# @noahwetzel on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CvoA6BeOV98
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59724055-noahwetzel-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/6e910f1ca0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-08-07T01:38:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Noah Wetzel (@noahwetzel) — https://gondola.cc/noahwetzel

## Caption

“Fleeting Glory”

6-9-2016 - ISO 100 / 16mm / f11 / 1.3 seconds ( Canon EOS 5D III with Singh Ray Reverse Grad ND 3 filter)

Seven years ago in June I ventured down to the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado to pursue some landscape imagery. Backpacking a couple miles into the dunes allowed me to find some untracked dunes (no hiking foot traffic). It was certainly a battle at times, from scalding sand and hiking up massive dunes with a heavy backpack on the hike in, to hunkering down in my tent to keep it anchored in the sand. 

In the evening, I found the perfect dune to shoot leading to the west. There were strong winds with frequent storms in the afternoon, however on the western horizon there was a crease in the clouds, an opening right where the sun would set. Patiently waiting, the sun hit the small opening as expected, illuminating the dunes and sky with dramatic color for a short 5 minute window before setting. On the right side of the image, you can see the blowing sand that’s drifting and depositing on the right side of the dune. 

There’s a reason this piece is titled “Fleeting Glory”. Often times these moments of unbelievable light last only a few minute and are accompanied by inclement weather. Looking at NOAA hourly weather charts for sky coverage and humidity percentages helps, but it’s still tough to predict. I always have to remind myself to commit to the process and put in the work, you never know until you go. 

#greatsanddunesnationalpark #greatsanddunes #nationalparksusa #coloradosunset #behindtheshot

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 503
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 18

## Tags

greatsanddunes, coloradosunset, nationalparksusa, behindtheshot, greatsanddunesnationalpark

---
Copyright (c) Gondola