Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes, Death Valley National Park, California

A view of the Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes near Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley National Park.  These are the most visited of Death Valley's sand dunes since they're right next to the highway connecting Stovepipe Wells Village with the park's headquarters at Furnace Creek.

Death Valley is the lowest, hottest, and driest place in America.  These sand dunes are right about at sea level.  Two people are standing on the highest peak of the dunes in the upper right.

Remember.  It's not just a picture, it's a story.

California thunderstorm, lightning and a palm tree

During a thunderstorm in California on July 18th, 2015, Rick stepped out to his backyard and set up his camera on a tripod and set the exposure for 30 seconds, ISO 100, f8, 18 mm wide angle. Halfway through the first exposure, this lightning bolt sparked through the sky leaving a tracing that appears rounded and centered around a certain point in the sky. It also seemed to highlight the silhouette of the palm tree on the right edge of the frame. Rick continued trying more exposures after this first one, but none of the others turned out as "shocking-ly" good.

This image has been cropped to a 5x7 or 10x14 format.

Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!