https://www.kenaiphoto.com/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/desert-southwest/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/white-sands/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/sandias/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/great-sand-dunes/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/abstract/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/homepage-slideshow/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/desert-abstracts/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/pano/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/journal/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/white-sands-2021/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/black-white/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/minimalism/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/limited-edition/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/alaska-trips/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/gallery/alaska-trip-photos1/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/page/prints/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/page/about/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/prince-william-sound/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/PWS.jpg Prince William Sound sunset The sun sets over Prince William Sound and Valdez, Alaska. It is truly amazing to see how this area has recovered from the devastating oil spill of 1989. Prince William Sound https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/alaska-waterfall/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/ValdezFalls.jpg Valdez Waterfall A waterfall punctuates the beautiful landscape near Valdez, Alaska. Near Valdez, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/valdez-exposure-1/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Valdez2.jpg Eons of Time Clouds blur as time passes above rugged mountains near Valdez, Alaska. Valdez, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/valdez-exposure-2/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Valdez1.jpg Wild Blue Clouds blur the blue sky in this long exposure photo of mountains near Valdez, Alaska Valdez, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/rainbow-mountain/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/RainbowMTN.jpg Shrouded Rainbow Clouds from an oncoming storm shroud Rainbow Mountain in the heart of Alaska. Rainbow Mountain, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/sunrise-at-37k/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Logan.jpg Sunrise at 37k The Logan Massif is a truly gigantic mountain whose scale is difficult (impossible?) to comprehend. I was fortunate enough to see this as I flew home. To those brave alpinists who have been to the summit my hat is off to you. Near the Logan Massif https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/fall-river/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Fall.jpg Fall River Beautiful fall foliage seem to illuminate this river on the way south to Valdez. Near Valdez, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/frozen-dawn/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Beaver.jpg Frozen Dawn Dawn illuminates water and a small beaver dam one frigid morning (-4F) in early winter, Alaska. Near Black Rapids, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/dawn-descends/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/AlaskaRange1.jpg Dawn Descends Dawn descends on the mountains of the eastern Alaska Range, south of Delta Junction. This is one of the few times in my life I have seen a truly purple sky. Eastern Alaska Range https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/cabin-by-the-river/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/River2.jpg Cabin by the river A cabin stands by a remote river along the Denali Highway, deep in the heart of Alaska. Middle of nowhere Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/blue-flow/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WaterAbstract.jpg Blue Flow An abstract image of the glacier-fed water of the Tanana River in the interior of Alaska. Tanana River, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/119/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Eagle.jpg Bald Eagle in Winter A lone bald eagle stands atop a barren tree, deep in the Alaskan winter Summit, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/sandia-mystery/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/SandiaBW.jpg Sandia Mystery I really enjoy this dark and somewhat mysterious view of the Sandia Mountains. Photographers tend to capture the mountain from due west of it (present company included). But this shot shows the north end of the mountains, with sun rays streaking through the clouds and only partially illuminating the mountain. Sandia Mountains, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/curl/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS13.jpg Curl Strong winds create waves of gypsum at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/sandstorm/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS10.jpg Sandstorm Massive clouds of gypsum dust move across Alkali Flats, just west of the dunes of White Sands National Park in New Mexico. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/magdalena-2/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Magdalena.jpg Magdalena This is certainly one of my favorite photos, captured purely by chance as I was driving to another location. I have a soft spot for lone trees, so there was no way I could pass this one up. I recommend HD acrylic for my black and white prints. Near Magdalena, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/the-raven/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/The-Raven.jpg The Raven After a cold and rainy morning trying to capture some of the desert landmarks around Sedona, Arizona I stopped to rest and dry off. As I cleaned my lenses a majestic raven flew over me and perched in a dying tree nearby. The symbolism was palpable, and immediately reminded me of Poe. "His eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming." It still gives me chills when I look at this raven's eye. I recommend HD acrylic for my black and white prints. Sedona, Arizona https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/nevermore/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Nevermore.jpg Nevermore After a while the raven lost interest in me and decided to move on. Nevermore. Sedona, Arizona https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/cabezon/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Cabezon.jpg Cabezon Corral Cabezon, an extinct volcanic cinder cone, rises more than a thousand feet above the surrounding terrain. I love this part of New Mexico because of how remote and quiet it is; you're far more likely to encounter cattle and coyotes than you are another person. I recommend HD acrylic for my black and white prints. Cabezon, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/111/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Pano5.jpg Pax ABQ This is by far my favorite photo of Albuquerque, taken from the summit of the Sandia Mountains. This is a 7-photo panorama, each with slightly different exposure values, then blended in Lightroom. At full resolution the amount of detail in this image is truly stunning; individual lights nearly 60 miles away are visible. It is possible to enlarge this up to eight feet wide or more. Please contact me for pricing, as this is a fully customizable photo. North Sandia Mountain, Albuquerque https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/majestic/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Pano4.jpg Majestic This panorama of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande River of New Mexico is a truly massive photo, composed of eight photos. This permits printing in very large sizes (ten feet or more) without losing resolution. I love the sunset on the mountain and the fall colors on the Bosque. Pure Albuquerque. Rio Grande River, Albuquerque, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/illumination-2/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Pano2.jpg Illumination I consider Illumination to be my finest work yet and a very meaningful one. This is the kind of work I aspired to produce when I first began taking photos. As I described in my trip report from December, 2021 there were magical conditions at White Sands that day as a powerful storm ripped through the region. I waited for hours to capture this fleeting column of light as it raced across the dunes and vanished. The dark, ominous skies contrasted beautifully with the pure white dunes, while the winds lifted the sand to reveal the light in midair. This was a rare moment indeed. Illumination is available as a limited edition of 10 prints, each printed on HD 360 Acrylic, in the panoramic size of 31 x 77 inches. These are the highest quality, truly gallery-grade prints available. The printer individually inspects each print and will print it up to three times to ensure perfection. Once approved by the printer the 1/4" glass is hand polished before face mounting the print. Both are then mounted on a 1/8" acrylic backing with an aluminum float frame. You will receive a hand signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity with your purchase. This is truly a Land of Enchantment masterpiece! White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/entangled/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS9.jpg Entangled Shadow and bright dunes entangle each other in this image of White Sands National Park, New Mexico. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/sleeping/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS8.jpg Sleeping A slightly different take on a dune at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/oro/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA11.jpg Oro Capital Reef National Park is one of the lesser-known national parks, which is surprising given the stunning beauty of landscape. I took this early one morning in the Grand Wash, known for its towering vertical walls carved by eons of water flowing from mountains above. At certain angles the walls shimmer with an iridescent glow, as if painted in oil on canvas. Capital Reef National Park, Utah https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/golden-waves/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA5.jpg Golden waves "Waves" of sand flowing at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/trajectory/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA4.jpg Trajectory While it often pays to move quickly in landscape photography, it can be easy to miss subtle beauty like this abstract pattern in the sand. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/tea-in-the-sahara/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA3.jpg Tea in the Sahara It is difficult to imagine how the wind carves such beautiful, intricate patterns in the sand. I also like how this photo might have been taken from five or five hundred feet above the ground. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/oro-ii/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA10.jpg Oro II A fascinating image of golden, scalloped walls at Capital Reef National Park in Utah. Capital Reef National Park, Utah https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/pressure/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA9.jpg Pressure It takes tremendous pressure over very long periods of time to create layers of sandstone like this. The rich colors only add to the beauty of the landscape of the Utah desert. Capital Reef National Park, Utah https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/cracking/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA8.jpg Cracking under pressure Angled sandstone with a vertical crack caught my eye while walking early one morning through the Grand Wash at Capital Reef National Park in Utah. Capital Reef National Park, Utah https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/banner/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA7.jpg Banner I love the way flowing water created this intricate pattern on the sandstone walls of Capital Reef National Park. Capital Reef National Park, Utah https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/glow/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA6.jpg Glow I tend to take my photos as far off the beaten path as I can hike in a day, but there are the odd exceptions. On a road trip to Utah I stopped to rest in the middle of a moonless night. I camped on BLM land, having no idea what was around me. At sunrise the next morning I was surprised to see this cool view just a few hundred yards from where I stopped. I grabbed my gear a ran to catch this before the sun rose any higher. Blue Gate, Utah https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/desert-waves/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA2.jpg Desert Waves Waves of sand flow at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/flow/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/DA1.jpg Flow At a place as beautiful as the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado it is easy to keep one's eyes up on the massive dunes, deep blow skies, and cotton clouds. But that also makes it easy to miss the artistry of the sand itself. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/rivulet4/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract20.jpg Rivulet 4 Another stream cutting through deep snow before the coming winter freeze and covers it. Black Rapids, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/92/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract25.jpg Organic The repetitive, almost organic pattern in this gypsum sand is fascinating. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/inbound/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS23.jpg Inbound A brewing storm approaches White Sands National Park, kicking up plumes of gypsum dust on Alkali Flats. Interestingly, the space shuttle program used Alkali Flats as an alternate landing strip. The combination of dunes, winds, mountains, and clouds creates a stunning landscape. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/89/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WSBW2.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/88/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS.BW.2.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/87/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS.BW.1.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/85/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/raven1.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/84/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/BW1.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/flight/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS11.jpg Flight The simple, clean lines of sand dunes can create fascinating abstractions of life. What do you see when you look at this? White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/endurance/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/LoneTreePHEdit.jpg Endurance I tend to move quickly, especially in winter. But near the summit of the Sandia Mountains (10,600 feet) I had to stop for a bit to admire this very exposed tree. I marveled at how it has managed to survive in a place so inhospitable to life; how many years of storms, droughts, and wind has this tree endured? And yet it lives. Hats off to endurance. Sandia Mountains, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/bison1/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/BisonSnow.jpg Winter Snack Several bison of the Sandia Pueblo herd endure cold temperatures, wind, and fog during a winter storm. SANDIA PUEBLO, NEW MEXICO https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/aspen/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Sandia3.jpg Winter Aspen Early one cold morning in the Sandias I took this photo on my way to photograph another location. I enjoy the simple contrast between the Aspen Trees and pines, both of which are covered in frost from a storm the night before. Sandia Mountains, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/sandia-sunrise/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Sandia4.jpg Sandia Sunrise Summer monsoons bring the desert to life in this early morning image of the sun rising over the Sandias. Sandia Mountains, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/enchanted1/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Sandia2.jpg Sandia Enchantment New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment, in part because of places like this. Deep in winter I hiked the summit ridge of the Sandia Mountains as snow fell and heavy clouds blanketed everything. For a few minutes the winds abated and I was able to quietly enjoy a moment at this magic spot. Sandia Mountains, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/highdesert/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/HighDesertSunrise.jpg Sandia Sunrise Throughout most of the year the grass at the base of the Sandia Mountains is gold and dormant from lack of water. But during the summer monsoons the desert often turns a rich green, if only for a month or so. It's a sight to behold, because it won't last long. SANDIA MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/69/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Self1.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/fading/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/GSD13.jpg Fading As the sun set on my last day in the park, I turned to see these beautiful abstract shapes, formed by dunes, light, and shadows beneath the crystal clear skies. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/almost/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract19.jpg Almost "Almost" because I very nearly cropped the yucca plant out of the image. But as I reflected on it, it seemed to belong in the image; it adds just a bit of life to an otherwise spotless image. Undoubtedly I've violated some long-standing rule of photography by keeping it, but it just seemed important to keep it in view. This image is of a small dune deep within White Sands National park. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/felt/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Felt.jpg Felt Sand Dunes are an abstract photographer's paradise, especially for those who enjoy minimalism like I do. In this photo you can very nearly feel the texture of the sand and the warmth of the sun. And the purity of the sand is stunning, especially high up on the largest dunes. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/inexorable/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/GSD10.jpg Inexorable In this abstract image of the Great Sand Dunes, a combination of sand, shadows, and snow mingle to create complex scenes such as this. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/serendipitous/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/GSD.No.9.jpg Serendipitous This image perhaps more than any other I have taken is the quintessence of my photographic style and ethic. The lines are beyond graceful and sublime; the dunes are essentially free of distracting elements or contaminants; the light is nearly perfect. I would not change a thing about this photo, even if I could, and I did essentially no post-processing beyond bringing out the colors as I saw them. (Shooting RAW leaves images looking washed out). I absolutely love this photo and I hope you do as well. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/58/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow19.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/57/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow18.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/56/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow17.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/54/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow15.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/52/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow13.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/51/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow12.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/50/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow11.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/44/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow5.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/43/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow4.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/41/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Slideshow2.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/cathedral/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Cathedral.jpg Cathedral Sunset The summer of 2021 had some of the strongest monsoon storms in Arizona since 1952. Instead of brilliant blue skies I often encountered heavy clouds, fog, and strong rain. During a rare break in those conditions I caught this magical image of Cathedral Rocks at sunset. SEDONA, ARIZONA https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/rivulet1/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract18.jpg Rivulet 1 Part I of a mini-series of streams cutting through the deep snow of the Alaskan interior. Black Rapids, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/rivulet2/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract17.jpg Rivulet 2 Part II. I felt a little fortunate to find these streams, because I was aware that they would be buried beneath deeper snow in a matter of days or weeks at most. Black Rapids, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/rivulet3/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract16.jpg Rivulet 3 Part III. Here's to meaningful friendships. I captured these photos while visiting one of the very best people I know, my buddy Kris. We went to high school together in the interior of Alaska and still manage to meet up regularly in Alaska. It's as if no time at all has passed. Black Rapids, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/pacific/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract15.jpg Pacific Small waves within much larger waves of gypsum at White Sands National Park, New Mexico. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/zebra/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract14.jpg Zebra A setting sun barely clipped the top of these ripples in the sand, leaving mostly shadow between them. By selectively darkening the shadows I was able to reveal the zebra stripes more clearly. By simply darkening the shadows this image emerged. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/elegant-waves/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract12.jpg Elegance This is one of my favorite abstract photos; the elegant curves, interesting patterns, and subtle contrast between light blue and white make this almost magical in my eyes. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/uncertainty/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract11.jpg Uncertainty These interesting lines at White Sands National Park caught my attention. It seemed as if the lines merged, flowed, then diverged endlessly, as if they could not decide how to be. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/uncertainty2/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract10.jpg Uncertainty II Another set of uncertain lines in the dunes at White Sands. One could easily fill volumes of books with patterns from White Sands, never repeating a single one. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/origins/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract9.jpg Origins An interesting, abstract pattern of ripples in the gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park, New Mexico. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/cetaceans/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract8.jpg Cetaceans Ripples in the gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park reminded me of certain ocean creatures. What do you see? White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/change/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract7.jpg Change I love the sinusoidal shape of this line, cutting gracefully across the dunes at White Sands National Park. A close look reveals a surprisingly sharp edge to the line, separating one side from the other. As beautiful as this line is, I reflected that it likely won't be there the next time I return. The only constant is change. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/ambiguity/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract5.jpg Ambiguity When I was selecting photos for this gallery I knew this one made the cut. Spotless gypsum in White Sands National Park, New Mexico. I love the subtle curves and gentle light of this photo; one can almost imagine rolling waves in the middle of the ocean, unperturbed by anything. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/question/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract4.jpg Question An abstract image of deep snow in the winter of Alaska near Delta Junction on the Tanana River, reminiscent of a question mark. Tanana River, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/veil/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract3.jpg Veil Snow gives the appearance of a veil in this abstract image from the Tanana River, deep in the interior of Alaska. Eventually most of this snow will melt into the river, flow north to the Yukon River, and finally make its way to the North Pacific Ocean. Tanana River, Alaska https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/understatement/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Abstract1.jpg Understatement Elegant lines in a snowdrift near the top of the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. Photos of snow are some of the most challenging to take; in full sunlight the glare can easily wash out lines and shapes. Under cloudy skies (as in this photo) details seem to disappear. I have learned to move slowly and carefully, so that I can find what I'm seeking without accidentally stepping onto it. Sandia Mountains, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/emblem/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS22.jpg Emblem On the northern end of White Sands National Park there is relatively little vegetation on the dunes. Somehow, though, a few tough plants like this find a way to survive and even thrive. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/layers/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WS4.jpg Layers As an avid weather watcher, I could not miss a chance to photograph White Sands in a storm. With winds approaching 60 miles per hour, the storm did not disappoint. The clouds overhead were very dark in the middle of the day, and what little sunlight penetrated moved very quickly across the landscape. White Sands National Park, New Mexico https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/serpentine/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/GSD5.jpg Serpentine Another view of the "magic spot," with sand, snow, water, and sunlight all combining to generate spectacular images on scales much smaller than the massive dunes. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/divide/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/GSD4.jpg Divide This unique photo resulted from a combination of sand, snow, and the sun's heat at Great Sand Dunes National Park. The night before I took this, the park received a half inch of snow. Some of the snow melted into the sand, then refroze. Wind then deposited another thin layer of sand on top of the snow. The next morning, sunlight melted the snow it reached (on the right side) while the snow, sand, and now-frozen water created the fascinating lines on the left. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colordado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/zelensky/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/GSD3.jpg Zelensky I move quickly and almost constantly when I'm out chasing light. So it was unusual for me to pause a while at this spot, soaking in the brilliant blue sky and deep, golden hues of the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. As I reflect on this photo in March of 2022 I can't help but think of the flag of the nation of Ukraine, and the terrible suffering they are enduring as I type this in my warm, safe home. Perhaps we can all take a moment to cherish what we have. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/cashmere/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/GSD2.jpg Cashmere This is another view of the deep golden sands and deep blue sky near the top of the highest dune in the park. I especially love how the texture of the sand is so clear near the bottom of the photograph. Hence, cashmere. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado. https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/9/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WSwide3jfv2.jpg https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/8/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/WSwide2jf.jpg ILLUMINATION WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK, NEW MEXICO https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/solitude/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Wingsv2.jpg Solitude Shiprock (or, the Winged Rock to the Navajo) is an absolutely stunning volcanic monadnock rising more than 1500 feet above the desert in far northwest New Mexico. I hiked several miles at night to this spot, then waited for the moon to rise behind me. This photo is a compilation of 22 exposures, blended to show the rotation of the earth. The illumination on Shiprock is entirely moonlight. This was a truly magical (if spooky) night. I didn't encounter a single person all night. SHIPROCK, NEW MEXICO https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/splash/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Splashv2.jpg Splash After a half dozen or so trips up and down the Rio Grande searching for vantage points, I found this amazing spot. Eventually I captured a colorful sunset over fall foliage and the Rio Grande in New Mexico. RIO GRANDE BOSQUE. RIO RANCHO, NEW MEXICO https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/crystalline/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/Crystalline2.jpg Crystalline While setting up for sunset photography I decided to try a shot of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande in bright daylight. I climbed down the steep riverbank, grabbed a very stout root with one hand, then held my camera with the other to get this shot close to the water. I'm thankful I kept the camera on the dry side. RIO GRANDE BOSQUE. RIO RANCHO, NEW MEXICO https://www.kenaiphoto.com/photo/test/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/images/xl/test.jpg Test Photo Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Testville, Testikistan https://www.kenaiphoto.com/news/ https://www.kenaiphoto.com/contact/