The Oceano Dunes Are Out of This World

The Oceano Dunes in California are a beautiful sight. Home to some incredible wildlife, it is also a recreational area for camping and exploring. Experience the beauty and learn about the challenges the land is facing.

Watch the latest NATURE IN FOCUS episode to experience nature photographer Ian Shive's journey.

December 06, 2021

By: Ian Shive

Show: Nature in Focus

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Photo By: Ian Shive

Dunes are best photographed in early morning or late evening, when the sun is close to the horizon and accentuates the finest of details, such as the ripples on these dunes.

These dunes are an important area for nesting seabirds, including some endangered species. Those nests can be hard to find, so remaining on established walkways is important.

It's important to be mindful of the shots you want before you walk into frame, otherwise your footprints will possibly ruin a great shot!

The balance between human recreation and nature conservation has become trickier as our population grows, and communities spread out into new areas. At Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, this is exceptionally apparent, though new legislation being introduced may reshape the way this park is managed.

The simplicity, symmetry and texture of sand dunes make them one of my favorite subjects to photograph.

View looking north towards the town of Pismo Beach, California.

Sunrise at Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, California.

Outdoor recreation includes motorized vehicles, though newly passed legislation is calling this into question.

Storytelling is about layers. This image works for me, because it has a conservation foreground, with pristine, footprint-free dunes, and a beach with visible recreation on it, helping illustrate the story.

Wildflowers and retreating fog at sunrise, Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, California.