Deadvlei in southern Namibia sits among some of the tallest dunes in the world, and scientists believe that about 900 years ago those dunes began to cut the area off from the Tsauchab River, which nourished its trees. Now the trees, dead for many years, sit surrounded by dunes in a bed of dried clay.

To get to the trees, one must hike over a well-traveled dune ridge and down onto the clay pan.

One can see why this area has become a magnet for photographers.

The first time I saw an image from Deadvlei, I thought the photographer must have had some special magic!

But now I know that anyone can capture a beautiful image here.

Many places today are referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, including Deadvlei with its blackened tree trunks, fallen branches, red dunes, and blue skies.