Across from the Visitor’s Center
Banlands National Park
During my workshop in the Badlands, our group passed by the Visitor’s Center almost daily. This scene is just across the road from the center. Every day it had a different perspective. On my last day in the park, it was cloudy. The clouds and the filtered light accentuated the contrast between the hills and the sky as well as the trees. Infrared made the contrast even greater. I was thankful that I stayed an additional day in the park.
Record of Changing Time
Badlands National Park
The exposed hills of the Badlands paint a picture of changing time. Each line on the hills represent a period of time where things were changing on our planet. It is hard to fathom that this area was once a giant sea bed that covered the central part of our continent. Layers upon layers of sediment illustrate the layers of time as our current central landmass was slowly building up. As the sea receded, the atmospheric winds and rains eroded the hills creating crevices and valleys that now host emerging plant life. What is next in the continuing evolution of our planet?
Colors & Contrasts
Badlands NP, South Dakota
It has been a long time, almost two years, since I have gone on a creative photography excursion. My focus has been on recording the changes in our Heatherwood garden as it gradually matures. It is time for me to get out to some unknown location, explore, and exercise my photographic vision.
Looking back at unprocessed images of my trip to the Badlands National Park a couple of years ago, I found a few gems that have stimulated me to get out and explore. We have so many places in our country that are awe-striking like this one in the Badlands. Some are far away. Others are on our doorstep. Our opportunity and challenge is to open our eyes and minds, then explore.
Along Sage Ridge Road
Badlands National Park, SD
Colors, light, shadows, hills, ridges, and valleys … they are all here in the Badlands. The late afternoon sun pops out the colors, shapes, and textures from a rather grey-brown scene at midday. This image is not as sharp as I would like it to be, but it still captures the feeling of awe I had gazing over the vast landscape.
View from the Visitors Center
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Photographing in infrared is perfect for midday. All I need are a few clouds in the sky and some interesting foliage. This framed view is directly across the park road from the Visitors Center. It is great place to catch a little food and a photo or two.
Stacked Eroded Hills
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Looking southwest at the end of the Badlands, I saw this series of eroded hills sticking up from a grass covered plain. They looked like islands rising above a sea of yellow. There is so much to see in the Badlands. I can’t wait to go back and do more exploring!
‘Purple and Yellow Mounds’
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
It was late in the afternoon and the sun had gone behind the clouds. It felt like rain was coming. There were few cars passing along the adjacent road. No one was stopping to enjoy the beauty of the colorful hills. Alone, I had this wonderful panorama in front of me. I felt at peace in one of nature’s wonderlands.
‘Curves’
Badlands National Park, SD
The first time I was in the Badlands, I was driving my little red sports car. It was early spring and not many people were visiting the park. I had a great time driving the windy roads and enjoying the beautiful scenery. It was just not quite the same this trip, driving my Jeep Grand Cherokee! At least with my Jeep, I was able to pull off more frequently along the side of the road and create an image or two.
‘Mid-morning Sunlight on the Purple Mounds’
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Pastels proliferate the hills of the Badlands during mid-morning sunlight. The golden and green grasses in the foreground set the stage. The yellows, oranges, reds, and purples of the different sediment layers of the mounds provide the center focus. The purple striped rugged mountains and blue cloud covered sky creates an intriguing background setting.
Millions of years of creation stand directly in front of me. I dream of the wonder of nature and the beauty it brings.
‘Traveling Through the Yellow Mounds’
Badlands National Park, SD
The late afternoon sun warmed up the rolling hills near the Yellow Mound Area of the Badlands National Park. The warm sunlight warmed up the grass-covered hills creating a glowing gold scene. This image was created during my first evening in the Park. I came back several times to get different perspectives of this beautiful area.