Sunrise in the desert often comes explosively. One minute there is a subtle glow of light in the sky, and the next the sun explodes over the horizon, bathing the land in a play of golden light and shadow, and inspiring wonder. It is not surprising that this play of light inspired the Aboriginal people and spawned ageless stories.

One such place of inspiration is Devils Marbles, also known as Karlu Karlu by the local Kaytetye people. Although many of the dreamtime stories and ceremonies of this place have been lost, the story of how the Rainbow Serpent fashioned the earth which then fossilized into the eggs has been passed down through the generations. Because of this cultural significance, Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is a spiritually significant and sacred site to the Aborigines.

Located just about 245 miles (395 km) north of Alice Springs, near the town of Wauchope, in Australia’s Northern Territory, Devils Marbles Conservation Area is cultural and natural park, unique for its spherical rock formations. The park covers approximately 4452 acres (1802 hectare).

The park is located along the Stuart Highway, and requires driving long distances to reach. The Stuart Highway, throughout its entire length, passes through very remote, dry country with great distances between homesteads and little to no services available.

Camping is available within the park, with Caravans permitted. Campsites have a moderate degree of site maintenance which includes pit toilets, picnic tables, tap water and barbecues. The overnight fee (at the time of writing) is: $3.30/adult, $1.65/child (5-15 years), $7.70/family (2 adults and 4 children).

For those preferring hotel accommodations there is a roadhouse at nearby Wauchope (6 miles/ 10 km), limited supplies and fuel are also available. However, it is not advisable to drive the Stuart Highway after dark, which precludes sunrise or sunset images.

The Devils Marbles are a collection of gigantic rounded granite boulders, many of which are precariously balanced on top of one another, which formed about 1.7 billion years ago. Scattered heaps of these 'marbles' occur across a wide, shallow valley.

There is a small hill running roughly north to south just to the east of the parking lot. For this reason, the western edge of the park is best explored in the afternoon, while the eastern edge is best in the morning. Plan to spend most of the day, outside the “golden hour”, exploring the park and its varied rock formations.

The Devils Marbles are a collection of gigantic rounded granite boulders, many of which are precariously balanced on top of one another, which formed about 1.7 billion years ago. Scattered heaps of these 'marbles' occur across a wide, shallow valley.

There is a small hill running roughly north to south just to the east of the parking lot. For this reason, the western edge of the park is best explored in the afternoon, while the eastern edge is best in the morning. Plan to spend most of the day, outside the “golden hour”, exploring the park and its varied rock formations.

The favorite time of day for many top landscape photographers is sunrise. However, it requires disciple to rise early enough prepare properly. To make the preparations easier and more effective, it is best to start the afternoon before. First, get a good understanding of the layout area you wish to photograph; follow the paths you are most likely to take, taking note of any spot that looks difficult to traverse (particularly in the dark). Next, look for clusters or groupings of boulders

to the north, south and to the east. The eastern most boulders will make good subjects for silhouettes, while the northern and southern ones will catch the reflected light from sun as it rises. Walk around and try to visualize how the light will strike the rocks and trees as it rises.

The next morning, after you arrive, rather than pointing your camera at the rising sun itself, turn around and see what the effects the rising sun has on the land. Typically, the lighting will be softer (more diffuse) and warm in hue, with more pronounced shadows. This lighting will give your images a greater apparent depth, as well as making shapes and lines more noticeable. Keep in mind that it isn’t the sun itself that makes memorable landscape photographs, it is the light.

After the sun has risen, don’t put away the camera away just yet. Continue watching the play of warm light on the land after the sun rises higher in the sky, paying attention to the shadow patterns cast by the rising sun. Notice the natural lines created by the way the rocks themselves are arranged, as well as their texture.

The use of lines in an image imparts a sense of dynamism, depth and rhythm to an image.

Use this as a means of drawing the eye through the image. Texture is what most often provides a physical connection with an image, and can often act as the glue that binds the various elements of the image together.

Additionally, since the park is rich in Ghost Gum trees, pay particular attention to them. The bark of these trees is almost pure white in color, and will take on

the hue of the rising sun. Be sure to take notice of how the light plays across the top of the thick clumps of Spinifex. The light will highlight the individual leaves, making them look like silver tendrils.

The park is open year round, but keep in mind that the weather can be quite harsh in the summer with temperatures above 100 F (38 C). Ensure that you have ample protection from the sun. Wear a hat at all times, and ensure you apply plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent as needed. Make sure to take plenty of water. Australia has some of the world's deadliest snakes and so you need to be careful when in areas they like such as long grass, rocks and near water.