Dune on Fire

Dune 45 is one of the most photographed dunes in the world, and capturing something unique at such an iconic location can be a challenge. The constant flow of visitors climbing the dune from morning to late afternoon doesn’t make it any easier. But every so often, patience pays off, and the photographic gods smile.

Late one afternoon, as a sandstorm rolled in, everyone fled for cover, leaving me alone with the majestic dunes. The wind was relentless, whipping sand through the air and erasing all traces of human footprints. I grabbed my 600mm lens—a choice shaped by my background as a wildlife photographer—and crouched behind my 4x4 for protection. The fine grains of sand stung my face and eyes, a free exfoliation courtesy of Mother Nature, but the sight before me was worth every second.

Through my long lens, the dunes transformed into a fiery red tapestry, alive with movement and drama. The wind, the light, and the solitude created a fleeting moment of perfection, one that I was privileged to witness and capture.

This image, “Dune on Fire,” is more than a photograph—it's a testament to the power of nature and the beauty found in its wild unpredictability. Recognized with an award from the Memorial Maria Luisa Competition in 2014, it holds a special place in my collection.

Now available as a fine art print, “Dune on Fire” brings the raw energy of the desert into your space, serving as a reminder of nature’s extraordinary beauty and resilience.

Thank you for supporting my journey into the Fine Art of Landscape Photography. I hope this piece inspires and transports you, just as it did me when I captured it.