Lichen Colonizing the Lava
Vivid yellow, orange, gray, and pale green lichens spread across porous volcanic rock at El Malpais National Monument, bringing unexpected color to the rugged lava field. A shallow depth of field draws attention to the intricate textures and tiny colonies taking hold on the weathered stone, revealing the slow transformation of a harsh volcanic landscape as life establishes itself across the ancient lava.
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #Lichen #VolcanicRock #LavaField #VolcanicLandscape #NaturePhotography #CloseUpPhotography #Geology #RockTexture #HighDesert #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest #NatureDetails
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #Lichen #VolcanicRock #LavaField #VolcanicLandscape #NaturePhotography #CloseUpPhotography #Geology #RockTexture #HighDesert #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest #NatureDetails
Photographer
James Engel
Date & Time
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 5:19 PM America/Denver
Focal Length
26mm
Shutter Speed
1/125 sec
Aperture
ƒ/3.8
ISO
80
Location
North America, The United States of America, New Mexico, El Malpais National Monument, Zuni-Acoma Trailhead, Zuni-Acoma Trailhead Area
Keywords
Bokeh, Desert Landscape, Landscapes & Nature, Lava Field, Lichen, Macro Photography, National Park, Photography Effects, Photography Genres, Photography Techniques, Photoshop Effects, Plant, Rock, Texture, Volcanic Rock
Camera
Nikon D850
Approximate Map Location
Latitude: 34.955925
Longitude: -107.942726
Altitude: 2,129.0 meters / 6,984.9 feet
Longitude: -107.942726
Altitude: 2,129.0 meters / 6,984.9 feet