By Staff Writer: Kayla Kocher
When I moved from Ohio to eastern New Mexico in 2022, my creativity took a hit. Back home, I was surrounded by greenery, floral houses and nature parks that made photography easy. Out here, everything felt “crunchy and brown.” It took time to learn that art does not rely on scenery but on perspective.
Most days, I use my iPhone or my 35mm film camera, a Canon Rebel K2. Having film developed makes for an expensive hobby, but in a time of instant gratification, the wait for results feels refreshing. Film forces me to slow down, think about framing and pay attention to light before I press the shutter.
I want to be clear that I am not knocking the beauty of this region. For many people, the desert is a source of pride and home. The vast skies, rugged mesas and quiet openness have their own kind of poetry. It is simply not my traditional idea of scenic beauty, so learning to see it differently has been a creative challenge.
If you live somewhere that feels plain or uninspiring, focus on light first. Golden hour can turn a gravel road into gold, while midday shadows can create dramatic shapes. Notice reflections in windows, light leaks through fences or dust swirling in sunbeams. These fleeting moments tell stories.
Composition also transforms the ordinary. Try shooting from unexpected angles or distances. Get low to the ground near dry grass, focus on chipped paint or frame a subject with street signs or power lines. Even “ugly” places have texture and geometry worth exploring.
Some of my favorite photos come from home: my dog lounging in afternoon light, steam curling from a coffee mug or sunlight stretching across the kitchen table. Creativity often hides in familiar spaces.
Living in rural New Mexico has taught me patience and observation. You do not need mountains or city skylines to make good art. Sometimes the most beautiful shots come from learning to see the ordinary differently.