form intricate patterns, while others still glistened with moisture from the recent floods.
The vastness of this muddy expanse was matched only by its solitude. Once again, we found ourselves alone in this remarkable landscape, not another photographer in sight. It was a poignant reminder of Death Valley's capacity to surprise and delight.
March saw us venturing into Panamint Valley, where we explored canyons boasting incredible geology. However, a long hike and fading daylight left one stunning canyon partially unexplored - a tantalizing reason to return soon.
Our final visit in April was marked by two spectacular events: a phenomenal superbloom in Panamint Valley and a poignant farewell to Lake Manly. We bid adieu by capturing reflections of the Milky Way in her waters before moving on.
This truly magical season in Death Valley has not just deepened my bond with this extraordinary place; it has fundamentally transformed my relationship with the landscape. With each passing year, Death Valley feels more and more like home - a sentiment that goes beyond mere familiarity.
The park's vast expanses, from the salt flats to the hidden canyons, have become my canvas and my muse. Every visit peels back another layer of its complexity, revealing new facets of beauty that continually inspire and challenge me as a photographer. The ever-changing light, the unpredictable weather patterns, and the subtle shifts in the terrain keep me perpetually engaged.
But it's more than just the visual allure. There's a profound sense of peace and connection I experience here that I've found nowhere else. The solitude of the backcountry, the raw power of the elements, and the ancient whispers of the rocks all speak to something deep within me. In Death Valley, I feel simultaneously humbled by the vastness of geological time and energized by the dynamic, ever-evolving present.
This season, with its extraordinary conditions and unique phenomena, has only reinforced my conviction that Death Valley is where I belong. It's not just a location I photograph; it's a place that shapes my art, challenges my perceptions, and nurtures my soul. The memories created here, the images captured, and the personal growth experienced have all become integral parts of who I am as an artist and an individual.