Landscape nominee

This series presents the diversity and unexpected beauty found across desert ecosystems in Southern California. There are four major desert ecosystems in North America: the Mojave, Sonoran, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau. Southern California contains three of these four ecosystems. These images were taken in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Mojave National Preserve. Across the images there is a contrast between the ecosystems. The cholla cacti depict the Sonoran Desert, whereas the Badwater Basin and badlands demonstrate the Great Basin Desert. Lastly, the sand dunes and yucca fields are a representation of the Mojave Desert. Each of these parks have transition zones, which are unique ecologically, as species of different ecosystems are found interacting with each other. These ecosystems are teaming with life, breaking the common misconceptions of a dry and barren desert.

I am a landscape and nature photographer based in Southern California. When I have a camera and I am exploring a new location, backpacking, camping, or just going to a local beach, then I am happy and at peace. What makes me passionate about landscape photography is the never-ending challenge of trying to capture the power, beauty, and serenity of the landscape I am photographing.

My images are all about the outdoors and telling a story. I try to portray the feelings of being out in nature; the sense of isolation when you have a mountain to yourself, the sound of waves crashing on the shore of a desolate beach, or the tranquility of a crisp spring morning in the forest. Through my photography I hope to inspire people to go out into nature, conserve it, and enjoy all it has to offer.