The composition of the photograph emphasizes the textured pattern of the sand dunes but the photographer decides to leave space in the background for what appears to be a mountain or another sand dune along with the sky. I love the composition of the photo because the lines in the sand almost guide the eyes of the viewer from the bottom to the top of the image.
The lighting in the photograph serves to extenuate the shadows cast by the raised sections of the sand. The natural light also helps to bring out the detail in the throughout the entire image as well.
Adams, Ansel. Metmuseum.org, 2021, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/262553.
Good description of how the lines in the sand guide the eye to the top of the composition.