Nikon D2x ISO 100 F5.3 @ 1/1000th, Nikkor 80-400 VR @ 250mm

This image was made at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado.

One of the first things you might notice is the very fast shutter speed. I shot the image this way because of a few factors. First was the lens size and the distance of the shot. These dunes are huge and were nearly a mile from my position.

Second was the wind speed. It was pretty windy the day I was there and I didn't have time to wait it out as I had to be in Denver in a few hours.

Third and you may have figured it out by now is that I was shooting hand held. Even with the VR I noticed some movement in the first few shots.

I like this image because of the soft lines and contrast as well as the total lack of a sence of how massive what you are looking at actually is. It almost looks like a flowing piece of cloth or silk.

This was my first time at the dunes and I found it to be totally amazing. I really can't wait to get back and spend some more time here exploring and shooting this park.