Top sand dunes
Sand DunesThe Sleeping Bear
Sand DunesGood Harbor Bay Dune and Swale Complex (Minor)
Sand DunesCrystal River Dune and Swale Complex (Minor)
Map
How to photograph sand dunes
Dunes need low sun: ripples and ridgelines only appear when side-light casts shadows, so shoot within an hour of sunrise or sunset.
- Walk along ridges rather than across faces to avoid leaving footprints in your future compositions.
- A telephoto isolates S-curves and layered ridges.
- Wind erases tracks overnight — mornings have the cleanest sand.
- Protect gear from blowing sand; avoid changing lenses in the wind.
- Sand surfaces get extremely hot in summer afternoons.
Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; full moon nights give soft light on the sand.