The Badlands…Beyond Sunsets and Sunrises
South Dakota's Badlands offer a stunning canvas for sunset and sunrise grand landscape photography, showcasing the breathtaking results of erosion that have sculpted its unique landscape over millennia. The dramatic pinnacles and rugged formations create an almost otherworldly scene that draws and excites a photographer
When we think of landscape photography, our minds often drift to grand vistas and breathtaking sunsets, but there’s so much more to explore! Imagine stepping away from the iconic shots and training your eye to isolate compositions that tell a story in a single frame. It’s about seeking out the subtle beauty that often goes unnoticed.
As you venture into nature, you should be alert for patterns and shadows that dance across the ground or play on the surfaces of rocks. These elements can create stunning images that capture the essence of a location without relying solely on its grandeur.
Pentax 67, Ektar 100 negative film, 105mm smc f2.4
Final Light in the Badlands. The South Dakota Badlands are known for beautiful sunrises and sunsets. During the midday sun, the sandstone formations can look a little bland. But even without a beautiful sky, the late or early light seems to give a glow to the peaks, valleys, and washes of the Badlands.
Pentax 67, SMC 160mm, Kodak E-100
Narrow wash and soft morning light on a section of the Yellow Mounds in the South Dakota Badlands.
Pentax 67, 105mm, Kodak E-100
Overcast days or other soft light conditions present additional opportunities to utilize soft light. For example, the clouds can act as a natural diffuser, spreading sunlight evenly across the scene and reducing harsh shadows. This means you can capture details in both highlights and shadows without losing any depth in your images.
The advantages of shooting in soft light are plentiful! It allows for more even exposure across your frame and gives textures a subtle richness that harsh sunlight often washes out. Plus, it creates a serene atmosphere that resonates with viewers—perfect for conveying emotion through your work.
In the vacinity of Yellow Mounds, morning light, South Dakota Badlands.
Pentax 67, SMC 108mm, F/11, Kodak Ektar 100 negative film
Exploring Black and White Options
You will often notice the interplay of light and shadow across the textured surfaces provides endless opportunities for compelling compositions, particularly in black and white photography. The stark contrast between the dark crevices and bright ridges emphasizes the intricate patterns formed by nature, allowing photographers to explore depth and dimension in their images.
In black and white photography, every detail matters—each line, each curve, each subtle shift in tone tells a story. The Badlands provide an incredible canvas for this art form; their unique geological features reveal layers of history that are often overlooked. When you focus on textures and shapes rather than colors, you start to see the landscape differently—almost as if it’s whispering secrets from ages past.
Erosion and Pinnacles of the South Dakota Badlands. A wonderful location to photograph the patterns of erosion and the stark pinnacles of this beautiful landscape.
Pentax 67, SMC 108mm 2.8, #25 Red filter, Ilford HP5+, Developed Ilford DD-X
Pinnacles of Door Trail, South Dakota Badlands.
Chamonix 45F2, 210mm, f32, #29 red filter, HP5+, Developed Ilford DD-X
Pentax 67, SMC 55mm, Ilford HP5+, Developed Ilford DD-X
And Let’s Not Forget the Intimate Scenes
When you think of the Badlands of South Dakota, what comes to mind? Vast landscapes and sweeping vistas, perhaps? While those are certainly captivating aspects, there’s an entire world of intimate scenes waiting to be discovered within this unique environment. As a landscape photographer, I invite you to explore the microcosms of the Badlands that often go unnoticed.
Imagine crouching down low to capture the intricate textures of weathered rock formations or the delicate patterns formed by wind and erosion. These intimate compositions can tell powerful stories that larger scenes simply can't convey. Whether you choose to shoot in vibrant color or dramatic black and white, each image has the potential to evoke emotion and transport viewers right into that moment.
Along a path I came upon what looked like a piece of old driftwood or some remains of a brushfire of some time ago. This against the cracks and textures in the dried badland mud seemed an interesting microcosm of the Badlands environment.
Pentax67, SMC 108mm, Kodak E-100
This abstract image of mud tiles and erosion in the South Dakota Badlands impressed me with its subtle differences in texture and color. It looks better in color than in black and white because color highlights the contrasting tones better. This wouldn't be as clear in black and white.
Pentax 67, SMC 105mm, Kodak E-100
As you explore the remarkable South Dakota Badlands, you'll discover an array of colors that shift with the changing weather—each moment presenting a new palette to work with. Whether you're drawn to vibrant reds and yellows or prefer the subtle elegance of black and white photography, the Badlands has much to offer.
Patterns in the rock formations tell stories etched by time, inviting you to capture their intricate details. And let’s not forget about night skies! The lack of light pollution here makes for some of the most mesmerizing astrophotography opportunities you'll ever encounter.
This is certainly on option to consider if you have a love for landscape photography.
Stepping down from the boardwalk along the Door Trail, these bubble-like rocks attracted my attention as an excellent foreground for this shot of some of the Door’s pinnacles. It was early morning soft light.
Pentax 67, SMC 55mm, Kodak Ektar 100 negative film
