What adjectives come to mind when you think of deserts?  Dry?  Desolate?  Hot?  Indeed, deserts are so defined because of their lack of water, but what about other descriptive words like colorful, life-giving, dramatic, abundant?  Underneath the desert’s harsh exterior, there is a soft subtlety that is visible when the light plays in a certain way, illuminating delicate lines and exposing this understated beauty.  The images in this portfolio highlight desert ecosystems from across the western United States.