Thursday, July 18, 2013

Joshua Tree Skies in B&W

My wife & I were out in 29 Palms last weekend and there were some really pretty skies, so I decided to take a quick drive into Joshua Tree National Park figuring the skies would be even better (which they were). I pulled off the main road in the Park at a somewhat random spot, grabbed camera/tripod/water bottle and went off to take some pics. I thought I would share the b&w versions... I like the look of the desert in b&w.

As I hiked in a little further, I came across a really nice sandy wash with boulders lining both sides. 


I like the rock trapped between the two boulders...
I came across this big lizard in the wash... very colorful, with a red head, yellow and black body, and a black collar, but I'll stay true to my b&w format for this post. I think he's a Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus uniformis). He was about 10" long, and very cooperative with regard to posing for his close-up! He was still posing for me as I walked away.

As the sun set and the darkness rolled in, the Joshua Trees seemed to take on a life of their own.
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
Have a great weekend!!
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27 comments:

  1. GeorgeJuly 18, 2013 at 8:57 PM

    These are beautiful black-and-white photos of both the desert and the sky (and the lizard).

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  2. Jana Iverson LastJuly 18, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    Stunning photos! Our family has driven along I-15 and have seen the Joshua Trees in the desert. But, we've never ventured into the Joshua Tree National Park. Thanks for posting these pics!

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  3. HeatherJuly 18, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    Gorgeous photos! I am especially drawn to the second, third and fourth. Arboretum Sunset

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  4. TheChieftessJuly 18, 2013 at 10:21 PM

    Gorgeous photos!!! I think you're right about the desert being perfect in B&W...it really gives it a dramatic twist!

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  5. Stewart MJuly 19, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    I see what you mean about the similarity between this and central Australia - plants are different, but thats about it.

    Is the general colour red?

    Stewart M - Australia

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  6. HansHBJuly 19, 2013 at 1:03 AM

    A great serie of B&W photos. Lovely to see, interesting to study the details!

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  7. eileeninmdJuly 19, 2013 at 1:27 AM

    Awesome shots as always! The desert and sky look good in B&W. I especially love the last shot! Have a great weekend!

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  8. s.cJuly 19, 2013 at 2:11 AM

    Funny to describe the colors of the lizard when you post in B&W. I like the contrast in the sky between the black and the white.

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  9. AlexanderJuly 19, 2013 at 2:29 AM

    Excellent B&W photographs here! Love your composition of the photos and good control over the camera.
    Thanks for visiting my blog. I like your blog, so I will surely visit again.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Alexander
    Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex

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  10. Yogi♪♪♪July 19, 2013 at 4:14 AM

    Wow, such great dramatic pics. I like how you stuck with your b&w theme despite being tempted by the lizard.

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  11. NancyJuly 19, 2013 at 4:53 AM

    Amazing photos!

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  12. TexWisGirlJuly 19, 2013 at 6:46 AM

    really powerful set of photos! loved them!

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  13. John @ Beans and I on the LooseJuly 19, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    The deserts were made for black and white or is it the other way around? Wonderful images that may me long for the deserts of California.

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  14. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)July 19, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    Absolutely stunning. We lived in Brawley for several years, and though I don't miss the heat in the summer, I sometimes long for a walk in the desert - it has such beauty. Thank you for taking us there.

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  15. dianasfaria.comJuly 19, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    gorgeous landscapes! & skies.
    ; )

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  16. GaleJuly 19, 2013 at 12:52 PM

    Lovely black and white pictures!

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  17. Photos by StanJuly 19, 2013 at 1:37 PM

    Just a marvelous set of images!! The B&W add such striking power to the skies/landscapes [worthy of appearing in Outdoor Photography magazine].

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  18. AlJuly 19, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    This is a great series of B&W photos, I agree about the desert in B&W.

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  19. AnonymousJuly 20, 2013 at 6:02 AM

    Stunning B&W sky.

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  20. LOLfromPasaJuly 20, 2013 at 10:34 AM

    Outstanding! I am usually prefer color shots over b&w but these are stunning. Thank you!

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  21. johnJuly 20, 2013 at 3:35 PM

    This b/w series is stunning. the desert textures and shapes shine. thank you for sharing.

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  22. UnknownJuly 20, 2013 at 8:38 PM

    God these are beautiful! Your photos took me back in time, I haven't been to Joshua Tree since I was in my teens.

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  23. ShirleyJuly 21, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    I am loving these in black and white. It leaves me wondering how they looked in colour. I imagine a deep azure blue sky and reddy canyons.

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  24. SandyCarlsonJuly 21, 2013 at 8:34 PM

    A gorgeous treat, this post. Thank you!

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  25. AnonymousJuly 22, 2013 at 5:02 AM

    Beautiful photos in black and white! They gave a different feeling and view to the scenery!

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  26. UnknownJuly 26, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    Nice monochromes.

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  27. Oakland Daily PhotoAugust 4, 2013 at 11:02 PM

    Your b&w photos are stellar.

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