I have been known to say that I have a crush on New Mexico. I like the food, the scenery, the color(s) of the light, the climate, the people. I like the cultures that are represented there and the way that translates into cemeteries and towns that look much different than their counterparts anywhere else I’ve been.

Thinking back through photos that I’ve made, I realize that my strongest images are from New Mexico. That’s not me saying that I’m a photographic genius (because: are you kidding me? OF COURSE I’m not) as much as it is me acknowledging that I am a different and more engaged photographer when I am there.

I am also not saying that this image is the best one I’ll ever make. But I am happy that I found this out of business place by the road. I’m glad I stomped through the weeds to get close enough for the photo I needed. I’m satisfied with the amount of ragged things in one place. But my most favorite part of the whole scene is the way the “S” in “DRUMS” is actually upside down. That thrills me to level I can’t understand or describe.

Sometimes is really IS the little things that matter the most.

near Santa Fe, New Mexico
photographed 9.20.2026