From Farmington to Santa Fe: A Late Winter Drive Through Northern New Mexico
What started as a scenic March drive nearly turned into a snowed-in situation in Farmington. But once the skies cleared, the journey south to Santa Fe unveiled some of New Mexico’s most striking winter landscapes — the kind that inspired artists like Georgia O’Keeffe.
March in northern New Mexico has a way of catching you off guard. My wife and I had planned a scenic drive from Farmington to Santa Fe, but an overnight snowstorm nearly trapped us before we could even get started. Roads were briefly shut down while we were staying in Farmington — the kind of surprise weather twist that makes you grateful for flexible plans and warm coffee.
Layered cliffs near Ghost Ranch dusted in snow — the same landscapes that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic works.
When the roads finally reopened the next morning, we hit the highway with snow still clinging to the desert hills, mesas, and forests — a surreal mix of red rock and powder white that you don’t often get to see in this part of the Southwest.
Rolling high desert terrain just south of Farmington — snow-covered and tinted with early spring light.
One of the highlights came near Ghost Ranch, where striped cliffs in warm hues of pink, yellow, and ochre rose up from the snowy desert floor. It’s no wonder these landscapes captured the imagination of Georgia O’Keeffe, who spent decades painting the forms and colors of this region. Even dusted with snow, the sculpted geology felt alive with movement and meaning.
Mount Cabezon rises through low clouds and fresh snow — a striking volcanic remnant along the New Mexico horizon.
Farther down the road, Mount Cabezon emerged like a monolith from the snow-blanketed landscape. Low clouds swirled around its base, making it look like a peak from a dream.
Cattle forage through snow-covered brush near the highway — signs of life amid the frozen stillness.
We passed through rolling desert hills, snow-covered junipers, and rugged canyon walls, each turn in the road offering something new to photograph. One of my favorite shots from the day was of a lone cow grazing in the middle of a frozen, bushy expanse — a quiet reminder of how life adapts out here.
Golden cliffs layered in snow along the drive toward Abiquiú — a dramatic mix of rock and winter silence.
As we got closer to Santa Fe, the terrain shifted again — denser pine forests with golden sandstone cliffs peeking out from behind snow-frosted trees. These scenes felt more alpine than desert, like northern Arizona or southern Colorado, and they were a beautiful way to end the drive.
Frost-laced pines against a crystal-clear blue sky — a quiet, alpine moment in the high desert.
This was one of those unplanned journeys that reminded me why I keep my camera close and my schedule open. New Mexico has a rhythm all its own — sometimes harsh, sometimes magical, and always worth capturing.
A Stroll Through History: Capturing the Texas State Capitol
Framed by oak branches, the Texas State Capitol rises with timeless elegance—its copper dome and waving flags a proud symbol of Austin’s rich history.
During a recent visit to Austin, I made time to explore and photograph one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—the Texas State Capitol. Nestled at the north end of Congress Avenue, this architectural marvel is not just a government building—it's a symbol of pride, heritage, and Texas-sized grandeur.
Completed in 1888, the Texas State Capitol stands as a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. It was constructed from "sunset red" granite and remains one of the tallest capitol buildings in the United States. The design is a fine example of Renaissance Revival architecture, reflecting both elegance and strength.
What struck me first was the intricate detail of the dome, topped by the Goddess of Liberty holding a lone star high above the city. Shooting from below with a soft morning sky gave the statue a subtle glow—making for a dramatic composition with both the U.S. and Texas flags fluttering beneath it.
Approaching from the shaded pathway lined with live oaks, the grandeur of the building truly sets in. There’s something special about this view—the symmetry of the trees guiding you straight to the steps, where everyday life unfolds against a backdrop of classical design and Texas resilience.
Photographing the Capitol from different vantage points allowed me to highlight the way the structure blends into the landscape. The final frame, peeking through the branches, felt like a quiet moment of reverence—a reminder that history can be found in both the monumental and the intimate.
Closing Thought:
If you're ever in Austin with a camera in hand, the Capitol is a must-shoot. It’s a space where politics, artistry, and natural beauty converge—and where even a casual stroll can become a photo essay
A Burst of Color in the Desert: Visiting Seven Magic Mountains
Just outside the bustle of Las Vegas, vivid towers of stacked boulders rise from the quiet desert. In this shot, the full lineup of Seven Magic Mountains stands boldly against a backdrop of soft mountains and moody skies—where color and landscape collide in the most unexpected harmony.
Strolling toward the vibrant towers of Seven Magic Mountains, surrounded by desert stillness and bursts of color.
Tucked just outside Las Vegas, amidst the muted tones of the Mojave Desert, stands a surreal sight that feels both out of place and perfectly at home—Seven Magic Mountains. Created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, this large-scale public art installation features seven towering stacks of brightly painted boulders that rise from the earth like candy-colored sentinels.
I stopped here on a cloudy desert morning, the subdued sky setting the perfect backdrop for the neon rocks to pop even more vividly. The contrast between nature's dusty palette and the vibrance of the painted stones makes this place a photographer's dream. The installation draws a mix of tourists, locals, and art lovers—each person bringing their own energy into the scene.
A pop of color in the Mojave—standing beneath one of Seven Magic Mountains' vibrant towers.
There’s something peaceful about wandering the trail that leads to the sculptures. Despite the scattered visitors and the click of camera shutters, the wide desert still holds that hush of vastness. The closer you get, the more you appreciate the scale of the installation—some stacks tower over thirty feet high. The colors aren’t just for show—they evoke joy, curiosity, and a spark of wonder.
A Bit of History
Bright towers rise from the desert floor—Seven Magic Mountains standing bold against the muted Mojave backdrop.
Seven Magic Mountains was unveiled in May 2016 as a temporary two-year installation but quickly became so beloved that its display was extended indefinitely. Rondinone created the installation as a meditation on the contrast between natural and artificial—desert silence meeting the visual noise of neon color. The boulders themselves were locally sourced, cut, stacked, and painted in vibrant hues to create a striking juxtaposition against the desert landscape. It was produced by the Nevada Museum of Art and Art Production Fund and remains one of the most iconic land art pieces in the American Southwest.
Whether you’re looking to add a splash of surrealism to your landscape shots or just want to experience a moment of unexpected beauty in the desert, Seven Magic Mountains is well worth the detour. For me, it wasn’t just about the art—it was about the mix of human creativity and nature’s calm, colliding in a spot that invites you to pause, reflect, and, of course, snap a photo.