The Archipiélago de Colón, Ecuador, or the Galápagos Islands, is a distinctive, diverse group of islands formed by volcanic activity. Their ecosystems vary due to different altitudes and the three major open currents that pass through them. Because of this impact, the islands are filled with many unique species and harsh landscapes. These landscapes range from dense jungle forests to arid vistas with cacti and volcanic boulders. Since Charles Darwin's exploration in 1835, they have been the most studied group of islands by scientists worldwide. They are magnificent.

While traveling there in 2009, I was captivated by the primordial feel of the animals and landscapes that still exist today. As you walk through the islands, you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

To give these images a vintage look, I used a split-tone effect to portray this experience. The indigo for the darks and sand color for the highlights allows the viewer to experience this step back in time. In addition, the images are printed on a Japanese Mulberry paper to give them a softer, more painterly feel.