Dave Hatton Photography

This is something you will rarely see from me: a fully AI-generated image. All of my real photographs are authentic images of Arizona. This is simply an AI rendering of an experience I recently had out in the Sonoran Desert.

I thought this would be a good time to remind everyone that when you venture into the desert, always bring a fork! If you “encounter” some jumping cholla (like I did), a fork is one of the easiest ways to remove the spiny joints. (And, for the record, Jumping cholla do not jump, you just simply have to lightly brush against the joints and they will easily stick and detach.)

And yes, underneath that smile is considerable anguish from the pain.

It is nearly time to say goodbye to my first limited edition of 13 prints.

Four years ago, I decided that every metal print I create at 24x36" and larger would be limited to only 13. I chose 13 partly because it is my favorite number, but also because I wanted my larger pieces to feel personal, intentional, and truly limited.

That brings me to “Yellow Aspen Leaf Road.”

This past weekend, I sold the 12th large-format print in the edition. Fred and Faye McIntyre chose the framed 48x72" piece, making them only the second collectors to own this image at its largest size.

That leaves just one large-format print remaining.

Normally, I let each collector choose from the available sizes, but I have decided that this final one should be special. The last large-format print of “Yellow Aspen Leaf Road” will only be available as a 48x72" metal print.

I know several people have told me over the years that they hoped to own this piece someday. If that is you, this is the one.

Text me, and we can arrange a call: 602-616-1554

Once this final large-format print is spoken for, “Yellow Aspen Leaf Road” will no longer be available at 24x36" or larger.

Thanks to all who have purchased this lovely piece of me and my photography.

What a weekend.

I’m not always great at sharing the good stuff when it happens, but I’m feeling pretty grateful today. The Phippen Western Art Festival turned into my strongest art festival weekend so far, and I’m still trying to take that in.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, encouraged me, asked questions, shared stories, and chose to bring my work into your homes. That part never gets old.

I also had one of my photographs receive 2nd place in the photography category, which made the weekend even sweeter.

One of my favorite moments from the weekend was getting this photo with Fred & Faye McIntyre standing beside the piece they purchased. It’s always special meeting the people who connect with my work, and being able to share that moment together made the experience even more meaningful.

I’m heading home tired, grateful, and maybe just a little bit stunned.

These are all taken with my iPhone and cannot possibly project the peace and serenity I am feeling right now as I sip my morning coffee. Nothing sets a mind straight like being able to sit out in nature on a beautiful morning. I am camping near the town of Rimrock, but I am just thoroughly enjoying the chittering of the birds, the acrobatics of these little small black bees that joined me this morning.

I am so glad I decided to move campsites yesterday. Not only did I get a better night’s sleep (my camper was titled too much), I also have a beautiful cliffside view. I was fortunate to get a picture of it from another “discovered” road. That little white rectangle is my camper trailer. LOL

I look forward to being in Prescott this weekend for the Phippen Museum Western Art Festival at the Courthouse Square in downtown Prescott, May 23-25, 2026 (Saturday thru Monday).

Can you tell that have had it up to my ears with the gnats? Tried to find a gaiter in Camp Verde - no luck - so I improvised with a t-shirt. It seems to be working!

I’ve noticed something interesting about landscape photography over the years.

Newer photographers often chase spectacle.

Experienced photographers frequently become more interested in atmosphere, subtlety, stillness, and emotional resonance.

I’m not sure one is necessarily “better” than the other. They’re just different stages of seeing.

Lately, I find myself more drawn to quiet moments:
- soft light across the desert
- the feeling of open space
- the silence before sunrise
- the calm that settles in after sunset

Maybe that’s one reason I love Arizona so much. Its beauty doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it just quietly breathes.

Note: That photo is just me enjoying the stillness, the quiet, the view, and, of course, the coffee from outside my camper.