One Massive Dune.....20/06/2011

I am not a intrepid trekker by any stretch of the imagination, but climbing the great Dune De Plya at Arcachon France was one of the highlights of 2011.

I have been here before, many years ago, and have always remembered how magnificent and beautiful it is.

It really is stunning and a photo opportunity not to be missed if your traveling in south west France.
Theres not only the impressive sand dune to photograph, the dune is a heaven for para guilders that literately cruise past you at eye level
From the tens of multi coloured para gliders to the white sand and the turquoise of the ocean, photographs are rich in contrast and saturation.

I was using my Cannon 450d and 18 - 55 lens with lens hood and polarising filter. The polarising filter worked to bring out the intensity of the blue sky and show the great contrast between the sky and the sand.

Here are a few things I had to consider when photographing Dune De Plya(Pilat)

Sand and Cameras not go. When photographing the dune I had to be sure to keep my camera really safe and sand free. I didn’t carry much stuff, just one small bag, so i was really steady on my feet. I also used a small draw string bag which kept my camera safe but I had quick access to it.
I can’t express what a difference a polarising filter will make to these kind of photographs. They may not be cheap but will transform your photographs.
Take lots to drink....It wasn’t to hot today but climbing the dune i thirsty work, and there are no shops!!