Alvord Desert, Oregon
Photographing this iconic aircraft under the unique dawn light was a plan years in the making—all starting with the shared vision of an old friend, the pilot of the DC-3.
This aircraft, a seasoned voyager with a storied past of spanning continents, ferrying curious passengers around the world, now stood silent against the desert backdrop. Its chrome panels mirrored the dance of orange and blue hues cast by the low hanging storm clouds—a visual symphony courtesy of nature itself.
The adventure began the night prior, flying into the desolate flats, spirits high with anticipation. Camping under the starlit sky, the silence of the desert was only punctuated by the whisper of the night wind. Waking early to harness the soft light of dawn, was greeted unexpectedly by storm clouds rolling in from the horizon. This surprise only heightened the drama of the scene, adding an ethereal layer to the captured images. In landscape photography, timing is pivotal, often a frantic race to seize the fleeting magic of perfect lighting—a window sometimes lasting mere minutes.
Circling the plane to capture every conceivable angle, the shots accumulated, each surpassing the last in their portrayal of this historic aircraft against the dynamic desert sky. The reflections on the plane’s reflective surfaces offered a dazzling display of the surrounding environment, adding depth and movement to each frame.
Between the rapid bursts of the shutter and the changing light, the mood on the lakebed was one of intense focus mixed with awe. As the sun rose higher, the light and shadow created new textures across the aircraft’s surface, each revealing more of the DC-3’s storied past. The desert, with its vast emptiness and stark beauty, served as the perfect canvas, emphasizing the grandeur of the plane against the expansive horizon.
This endeavor to document the DC-3, to capture its beauty and historical significance, rekindled a commitment to honor the pioneering spirit that has propelled humanity across skies and into new horizons.
Collaborative photograph. Learn more
45 Artist Proof / 450 Limited Edition
