Photographing the Magic of Death Valley
In 2015, our Founder, Noelle Kristine joined 10 others who hopped in a sprinter van for a photographer retreat with Aperture Academy in Death Valley. As a photographer, she always heard that Death Valley is a dream location to shoot and the rumors were true! As soon as she rounded the corner into the vast valley, she was blown away by how quickly she was hit with the magic of this National Park. It is a place of incredible beauty with golden sand dunes, towering mountains and expansive salt flats.
As a photographer, Death Valley challenged Noelle Kristine to push her boundaries and explore new ways of seeing. It encouraged her to slow down and truly connect with the landscape, to appreciate the small details and the grand vistas. It reminded her of the power of nature and the importance of preserving our planet's most precious treasures.
Nature Beyond Thread's Death Valley Collection
When deciding which designs to create for our launch, Noelle Kristine deliberately picked most of them from her Death Valley landscape photographic archives. The stark beauty, of the landscape, provides compositions, textures, patterns, and shapes that are both subtle and striking. Nature Beyond Thread's Death Valley Collection shows how the landscape changes depending on the time of day and how the shifting light can transform the scene from ordinary to extraordinary with colors and shadows that dance across the landscape and appreciate the details within.
For example, our design's named Mesquite and Sand Dunes activewear sets are is taken in the exact same location but at different times of the day. Mesquite was taken during sunset while Sand Dunes was taken during sunrise.
We also have another design called the Flat Dunes that is taken from the Mesquite Flat Dunes. With the decreasing the saturation, it shows the strong contrast to make it visually interesting.
SHOP OUR DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK COLLECTION
Discovering the Hidden Gem of Death Valley: Cottonball Marsh
Death Valley is known for its extreme heat and barren landscape, might be the last place you'd expect to find a lush oasis. But nestled within the harsh environment lies a hidden gem: Cottonball Marsh.
Located in the southern part of Death Valley National Park, Cottonball Marsh is a rare wetland that supports a diverse array of plant and animal life. The marsh is fed by natural springs and is home to several species of birds, including the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.
Hiking to Cottonball Marsh is an adventure in itself. The trailhead is located off Badwater Road, and the hike is approximately three miles round trip. The trail is relatively flat, but hikers should be aware that there is no shade along the way, so come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen. Once you arrive at the marsh, you'll be greeted by a stunning landscape of cattails, bulrushes and other marsh vegetation. The water is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding mountains, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
Exploring Artist's Palette Drive
This scenic route offers stunning views of the park's colorful geological formations and is a must-see for any visitor to the area. Located in the Black Mountains, Artist's Palette Drive is a 9-mile, one way road that winds through a canyon of vibrant hills and rock formations. These hills are composed of several different types of minerals, including iron oxides, mica and manganese, which have oxidized over the years to create a rainbow of colors.
As you drive through the canyon, you'll be treated to a variety of breathtaking vistas. The colors range from deep reds and oranges to purples, blues and greens. The effect is simply stunning, an you'll want to stop at every turn to take in the views.
In addition to the incredibe geology, Artist's Palette Drive also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. The drive passes several trailheads, including the Golden Canyon Trail, which leads to the Red Cathedral and other stunning rock formations.
A place to be inspired!
In conclusion, whether you are a landscape photographer, a fine art photographer, or simply someone who loves to capture the beauty of the natural world, Death Valley will not disappoint. With its otherworldly landscapes and magical light, it is a place that will stay with you long after you have left.
Please share this with anyone that loves to travel and down for an adventure - and come back in two weeks for our next blog!
Be within Nature with Nature Beyond Threads. 💙