[powerbook867]

I've been back now for a couple of days from my Badlands trip and it went really well. I learned a lot about myself, my camping gear and the park. I hope that it shows in the pictures I took.

Most people that go to the park that I encountered were tourists that never left the highway that runs through it. I wanted to do something different and show some unique pictures that others would most likely miss. I was fortunate to get a little rain while I was there which allowed for me to get some dramatic shots of clouds building and dissipating. The cracked clay pictures also happened due to the recent rain in the park. As the rain runs down the hills and mountains, the different colors of clay mix together and form some very unique patterns. As everything dries in the sun, the blistering and cracking cycle begins over again.

These shots are some of my favorites. I have many more, but I had to narrow down the number to something reasonable.

I am all ready planning another trip to the park in the coming months and am thinking about a winter visit. While the area is quite desolate and harsh, the beauty that goes beyond the surface that the tourists see is what really makes me want to go back. I also regret not thinking of one other area of photography while at the park that would have amazed everyone else as it amazed me. The night sky there is crystal clear and would have allowed for some stunning astronomy pictures. The next time that I visit, I will go prepared to shoot the night sky.

Enjoy the pictures. Feedback is always appreciated....

Joe

PS...there is another thread in which I was asking for advice where to go. I appreciate all the input, but one thing that led me to choose the Badlands is that we are in the midst of hunting season in a lot of the areas that were offered as options. There's not much to hunt in the Badlands and I did not want to chance getting shot at some of the other recomendations...

[powerbook867]

[icruise]

Fantastic pictures. I've been to the badlands twice. They're always beautiful and a little like another planet.

[- - e r i k - -]

Holy desktop bonanza (if you provide properly sized ones that is )

Nice shots man!

[Railroader]

Excellent pictures.

Thanks.

[paul w]

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Holy desktop bonanza (if you provide properly sized ones that is )

Seconded. Amazing shots.

[powerbook867]

Thanks all for the kind words!

The only reason I went on this trip was to shoot. I have been toying with photography for quite some time and am starting to get serious about it...

It is like a different planet. I was there 3 days by myself camping/hiking/shooting. I know it's not recomended to go out in the middle of no where all alone, but it puts life in perspective like nothing I have ever witnessed/felt before.

I can not wait to do it again. I'm all ready making plans in my head for the next trip..

[forkies]

god i wish i could take such amazing pictures. can you host them at larger sizes for desktops like - - e r i k - - mentioned? flickr those, baby!

[keekeeree]

Very nice pics

Are these the Badlands in South Dakota?

I spent a couple nights in the Badlands of South Dakota with a fellow photographer. We spent a morning hiking across the Badlands tracking the buffalo herd.

Here's a shot of mine from the morning we broke camp:

[ThinkInsane]

Good choice on going to the Badlands. Great shots too, thanks for sharing them.

[D. S. Troyer]

Badlands, Alberta.

[- - e r i k - -]

Badlands, Azeroth.

[powerbook867]

Nice! LOL

Yes, this was Badlands National Park in South Dakota..

[MM-o4]

very skillful to keep your shoes out of all those ground shots
Great pics.

MM