Dead trees in Deadvlei with purplish dunes

by Jurrie Renskers

It is only possible to photograph the trees in Deadvlei (Namibia, Africa) with this light at a small time of day. This is just before the sun rises above the dunes and it gets above 40 degrees. I photographed these trees before 8am. The light shone beautifully over the dunes on the trees. This produced a very nice contrast between the trees and the purplish dunes in the background.

The trees in Deadvlei, located in the Namib Desert in Namibia, are ancient camel thorn trees estimated to be around 900 years old. These trees died long ago due to harsh, dry conditions after the Tsauchab River, which once fed them, changed course. Without moisture, the trees did not decay but were mummified by the sun, turning them black. The skeletal trees stand out brightly against the white clay plain, orange dunes and deep blue sky, creating a surreal and hauntingly beautiful landscape that is iconic in photography and natural history.