Angel Peak, New Mexico
“It is one of those places where the name perfectly captures the spirit of the topography”
Quietude in Capitol Reef: A Moment in the Fruita Valley
“There are places in the American West that seem to capture time itself,”
The Silent Sentinels of Joshua Tree
“It took only climbing up some boulders above camp to photograph this scene. It’s right in the campground!”
Mt. Shasta from Weed
“But here's the genius of it: the archway, designed to be seen from the road, does something incredible”
Confessions from the End of the Jetty, Borlänge, Sweden
“I remember distinctly the crushing weight of the solitude. Not a sad solitude, but the kind where your brain momentarily glitches and thinks, "Am I the only thing left?" That’s the feeling I wanted to photograph.”
Desert Prism
What began as a soft glow suddenly fractured. It wasn't just one sun. Shimmering symmetrically on either side, painted with subtle spectral golds and pale blues, were two clear, unmistakable sundogs—a phenomenon known as parhelia. The ice crystals were bending the light like a prism, giving the desert a triple-sun canopy.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s ‘Silent People’: The Caprock Column of Ghost Ranch
They call formations like this the ‘Silent People.’ I’m not sure if it’s more eerie or comforting, but standing on this trail, surrounded by these towering, eroded figures, you definitely get the sense that you are being watched by something ancient.
Capturing the Scale of Yosemite’s Grizzly Giant
Capturing this image required me to practically lay flat on the pine needles, much to the amusement, I’m sure, of the tourists passing by.
Finding the Magic in Yosemite Valley’s Morning Mist
Then, right on cue, Half Dome catches the light of the rising sun. It’s a weirdly bright, glowing contrast to the dark, damp, enshrouded trees below.
Church Rock Sandstone Butte in Winter
Church Rock rises from the red dust like a quiet sentinel as I roll on highway 191 into southern Utah
Big Sur Coast and the Rocky Creek Bridge
This shot captures the warm golden hour light hitting the parabolic arch, highlighting the architectural elegance that has defined the California Central Coast for nearly a century.
Tree of Light, Stone of Time
Golden cottonwoods line the winding Rio Grande near Fort Davis, Texas, their yellow leaves bright against the dark basalt cliffs and volcanic ridges rising behind them, a stark contrast to the soft foliage. Sunlight through the leaves makes dappled reflections on river pools and wet sand. Weathered lava flows, columnar basalt, and wind‑sculpted talus show the area’s volcanic past, while sparse desert scrub fills the foreground. The scene—cottonwood riverbank, basalt cliffs, arid scrub, and wide high‑desert light at golden hour—feels timeless and solitary. Ideal for fine art prints and large wall art, it will appeal to collectors of Fort Davis and West Texas landscapes.
Fort Davis landscape, cottonwood trees, volcanic cliffs, basalt escarpment, Rio Grande riparian, West Texas photography, high desert light, golden hour, canyon scene, Texas landscape art, lava flows, columnar basalt, desert scrub, river reflections, tranquil nature.
New Mexico Magazine Photo Contest
Choosing the perfect images for the New Mexico magazine photo contest is a critical step to showcase the true spirit of the American West and make an impact. With your eye for detail and my experience in landscape photography, let's narrow down your best work to three stunning pieces that highlight your connection to the landscapes and the unique light captured from your Sprinter van adventures.
Hey friends! I’m entering the New Mexico Magazine photo contest and need your help. I’ve picked a few favorites from several trips through the Land of Enchentment—I will be so grateful if it pleases you, choose your top three.
Your support means a lot, and together we’ll showcase the spirit of the New Mexico! Can’t wait to see your picks!
My top three favorites to enter:
Desert Dawn Serenity – This image captures the tranquil stillness just before sunrise, with soft purples and warm oranges blending seamlessly over the rugged desert terrain. The composition draws viewers in, evoking a deep sense of peace and reflection.
Red Rock Majesty – Bold and dramatic, this photo showcases the iconic red sandstone formations glowing under the golden hour light. The contrast of shadows and light perfectly emphasizes the texture and grandeur of New Mexico’s natural beauty.
Starry Night Over Taos – A striking long exposure that reveals the breathtaking expanse of the night sky above a sleepy mountain town. The twinkling stars and subtle foreground details create a magical feel that resonates with the spirit of the Southwest.
By focusing on these three images, your entry will present a balanced narrative: peaceful mornings, majestic landscapes, and unforgettable nights, all quintessential to New Mexico’s allure. I’m here to help you finalize your selections and prepare them to make a memorable impression in the contest. Let’s make this submission your best yet!
Mono Lake on a Quiet Morning
The Art Installations of Bombay Beach
After a week on the coast, leaving for home in Texas with a couple stops along the way. Tonight, the Fountain of Youth RV Resort on the Salton Sea.