In a day and age where A.I. computer manipulation and Photoshop rule the world of photography, it’s refreshing to find a naturalist, in the technological and thematic sense of the word.
I first met Jory Vander Galien several years back. Our shared interest in art, music, and life brought us together. I’ve followed his award-winning career ever since.
As a child of the Midwest, Vander Galien moved to New Mexico to attend the University of New Mexico. Over the years, he’s specialized in the Southwest landscapes, creating stunning images via natural means: a camera, light, a fabulous eye, and great timing. His goal is to “intentionally share the beauty of the world where each click of the shutter is different and entirely unique.”
I caught up with Vander Galien to discuss his recent award.
Tell me about the recent New Mexico Magazine photos.
“I got an email from the photo editor of the New Mexico Magazine stating, ‘Congratulations, you have two winning images for Standing under the Milky Way and Glowing Aspens and Dark Woods—Blue Hour.’ That’s all the information I received. I had no further information up until the release of the magazine just before Christmas.
“The best surprise, however, was when I got a text from a friend with my photo on the front cover of the January/February 2025 issue. It didn't really hit me, though, until I saw the cover myself in a checkout lane at a store. Such an incredibly humbling experience!”
Without giving away your secret sauce, give us an idea of what it takes to capture your spectacular photos?
“The secret is timing, patience, and the willingness to take risks with my equipment.
“Let me add that there are amazing and powerful tools available to us, Apps that can calculate the sun and moon and galaxies at every hour of the day and pinpoint locations around the world. I can plan the precise height and location in the night sky where the Galactic Core of the Milky Way will be at a given time.
“Sometimes I take my trips via Google Earth. I can get an advanced perspective of light and shadows. Of course, it does not consider the weather. The weather, however, is just a bonus. Patience and finding enjoyment in the study of weather patterns are essential ingredients in the sauce.
“In the end, I don’t always need to know how something works, so long as it works.”
In addition to your recent award, you’ve been honored with other recognitions. Can you tell us about a couple?
“I have received a few, and I am humbled to have earned them.
“In 2010, I was awarded the Grand Prize winner of the New Mexico Day of Enchantment Contest.
“In 2015, I was the Grand Prize winner of the Telluride Photo Festival.
“Let me say this, however: I’ve learned that contest awards are subjective; they are entirely the opinion of the judges assessing the work.
“I am grateful for the awards, but being on the cover of a magazine is the highest award. As one who absolutely loves New Mexico I’m privileged to share images of our beautiful state. I hope I can continue to showcase all the splendor we find in New Mexico and throughout the Southwest.”
To learn more about Jory Vander Galien and sign up to his newsletter if you go to https://joryvandergalien.com or https://www.instagram.com/joryvgphoto/.
He is also a member of the Albuquerque Photographer’s Gallery in Old Town Albuquerque:
