Arizona radiates a quintessential Southwestern culture. What truly distinguishes this corner of the country is its rich tapestry woven from a captivating blend of Native American heritage, Mexican vibrancy, frontier spirit, and contemporary dynamics. This unique blend permeates every facet of Arizona’s identity, from the bustling urban streets of Phoenix to the serene ancient cliff dwellings scattered across its vast landscapes, a lively paradigm eclipsing that of any other state in the nation.
The allure of Arizona lies in its stark desert beauty and the seamless interplay of cultures that have shaped its identity over centuries. It is a state where past and present converge, where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate beside the pulse of modern life. Whether exploring our bustling urban centers or hiking amidst the timeless grandeur of the Grand Canyon, Arizona promises a journey through a diverse multicultural mosaic.
Born and raised in Arizona's arid Valley of the Sun, where sunlight reigns nearly year-round, I embarked on my journey into photography during my high school years. Contrary to misconceptions, we did have modern amenities like electricity and automobiles, alongside 35mm single-lens reflex cameras that captured the world in black & white film. Despite limited school resources, we reveled in the alchemy of loading film, capturing moments, developing negatives, and printing photos in the darkroom—a process that felt like pure magic.
Throughout my life, photography alternated between a central pursuit and a secondary passion, intertwined with the ebb and flow of personal milestones like marriage, raising three children, and managing a mortgage. Professionally, my career began in the mid-80s photographing friends during our semi-professional team-roping days and tending to cattle on ranches. Selling prints was simpler then, with less competition and a high demand for personalized photographs capturing authentic moments.
An avid outdoorsman since overcoming childhood asthma and allergies, I explored Arizona and the western United States through hiking, backpacking, climbing, and fishing—always with a camera in hand. My deep-seated appreciation for natural beauty stems from these adventures, as I believe nothing crafted by man can rival the awe-inspiring vistas sculpted by Mother Nature, particularly the breathtaking sunsets that outshine any city skyline.
My photography reflects not just a visual record of landscapes and moments, but a testament to resilience, passion for the outdoors, and the enduring allure of capturing nature's most breathtaking creations through the lens of a camera.
I hope you enjoy viewing these photos as much as I’ve enjoyed my travels throughout Arizona (and sometimes beyond) to capture these amazing images.
Robert Hergenrather