"Land of Enchantment" is the state motto of New Mexico. It is truly a fitting motto, what with the state's remarkable sunsets, storied history, and phenomenal geology. Truth be told, I came away with many photographs that deserve this same title. There is enchantment around every corner. But if one scene deserved the title above all the others, this was it. As a summer monsoon swept through Albuquerque, I set out with my camera, racing the sunset. I found my vantage point - the base of the dramatic Sandia Mountains - and was just in time for one heck of a light show. The sun dipped below the clouds, and lit up the virga (rain which evaporates before hitting the ground) as if switching on a light. Then appeared the brightest double rainbow I've ever seen, seemingly only a hundred yards away. Combined with the golden foothills and towering Sandias, I felt like I was on the set of an epic movie. It was one of those experiences that sticks with you forever, whether you photograph it or not.

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I photographed this beautiful desert sunset at the base of the Sandia Mountains, right in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This was one of the very first days I was in New Mexico, just driving around, looking for a place to shoot photos. Little did I know that New Mexico would immerse me in phenomenal opportunities all summer long. It's no wonder they call it the Land of Enchantment. The sunsets during the Chihuahua Desert's summer monsoon season compete to be the most beautiful I have ever seen. I thought I was blessed to see a sight this gorgeous on my very first day... but it was really just business as usual!

Higher resolutions of this image are available (the maximum resolution for this image is 3879x3879). For usages that require a resolution higher than 3000px, or are otherwise beyond the standard terms and conditions, please email me directly at matt@matttilghman.com to discuss use-specific pricing.

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