KATHLEEN LARAIA McLAUGHLIN

There was a military general engaged in photographic enjoyment. He had a personal assistant who carried his equipment and water.​

I found the women in red vests curious and found out most of them were retired and took up photography as a hobby. They were exited to be there and at times aggressive ​in route to get the 'shot.'

The best way to get deep into the desert from the hotel was via this old ski lift, which was transported from somewhere else in China. ​

Once off the ski-lift and sand leggings donned, we rode a tank festooned as an ancient ship.​

Areas of shade were graciously offered throughout the desert resort.​

Throughout the desert resort, tourists were entertained and sand was created into art.​

It took me a couple days to understand why anyone would want to take their vacation in the desert heat. I realized that there was no where in China, or elsewhere, like this place. ​

​A few hundred photographers descended the sandscape to get closer to their photo opportunity, which was supplied by the host.

Three Magnum photographers were invited to participate in the photo festival, as well as compete with the three best Chinese photographers.​

Just over the border is Mongolia. The resort hired this folk dance group to entertain tourists and guests.​

Mongolian dancers were hired to folk dance and performed throughout the desert resort, providing entertainment and photo opportunities.​

The wait time for dancers or animals to photograph became my time to photograph.

I was one of 6 westerns in the desert resort. We were all considered a photographic opportunity. ​

In between activities, kites were flown and decorated the sky.​

Beautiful tall thin women in fashion dresses were supplied for photographic engagement.​

And handsome Mongolian men were costumed and poised. ​

Mongolian inspired music and dance was performed in the art dome, as well as Academy Awards styled award show for China's best photographers.​

We partook of some tourist fun as well.​ This was our commute to the next activity. Behind us is the Desert Art Palace, which holds exhibitions and performances.

The resort provided camel rides, horse rides, a zip line, sand sledding, electric kites, music, and dance.​

A hundred camels or so were about to be ridden down a sand dune. This was going to be a terrific photographic moment. ​

My camera was not suited for this kind of photography. I was not suited for this kind of photography. ​