End, Santa Fe River Gorge 1978

William Clift made this photograph of the Santa Fe River Gorge, and what strikes me is how he plays with light and shadow to define the landscape. It's a process of revealing and concealing, much like how we come to understand a place or a person over time. Looking closely, you see the textures of the land—the rough edges of the cliffs, the soft undulations of the hills. It’s all rendered in shades of grey, which somehow makes it more tangible, more real. My eye is drawn to the way the clouds cast shadows on the ground, creating a patchwork effect that emphasizes the sheer scale of the landscape. It reminds me a little of the stark beauty you find in some of Ansel Adams’ photographs, but with a rawer, more personal feel. It is like Clift is not just documenting a place, but also inviting us to contemplate our relationship with it. The image embraces ambiguity, letting us bring our own experiences and interpretations to the table.