Desert Dawn

Moth Penstemon (Penstemon Ambiguus)*** in the Coyote Buttes.   The desert winds drag the grasstips across the sand.   Animals leave their tracks nightly and the winds obliterate them during the day.  Paria River Wilderness Area, Northern Arizona, taken a few minutes after dawn June 28, 1997.   A ninety minute walk on slickrock in full moonlight preceded the taking of this photo.
Mamiya C220, Fuji Velvia, f/22, ~1/4 second, Bogen 3021 tripod>
I love this photo and I have to attribute it more to luck than planning. I had wanted to find myself in the Wave at first light, but the sky began to lighten rapidly even as I tried to run toward my goal.   I felt tired but seeing how the light played on the landscape before me excited me.   I quickly looked for some foreground point of interest and set up the camera, taking some care to avoid getting sand in the gear.   I focused where I might get the best depth of field.   I thought I might have a heart attack while waiting for the gentle puffs of wind to abate.  The waking sun washed onto the sand and I shot.  After the shot, I hiked up to the wave and slept for about an hour.