Runners Up

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  El Morro National Monument
  "On the high part of a mesa near El Morro, a man was sitting on a not too distant mesa. He looked very small under the sheltering sky and the open landscape. I realized, I was no different. It didn't make me feel insignificant, but rather connected to the earth and very much alive."

  Photo by cgerards

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  A Slice of Life in Santa Fe
  "Meandering through the back streets of Santa Fe, this scene made me pause and smile."

  Photo by alabuckeye

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  Kasha-Katuwe at Tent Rock National Monument
  "The skies were cloudy and grey as we ascended Tent Rocks National Monument. The overcast skies did not detract from the panoramic views. Our efforts were rewarded, however, on the descent when the clouds broke and a gorgeous crisp blue sky emerged, offering a spectacular backdrop to the rock formations."

  Photo by misty_in_stl

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  Abuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
  "It was fantastic to see all the balloons aloft!"

  Photo by Vister

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  White Sand National Monument
  "These white sands almost look like snow drifts and they make a good substitute for snow for sledding."

  Photo by bjnicho

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  Navajo Eyes
  "My grandkids...Navajo children dress to go...the ever present pickup behind them."

  Photo by 2dogs

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  Morning Flyout at Bosque del Apache
  "Thousands of snow geese all get up and fly out at the exact same moment every morning from the end of November to the end of February in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Reserve south of Albuquerque. I go back year after year to stand in the cold morning light and catch my breath as they fly straight at me."

  Photo by martyree

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  Waiting for Their Cowboy
  "Driving through Carrizozo last fall we saw a cowboy tie up his horse, leave the horse and his dog and go into a convenience store. They waited patiently for his return."

  Photo by Susancr

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  Remembering Near Chimayo
  "Much love went into this handmade grave site."

  Photo by travel10s

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  Ghost at Assisi in Santa Fe
  "While in the churchyard of St. Francis de Assisi at sunset, I noticed that dark shadows of sidewalk pedestrians seemed to float along a nearby amber wall, like ghosts. I framed the scene, and waited for just the right "ghost" to appear, hoping to catch the reverie of this special time and place dating back to 1626. A man walking his dog appeared. Nah. Two women with shopping bags. No way. Next came a man in a suit carrying a briefcase. Forget it. Then, a tall, lean cowboy came out of a nearby shop, pausing at the entry. "Turn left" I whispered to myself. He did, as I reached for the shutter release. As his shadow appeared, I fired two shots. The second caught part of his real leg and boot in the frame. This one, the "Ghost at Assisi", was the first."

  Photo by SRBlair