I was searching for a new and unique look to the Mesquite Flat sand dunes near Stove Pipe Wells. Approaching the dunes from opposite direction that most people do, I came across this dry, cracked, playa area. Several desecated branches from the surrounding brush were laying about. This one caught my eye because of it's many unique and spindly parts.

The sun was peaking in and out of the afternoon clouds. I set up my view camera to emphasize the stick in relation to the distant mountains. As the sun peaked through the clouds and seemed to produce a halo of light on and around the branch, I took the shot.

What I like about the print:

I like the simplicity of the twisted branch against the flat playa. The cracks in the playa and the shrubs in the background provide enough detail to hold the viewer's interest for a long time, without detracting from the overall simplicity of the image. The yellow, afternoon light illuminating the stick further emphasizes the singular main subject. Finally, since this is a print made from a large format transparency, the amount of detail throughout the entire print is amazing.