Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

A Solstice Moment, Wonderful Rain, June 22, 2022

Greetings from a rain-soaked solstice and the first day of summer in Saan Cristobal, NM

A hike in Plaza Blanca is a great place to witness a solstice moment. This image is from a photo tour in 2018. The solstice this year found me asleep in bed. The clouds covered the sun, moon, and this week’s planetary alignments yesterday morning. I slept well all the same.

Summer solstice Plaza Blanca
Summer Solstice, Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, NM

There is a 12,000 feet peak in those clouds. Those two ravens know it. It’s great to know that the mountain peaks are shrouded in rain, clouds, mist, and not the choking fire smoke we experienced over the last two months. Today it has been raining for five hours straight. It feels a lot like Wales, where I grew up. Although in Wales, it would have been raining for three weeks straight.

Two Ravens
Ravens, and the invisible mountain in the rain.

In the garden, the Apache Plume plant is bedraggled looking. However, the raindrops hang suspended like tiny jewels. Click here to see a picture of an apache plume plant growing from a rock in Plaza Blanca.

Apache Plume
Apache Plume.

Lastly, I wanted to add two bonus images from the High Raod to Taos. I often photograph throughout the day, well past the magic hours. The shadows in this image aren’t there any earlier. I find lots of subjects deserving almost any time of day.

Saint Francis Mission Church
Saint Francis Mission Church, Ranchos de Taos, NM

In this image of the big doors at the mission church San José de Gracia de Las Trampas, I lay on my back and took two photos. I stitched them together to create this different composition. Visiting places as often as I do, I like to inspire myself to find new and different angles. That’s the beauty of being able to make return trips to become familiar with the locations.

San Jose de Gracia de Las Trampas
Under the big doors at San José de Gracia de las Trampas, NM.

If you are inclined to travel this summer, join me here in northern New Mexico for a private one-on-one photography tour/workshop. I’ll look forward to seeing you.

As always thank you for looking. Enjoy the weather where you are. I’m going for a walk in the rain. G

8 thoughts on “A Solstice Moment, Wonderful Rain, June 22, 2022”

  1. I’ve been by the Trampas church many times, but it hasn’t been open, that’s a great shot of the church and of course ranchos de Taos always amazing.

    Reply
    • Hi Dave. My friends aunt was the caretaker so he would let us in on occasion. It is very wonderful inside. His aunt passed so we don’t have access as we used to. Thank you for taking the time to write and visit my website, and for your compliments. G

      Reply
    • Thank you so much, Bob. I’m glad your niece is ok. We were all worried for awhile there. More rain coming. I hope you are well and having a good summer. G

      Reply

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