Close Contact

Slightly South of Bisti Wilderness Area in New Mexico, an ancient remnant of lush, wetlands and forests in the age of dinosaurs lies desiccated and broken - The Valley Of Dreams. These are small areas were the skin of the land is torn open from erosion to reveal geologic and out of place structures and formations. And just like Bisti, it completely lacks trails and directions. On this adventure, the plan was to find and photograph the Alien Throne and surrounding features as the planet flipped the sun from one side of the horizon to the other. Even though waterfalls, rain forests, glaciers and mountains are obvious places to soak in the Earth’s energy, I have always returned to the desert - seeking the company of her more primal and subtle soul. The stoic features of the Valley of Dreams is a perfect meeting place of such a search. “Close Contact” was fun but inconsistent experimental long exposure UFO photography using overhead drone lighting. Since the drone is moving so much during or between shots, it can be hard to quickly evaluate the composition and quality of each exposure before battery time runs out. So, it’s best to shoot fast and furious and see later what luck gives you - or at least for me.