Honorable Mention TIFA 2023 Nature / Trees

Skeletons

  • Photographer
    Heather Tonge
  • Technical Info
    Sony A7riii, Sony 100-400 Mm Lens At 141mm, F13.0, 1/15, Iso 100th Sec, Iso 200
  • Photo Date
    15 Jun 2023

This image is typically unique to the Sossusvlei region of Namibia. Deadvlei (dead stream) was cut off from water by the encroaching enormous sand dunes approximately 900 years ago and the old Camel Thorn trees still stand, preserved and frozen in time, due to the arid conditions, in the sun-drenched white clay. The moving shapes created by the desert light on the burnt orange dunes was quite intriguing to watch. In the morning, a triangle of light crept downwards across the dune but in the evening, as in this image, a triangle of shadow moved slowly upwards.

Photography has always been a passion from a young age, where it was a great way of saving memories, and a camera was taken everywhere. I find the whole photography process very therapeutic; it involves travel and exercise which helps with mindfulness and well-being. It takes me to some places at first light when the landscapes can be at their best. I feel I have developed an evolving photographic style by exploring more intimate and minimal landscapes, and endeavour to share my vision of some of the earth’s natural untamed beauty.