This collection of elegantly composed black-and-white images by one of New Mexico's most accomplished photographers, celebrates the state's captivating physical variety and enduring allure. With subject matter ranging from some of the state's most iconic landforms-including the White Sands desert and Carlsbad Caverns-to the people who work the land, Varjabedian's images pay homage to New Mexico's ancient history and to the homely details of everyday life. In photographing his subjects, whether epic or mundane, Varjabedian seeks the moments when the light, shadow, composition, and other elements combine to express the beauty of the place. Marin Sardy's wide-ranging essay provides historical and cultural contexts in which to understand Varjabedian's work. Scholar-poet Jeanetta Calhoun Mish defines the particular quality of the artist's imagery.

Craig Varjabedian is a renowned photographer and author. His most recent UNM Press book, Landscape Dreams, A New Mexico Portrait, won the prestigious New Mexico–Arizona Book Award. Based in Santa Fe, he photographs throughout the American West and teaches at Eloquent Light Photography Workshops.

Hampton Sides is a best-selling author and author of numerous history books

Marin Sardy, an essayist, has appeared in numerous publications.

Jeanetta Calhoun Mish is the founding editor of Mongrel Empire Press and the director of the Red Earth MFA in Creative Writing Program at Oklahoma City University.