# New Mexico Photographer Captures Native Dancer on Highway

> Native American photographer Curtis Ray Benally's image of dancer Natalie on New Mexico highway now adorns billboard.
- Title: New Mexico Photographer Captures Native Dancer on Highway
- Summary: Native American photographer Curtis Ray Benally's image of dancer Natalie on New Mexico highway now adorns billboard.
- Keywords: curtis ray benally, natalie, diné (navajo) nation, highway 371, bisti/de-na-zin wilderness, farmington new mexico, vsco, photography, Digital Camera World
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/photography/awards-and-competitions/i-try-to-capture-images-that-do-justice-to-our-culture-and-traditions-says-new-mexico-photographer-putting-native-american-heritage-in-the-limelight
- Published: 2026-11-12T18:21:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: curtis ray benally, natalie, diné (navajo) nation, highway 371, bisti/de-na-zin wilderness, farmington new mexico, vsco, photography
## New Mexico Photographer
Curtis Ray Benally, an enrolled member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation in New Mexico, was selected for VSCO's The Fifty project.
## Native Dancer on Highway
Photographer Curtis Ray Benally captured Native American dancer Natalie near Highway 371 in Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, 30 miles south of Farmington, New Mexico.
## Billboard Display
Benally's image of Natalie jumping above Highway 371 now covers a New Mexico billboard for passersby to see.
## Photography Details
Benally used a Canon EOS R5 with RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM lens and flash to freeze Natalie midair above the highway.
## Post-Production
Benally made minimal edits to maintain naturalistic look, gently darkening background and brightening dramatic clouds.
## Cultural Message
Benally hopes viewers see Native American culture, creativity, and environmental beauty in his image.
## Key takeaway

New Mexico photographer Curtis Ray Benally captured Native American dancer Natalie on Highway 371 near Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness for a VSCO billboard.