I have no interest in taking pretty pictures. In my book, one of the worst insults when someone looks at a picture of mine is ‘oh, isn’t that pretty’ (or even worse, ‘oh, wouldn’t that be pretty in color’). That kind of reaction tells me I failed.
The desert is a place of great beauty. It’s also a harsh, bare-bones, unforgiving land that bakes under a relentless sun. It matters to me to be able to show that beauty and starkness, as much as is possible in images, but I don’t necessarily want my work to be pleasing. I want it to be jarring. I want it to have an edge and a bite to it that says yes – this is a place of great beauty and mystery. It’s also a place that can kill you. I’m getting there.
desert topographics 