Solar etching is a printmaking process. A digital photographic image is made, either shot originally with a digital camera or scanned from film. Then a positive transparency of the image is printed on the computer. The transparency is sandwiched with a light-sensitive plate called a solarplate, and exposed to light. It is then developed with water, which washes out the unexposed areas. The plate is inked and run through a conventional printmaking press.

These solar etchings and photographs are scenes from northern New Mexico, especially the beautiful Valle Vidal, which has just been protected by law from methane gas drilling. Also shown are photographs from White Sands in the southern part of this diverse state.