Photographing the Sahara: Tips for Capturing the Dunes
Golden light, vast horizons and endless texture, the Sahara is a dream to photograph. A few simple tips to bring home images you will love.
You do not need professional gear to take beautiful photos in the desert, the light and the landscape do most of the work. Still, a few simple habits will make a big difference, whether you shoot on a phone or a camera.
Chase the golden hours
The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset are pure magic in the Sahara. The low light rakes across the dunes, revealing their ripples and curves and casting long, dramatic shadows. The harsh midday sun, by contrast, flattens everything, so plan your best shots for early and late in the day.
Find a sense of scale
Dunes can look surprisingly small in photos without something to give them scale. Include a person, a camel or a line of footprints to show just how vast the desert really is. A lone figure on a ridge is a classic Sahara image for a reason.
Protect your gear from sand
- Keep your camera or phone in a bag when not shooting
- Avoid changing lenses in windy conditions
- Carry a soft cloth to wipe away fine dust
- A simple zip-lock bag is great insurance in a sandstorm
Do not forget the night
Far from city lights, the desert sky is extraordinary. With a phone on night mode or a camera on a small tripod, you can capture star trails and even the Milky Way. Ask us, we know where and when the sky is at its best.
And sometimes, put the camera down
Our last tip is the most important: take your photos, then set the camera aside and simply be in the desert. Some of the most beautiful moments are the ones you keep only in memory.
