About

About The Collection

My work is inspired by a collision between myths of the American West and 1960s Space Age dreams.   I want my images to tell stories about characters and scenes you might find down a dark desert road. I aim to explore the charm and oddities of all things strange in the American West. 

My images ride the line between reality and story, however, it is very important to me that every image I create is 100% real. We never use any compositing or digital additions. Just like an old Hollywood set, we create each scene using real people, real props, and real cameras. Most of my images feature close family and friends, which make them even more fun to create. My images feature my grandpa as the astronaut, my wife as the cowgirl, and my brother as the cowboy– along with many other friends and family members. 

Images in this series are produced as small fine art editions. All prints are made on museum-grade photographic paper for superior fade resistance and are framed to the highest gallery standards.

About The Photographer

Lijah Hanley started his photographic endeavors when he won the National Geographic Student Photography competition at the age of 13. He won the opportunity to study under some of the most decorated National Geographic photographers in Peru and England. Ever since then, he has loved capturing the American West, and telling stories through his images. Lijah is joined on his adventures by his wife Gabby, and son Desmond who are by his side, on photoshoots all over the United States.