White Sands National Park - NM
Happy New Year! Are your 2025 New Year’s resolutions already broken? Add Travel to Your List! It's late-January, and if your resolutions are already out the window, don't worry—you're not alone! Instead of dwelling on what didn't stick, why not add a fresh, exciting goal? Travel more, explore further, and make unforgettable memories!
We kicked off our new year with a trip to White Sands National Park, New Mexico, and let me tell you, those endless white gypsum dunes were a breath of fresh air. It felt like the perfect place to start anew, full of clean, fresh beginnings. Our main goal? To create the perfect New Year's postcard with our furry pals, Scout, Nora, and, of course, Dave's photography.
To get to the pristine, untouched sands, you've got to hike a little. But once you're there, it's totally worth it. Armed with some flashy accessories snagged from a discount store on the way, we were ready to shoot in the mid-afternoon light. However, the light wasn't perfect for us so aim for 30 minutes before sunset for that dreamy golden glow.
Getting the dogs in their attire and to pose is a completely different story. Scout? A total pro. He struck the perfect pose on the first try, as if he'd done it a thousand times before. Nora, though? Well, Nora turned the whole shoot into a comedy show. She had her own ideas - chasing her tail, digging random holes, and giving us her "I'm too cute for this" look. But with a few treats and lots of patience, we finally got her to cooperate.
The dunes weren't just for dogs, though. The backdrop was perfect for a mini fashion show! My advice? A long, flowing silk dress that dances in the breeze-something in pink, red, purple, or green to pop against the white sand. Or, if you're feeling bold, go for white in order to blend in and melt into the scenery. Either way, it's a photographer's dream.
As we waited for the sunset to capture a beautiful scene, I couldn't resist running around with my iPhone, snapping everything I could-patterns in the sand, the shadows, the colors and even a few animals making an appearance. Every corner of this place was magical.
After a long, laughter-filled day, we recommend camping in the middle of the dunes, under the vast desert sky. Trust me, the stars here are next-level, and the sunrise the next morning? Chef's kiss—an unforgettable way to start the day.
This time, we opted to camp in our van at Raptor Lake-thanks to the Air Force for the free dispersed camping. There's nothing quite like waking up in the middle of the desert with the peace and magic of White Sands all around. It was the perfect way for us to kick off the year-a lifetime experience that'll stay with us.
So, why not embrace the spirit of new beginnings by exploring this extraordinary place yourself? Whether it's the calming beauty of White Sands or another bucket-list destination, let travel be your reminder that every day is a chance to start fresh and chase your dreams. Here's to adventures and a belated, but heartfelt, Happy New Year from all of us!
Stay tuned for the next adventure,
Chloe, Dave, Nora and Scout
Photography Tips and Tricks for the Desert and Dunes
When shooting in the desert, your telephoto lens is your best friend. Why? Because sand is sneaky. It gets everywhere-in your shoes, your bag, and yes, even inside your camera. Changing lenses in the wind? Big mistake. Huge. Stick with the telephoto—it's like the Swiss Army knife of lenses for the dunes. You can zoom in on the tiniest details without ever risking a gritty disaster inside your gear. Bonus: You'll look like a pro as you capture those far-off ripples in the dunes while your camera stays happily sand-free.
The wind's been busy playing artist, so look for its masterpiece-ripples, lines, and patterns in the sand. Bonus points for layering dunes in the distance for that "wow" depth. Nature's got the textures, you just have to frame them!
Side light is your secret weapon-it turns the dunes into a chef d'œuvre of shadows and patterns. Shadows = drama, and who doesn't love that? Shooting in bright light? Pop on a polarized filter to ditch the glare and keep the magic alive!
Fresh sand is where the magic's at-no footprints, no distractions. You might have to hike a bit, but hey, the best shots are worth the adventure. Nobody wants a rogue footprint stealing the spotlight!
Grab your tripod and lower that ISO-your camera will thank you! For perfect shots, especially at sunrise or sunset, keep it steady and let those long exposures work their magic. Windy day? Even better! Capture the dunes and clouds in motion and let the desert drama unfold!
Don't let sand sabotage your shots! Always carry a lens blower and cleaning cloth-check your lens often, or the desert dust will ruin your masterpiece. If you spot sand on your lens, blow it off first – wiping first may cause scratches!
For jaw-dropping colors, aim for sunrise or sunset, when the light kisses the sand just right. Bonus points if you catch those brilliant reflections!\
And, hey, remember your adventure isn't over when the sun sets! Keep track of where you are and have a GPS handy (Garmin's got your back). Don't forget food, water, and a trusty headlamp in case the desert decides to get a little too dark and mysterious! Always know your way back!
Please feel free to comment or let us know what's on your 2025 adventure & travel bucket list?