I’m looking for Badwater / Death Valley info.
I have seen a lot of nice Badwater photos and have wanted to make some of my own. I have visited Badwater a few times but so far I have never been able locate the interesting salt formations, either dry or covered in shallow water.
I have parked at the main parking lot and walked the ½ mile or so to the water’s edge, but have only found uninteresting conditions.
Can anyone point me to the interesting areas of Badwater?
Thanks in advance. I plan on spending the Christmas week in DV.
I can't help with spots at Badwater, but here's one for you...
Do you know what you get when the group does a doob at Badwater?
High friends in low places.**
Seriuosly though, Richard, you might want to just scout around to find the best spot, and time your shoot for good sky conditions; most likely dawn. Hopefully, you'll get some clouds!
**Not that I have ever done this.
--P
Posted by Robert Mance on December 10, 2011 at 1:07 AM
One of my favorite places to shoot! I tend to stay away from the main parking lot, but I can tell you about two places I have found that are great for the shots you're looking for. Pull off the road (Badwater Rd) about a mile South of the main parking lot and start walking. It won't take you long at all before you start seeing the salt formations. I actually bought a pair of rubber boots cause I spend so much time out there. It was not uncommon for me to spend hours in 6 inches of water. The other place is way up North on Badwater Rd. As you're headed North towards Furnace Creek turn left on West Side Rd. It's probably about 4 miles to where the river crosses the road. This is especially awesome when there is water! About a half mile before the river is a very small parking lot on your left. Park your car there. Once you hit the river there won't be anywhere to park. Here could actually get some shots without getting your feet wet but not nearly as much fun! And watch your walking on the 'shoreline' ... some fantastic ankle benders! It's much easier walking in the water. It's not as fragile as it looks ... but tread softly. Also, go to Google Maps and look around before you go there. It helps A LOT.
Hope this helps. If you have any more questions I would be happy to help.
Preston, You are right, there is no replacement for spending the time scouting.
Robert,
Thanks for the info. I have thought of pulling over about a mile south of the parking lot, now I think I will. Maybe a pair of rubber boots is in order. Standing in water for hours…? I might want to hang my camera pack on the tripod, somehow.
I like west side rd and have camped on the roads that extend west, up the steep slopes.
I have parked at the little parking spot ½ mile from the river. I got lucky there during the wildflower season 2010.
The other place is way up North on Badwater Rd. As you're headed North towards Furnace Creek turn left on West Side Rd. It's probably about 4 miles to where the river crosses the road. This is especially awesome when there is water!
One of my favorites too!
As for hanging your camera pack on the tripod..... I don't think you'll like it. It interferes way to much with tripod adjustments, while tending to spill things from the pack when you open it.
In such settings I'm lots happier with a collection of belt pouches, each for individual pieces of gear.
Hank, you’re right. Pack on the tripod might not be such a good idea, especially shooting wide angle, close to the ground. Belt pouches and camera vests…..? I thought that stuff was only for news photographers. I’ll may need to rethink that.
Discussion
5 repliesI’m looking for Badwater / Death Valley info.
I have seen a lot of nice Badwater photos and have wanted to make some of my own. I have visited Badwater a few times but so far I have never been able locate the interesting salt formations, either dry or covered in shallow water.
I have parked at the main parking lot and walked the ½ mile or so to the water’s edge, but have only found uninteresting conditions.
Can anyone point me to the interesting areas of Badwater?
Thanks in advance. I plan on spending the Christmas week in DV.
Do you know what you get when the group does a doob at Badwater?
High friends in low places.**
Seriuosly though, Richard, you might want to just scout around to find the best spot, and time your shoot for good sky conditions; most likely dawn. Hopefully, you'll get some clouds!
**Not that I have ever done this.
--P
Hope this helps. If you have any more questions I would be happy to help.
Have fun!!
Robert,
Thanks for the info. I have thought of pulling over about a mile south of the parking lot, now I think I will. Maybe a pair of rubber boots is in order. Standing in water for hours…? I might want to hang my camera pack on the tripod, somehow.
I like west side rd and have camped on the roads that extend west, up the steep slopes.
I have parked at the little parking spot ½ mile from the river. I got lucky there during the wildflower season 2010.
One of my favorites too!
As for hanging your camera pack on the tripod..... I don't think you'll like it. It interferes way to much with tripod adjustments, while tending to spill things from the pack when you open it.
In such settings I'm lots happier with a collection of belt pouches, each for individual pieces of gear.