Geraint Smith Photography

Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

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Day: July 11, 2023

Reflections Revisited, Ranchos de Taos. 05-12-2023

Geraint July 11, 2023 20 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, New Mexico. This week I’m revisiting reflections at the Saint Francis adobe mission church in Ranchos de Taos. In 2005 and 2006, I began making images of the building and its architectural details in the parking lot rain puddles, and snow melt. Over the years, I’ve posted many such images. What surprised me the most was the time frame and dates when I began this project.

Below are some of my current favorites. Enjoy!

Saint Francis reflections, Ranchos de Taos
Saint Francis reflections, Ranchos de Taos, NM

Getting in close…

San Francisco de Asis Church
San Francisco de Asis Church reflections.

… and closer still.

Saint Francis Church reflecting in puddle with rocks
Church of Saint Francis reflecting in a puddle with rocks.

The puddle below is about 3-4 feet wide. I put the camera on the ground, and because the mud had settled, there was a perfect mirror image of the west side of the building.

West elevation Saint Francis, reflecting in a large snow melt puddle
West elevation Saint Francis, reflecting in a snow melt puddle.

Saint Francis, in snow melt puddle.
Saint Francis, in a snow melt puddle.

Saint Francis, reflections in rain puddle.
Saint Francis, reflections in a rain puddle.

Saint Francis, archway, summer reflections
Saint Francis, archway, summertime.

I used the image below in 2009 on a 5×7 postcard to promote my photo tour/workshops. The reflections made the image. I distributed it around town, and business took off.

Saint Francis, twilight.
Saint Francis, twilight.

Saint Francis, archway, night time
Saint Francis, and archway at twilight.

I shot this image in 1988 before I sold my 1958 VW Beetle. I wish I still owned it. It served as a prop in many of my images. The Beetle’s organic shape worked well with the organic shapes on this building.

Saint Francis, in a VW Beetle mirror.
Saint Francis, in my 1958 VW Beetle mirror.

There’s a window across the street that had a lace filagree curtain. One of my favorite shots.

Saint Francis, window lace
Saint Francis, window lace.

Happenstance plays a big part in my photography. This Prius was ideally parked.

Saint Francis in the rear of an Toyota Prius
Saint Francis in the rear of a Toyota Prius.

Below is the same 3-4 feet puddle as above. I like to return to familiar locations frequently.

Saint Francis in a puddle in parking lot
Saint Francis in a parking lot puddle.

Lastly, not a reflection but many little lenses. What would you call it? I shot it in 2010 for inclusion in a juried exhibit on the Saint Francis Church, entitled “A Humble Masterpiece”. I printed the image in black and white.

Saint Francis in raindrops
Saint Francis in raindrops.

Are you planning a summer, fall, or winter trip to New Mexico? Check out my tour/workshop page. I’ll introduce you to the Saint Francis Mission Church in Ranchos de Taos.

As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G