Jerome Rasky, Palo Alto High School, Death Valley, CA
One of the most interesting aspects of Death Valley is how devoid of life it is. Over millions of years, the ancient lake bed that used to make up Death Valley has been turned on its side, and eroded, leaving behind jagged peaks without any evidence of life. It almost looks like a different planet.
The yellow haze hanging over the mountains in the distance seems optimistic, but knowing the context of the photograph gives the shadowy figures a slightly more ominous feel.
I love the hazy yellow sky coming down on the mountains; it makes it look look like 100 degrees outside.