“Coloradan Dunescape” was captured at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in south-central Colorado. Looking out into the dune field stretching westward from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the photo strives to evoke the spellbinding yet somewhat otherworldly desert environment in that remote part of the Centennial State. It’s reminiscent of other deserts covered by massive dunescapes like the Sahara or the Rub al-Khali but in a chiefly North American setting.

“Chapel of Ochre” was captured at Garden of the Gods, a public park in Colorado Springs. Providing a remarkable opportunity to explore these red rock formations up close, the park is open until 10pm in September, when the photo was taken. Capturing the rising moon in the sharp desert sky in the waning light of day with birds flying amidst the rocks, the photo highlights the elemental power of the rocks and the gentleness they  inspire.