“Desert Sunrise” by B. H. Fairchild

The sun spreads its amber reach,
Casting a warmth on earth’s rough skin,
Dust rises soft, in gentle breach,
To meet the daybreak drifting in.

An old stone house stands weathered and bold,
Its stories whispered in the breeze,
While shadows stretch, and light takes hold,
As cacti stir in morning’s ease.

Here, time is still, yet gently spun,
In hues of gold, as day’s begun.

In May, I had the privilege of visiting Tanque Verde in Arizona while attending The Portrait Creators Conference. Nestled in the heart of the desert, Tanque Verde has a way of wrapping you up in its raw, unexpected beauty. The desert isn’t always gentle—it’s magical and unpredictable, ready to surprise you when you least expect it. (Took me almost an hour to pick the cactus needles out of my t-shirt! 🤣)

I arrived at the beginning of bloom season, when life awakens in the desert. Each morning, the golden light stretched over cacti and stone, transforming the landscape into magic. Some mornings, I was so entranced by the scene that I forgot I even had a camera. The beauty was almost overwhelming, as if nature had paused just for me, inviting me to simply watch, to be. 
In which photo do you envision yourself sitting, pausing, and simply being?

Of course, I did capture lots of shots! Being surrounded by this rugged beauty, with fellow creators who share the same passion, was refreshing and recharging. I left Arizona with a full heart, a fresh perspective, and a memory card loaded with images that will forever remind me of the desert’s unpredictable magic!

PS. Going back to TV next year - reservation is done!