The Eye of Alabama Hills Big Bend captured from a fixed tripod

captured from a fixed tripod position to maintain clarity from the nearest petals through the cactus pads and spines

The foreground and mid-ground were captured during blue hour using focus stacking to maintain clarity across the cactus and surrounding stone

I chose to stay

No elements were added

The road rises and falls with the terrain

The Eye of Alabama Hills Big Bend captured from a fixed tripodAlabama Hills, California This photograph was made at the Eye of Alabama Hills arch, one of my favorite compositions anywhere in the West. What makes this scene special to me is how naturally it comes together. The cactus in the foreground aligns almost perfectly with the opening in the rock behind it, without forcing the frame or searching for an angle that isnt there. Moments like this are rare. When they happen, it feels less like creating and more