Bewilderness

Rainy winters and the constant flow of salt springs often flood the Death Valley salt flats. Temperate winters are followed by searing summer heat that evaporates the water leaving interesting salt patterns.  Shapes, sizes, and textures change from one year to the next.  And so I often wander for miles to find the elusive photogenic subjects.  In this scene, the patchwork of mud and salt patterns is expansive.  The detail of the delicate salt crystals is shown in the foreground as the larger patterns fade into the background mountains.  The rising full moon adds drama.  The monochromatic blue color of the scene conveys peacefulness.