Keegan McCarty explores California’s desert landscapes through the perspective of someone raised on the East Coast. His work highlights the stark contrast and unfamiliarity this environment presents to those not native to the West, especially Southern California. Drawn to the desert’s distinct atmosphere and visual intrigue, Keegan developed a deep appreciation for a place so different from where he grew up.

By presenting his images in black and white, he emphasizes the vast open spaces, resilient plant life, and scattered remnants of human presence that define the terrain. His goal is to share the desert as he sees it, as a newcomer, inviting viewers to experience the landscape with fresh eyes and a sense of curiosity. Through revisiting various locations, Keegan deepened his understanding, capturing how the once unfamiliar began to resonate with greater meaning over time.

www.keeganmccarty.com | @keeganmccartyphoto

— 2025 Annual —