Greetings from San Cristobal. I hope everyone had a good week. I spent the last few days on a photo tour/workshop. Yesterday was spent in Abiquiu, NM. We spent three days overall, photographing in the San Luis Valley, Valle Vidal, Taos, the High Road to Taos, Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch. My photography client and new friend, Wally Love inspired me as much as I inspired him. The landscape, scenery, and iconic locations continue to inspire visitors and I’m honored to have the opportunity to share this place I call home with others.
The clouds continued to build up throughout the day, bringing much needed moisture to a dry thirsty landscape.
Cerrito Blanco and the Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM
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This area has attracted travellers for centuries. Join me on a photo trek, I’ll be happy to show you the locations and backroads.
As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. I hope everyone had a great week. This week I did a photo tour to Abiquiu, in Georgia O’Keeffe country, where the Cholla Cactus were blooming and in abundance. I chose the two images below, though I shot many more. This was an iPhone photography workshop in Abiquiu so I was only shooting with the iPhone. Liberating!
Piedra Lumbre (shining rock) and what locals call the Shark Fin or Sandstone Fin of Ghost Ranch. I’ve photographed it many times and still don’t know its official name.
Piedra Lumbre (shining rock) and Shark Fin.
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Abiquiu Lake on the rocks with a storm brewing over “Pedernal”.
Abiquiu Lake rocks and Cerro Pedernal.
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Abiquiu Lake with Cerro Pedernal and cloud reflections. Cerro Pedernal is the flat top mountain.
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, some favorite images from the Penitente Morada in Abiquiu, New Mexico.
The penitents of Northern New Mexico, particularly in areas like Abiquiú, are part of a religious brotherhood known as Los Hermanos Penitentes. This lay Catholic fraternity has deep roots in the region, tracing back to the early Spanish settlers who brought their faith and traditions to the remote and rugged landscapes of New Mexico. The Penitentes emerged in the 19th century as a response to the isolation and lack of clergy in the area, providing spiritual guidance and community cohesion through their devout practices.
Penitente Morada, Abiquiu, NM.
In Abiquiú, a small village known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, the Penitentes have played a significant role in maintaining religious and cultural traditions. The brotherhood is known for its emphasis on penance, prayer, and acts of charity. Their practices are particularly visible during Lent and Holy Week, when they engage in rituals that include processions, reenactments of the Passion of Christ, and acts of self-flagellation. These rituals are deeply symbolic, reflecting themes of sacrifice, redemption, and communal solidarity.
Penitente Morada, and three crosses.
The Penitentes have historically been a subject of intrigue and misunderstanding, often shrouded in secrecy due to their private nature and the intense personal devotion of their practices. However, they are also respected for their commitment to preserving cultural heritage and providing social support within their communities. In Abiquiú, the brotherhood has contributed to the village’s identity, blending indigenous, Spanish, and Catholic influences into a unique cultural tapestry.
Moonrise, Penitente Morada, and one cross.
Today, the Penitentes continue to be a vital part of Northern New Mexico’s spiritual landscape. While their numbers have dwindled, and some of their practices have evolved over time, they remain a testament to the enduring power of faith and community in the face of change and adversity. Their presence in Abiquiú and the surrounding areas serves as a reminder of the region’s rich history and the resilience of its people.
Three crosses with a view of the Taos Mountains.
You can now find my greeting cards at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House. The cards feature images of the house, its architecture, and the surrounding landscapes.
Mabel Dodge Luhan House, Taos.
Mabel Dodge Luhan House gateway.
As always, thanks for visiting and looking. I apologize for the comment page not working correctly. I appreciate the heads-up and taking the time to let me know. Have a great week. G
Hello from New Mexico. This week, a day trip to Arroyo Blanco, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch, and beyond.
On the last day of February, my good friend and fellow photographer, David Marks, met up at the visitors center in Abiquiu, parked the car, and headed out. First stop was to get some lunch at Bode’s General Store and a picnic along the Rio Chama just a short distance away.
Ghost Ranch, NM.
Picnic lunch stop along the Rio Chama in Abiquiu, with low water but a nice spot and view of the very rust colored Cerrito Blanco.
A drive on the Chama River road to the Desert Monastery always reveals another scene not seen by me before. The tenacity and fortitude of this lone tree. It makes you wonder how it survives at all.
Chama River Road Palisades.
Off-road near Abiquiu, NM off the Desert Monastery Road.
Off-road near Abiquiu.
Arroyo Blanco, and an easy stroll from the car, and not to be confused with Plaza Blanca.
Arroyo Blanco, Abiquiu.
And some bones of what’s left of a llama, I first saw fairly intact seven years ago. I can’t say for sure, but I think Georgia would love it!
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, I’m revisiting Santa Fe, Taos, Abiquiu, and beyond, continuing my First Impressions series, including first impressions from other areas in the Southwest.
Doodlets of Santa Fe with their iconic geese. This was a surprise find while waiting to be seated at Pasqual’s restaurant in Santa Fe.
Doodlets of Santa Fe, 1985.
It seems that every photographer, whether they are a friend or a stranger, possesses a captivating collection of door images. These portals, each with a story to tell, have an irresistible allure that draws us in. My own archive is a testament to this fascination, spanning a diverse array of locations. From the charming streets of the United States to the historic avenues of Europe, the minimalist beauty of Scandinavia, and the timeless elegance of Britain. Each photograph is a window into the culture and history of its location, offering a glimpse into the lives and stories that lie beyond.
The image below was taken at the historic Chimayo Plaza and was one of many doorway photographs featured in my 1985 exhibit in Pasadena, CA. I presented 40 photographic works that sold out, and inspired me to make numerous trips to New Mexico, eventually leading me to settle here in 1988.
Door, Chimayo, NM.
Late afternoon light on the morada in Abiquiu, NM. Kodachrome 64 film, 1984.
In 1985, I visited Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for the first time while driving back to California after spending the Christmas holidays in Taos. I captured the image below after waking up early, having arrived in the darkness the night before. Growing up in the UK, I had seen this landscape depicted in many westerns, but nothing could have prepared me for the awe-inspiring sight before me and the emotions it stirred within me.
Greetings from New Mexico. This week, I’m continuing with images from my New Mexico, First Impressions series.
I hope you enjoy traveling back in time with me. While some things have changed, dirt roads have been paved, some buildings have been replaced with box stores, and open fields and wetlands have given way to neighborhood apartment blocks—many iconic locations remain. For that, I am grateful.
A chile ristra is a string (or braid) of whole chile pods—traditionally New Mexico red chiles—tied together and hung up to dry. You’ll see them draped over doorways, portals, porch beams, or kitchen walls all across New Mexico. They’re food, folk art, and regional identity all rolled into one.
Chile ristras.
Koshare doll/artwork/sculpture in the window of a Santa Fe Art Gallery, 1984.
Koshare doll.
Taos Pueblo snowfall, thanksgiving, 1984.
Taos Pueblo snowfall.
San Geronimo Church, Taos Pueblo, 1985
San Geronimo Church, Taos Pueblo.
Taos Pueblo blowing snow, 1987
Taos Pueblo north house.
And one this week taken from the kitchen window. I love the view we have and feel very fortunate.
Sunset, San Cristobal.
As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week a favorite location at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, NM followed by a few shots from the road getting there!
There was a lot of heavy rain in these dramatic clouds. The cabin is named “Curly’s Cabin” from the film City Slickers. Enjoy!
“Curly’s Cabin” Ghost Ranch, NM
Just off the highway to Ghost Ranch is the Piedra Lumbre, shining red rock country. Piedra Lumbre means shining rock in Spanish.
Red rock country.
Hollyhocks, Ojo Caliente, NM
There are numerous, delightful murals in Ojo Caliente. This is a new favorite.
Mural by VelaArt, Ojo Caliente, NM.
This sign has been fading away for a long time. I’m unsure whether or not you’ll still find pigs. Here’s one from my “Signs of Life” series shot in 2005.
“Pigs” Ojo Caliente, NM.
And sharing the love, back home in San Cristobal this morning, on a walk with the dogs.
Driveway mirror-heart, San Cristobal, NM.
All in all a colorful day.
As always, thanks for looking. Have a great week. G
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week more black and white images. I had some time over the last few days to wallow in the hard drives, throw a virtual dart at the folders, and see what showed up.
The tree is long gone but the flat top peak, Cerro Pedernal, stands like a beacon and can be seen from multiple locations around northern, NM.
Cerro Pedernal and tree Rio Chama road, NM.
Many places in the southwest US are deteriorating and ultimately wind up going back to earth. How quickly they reach their demise, depends on the materials they are made of. Adobe, wood, and tin seem to get there quicker than the plastic one sees everywhere these days. I shot the image below in November 2017.
Adobe ruin, Villanueva, NM.
Wandering through the files from a trip to Britain in 2013 with Pami, I came across this image shot on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, on the Northumbria Coast of northeast England. I’m guessing this boat, which wasn’t sea-worthy back then, has probably been overturned and is now used as a storage shed.
Lindisfarne, Holy Island, Northumbria, England.
An overturned fishing boat was reclaimed and made into a storage shed.
Beach shed and Lindisfarne Castle, England.
I always shoot a scene in color but sometimes a scene cries out for black and white. Sometimes the day and lighting inspire me to shoot for a later conversion.
I shot the picture below in color and converted it to black and white. It was taken on the Thames Embankment in November 2013.
Someone was feeding the gulls.
As always thank you for all the kind words comments and compliments. Have a great week. G.
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week Arroyo Blanco, Abiquiu. Some abstract balloon images from the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally last weekend, and our Moon and Jupiter over northern New Mexico.
After two weeks of photo tours in the area with Harlan I’m finally going through images of some of the places we visited.
We visited Abiquiu and Arroyo Blanco, twice. We couldn’t get enough of it in the beautiful autumn light.
Landscape in Arroyo Blanco, Abiquiu, NM.
The strangely wonderful moonscape landscape in the “white arroyo”.
On the ground in Abiquiu, NM.
On our second trip to Abiquiu we made a short detour to La Madera for this scene. It has always fascinated me.
The door is the wall, La Madera, NM.
On the last day of touring we went to Taos Mountain Balloon Rally. A few balloons lifted off but winds were higher than anticipated so we photographed them on the ground instead. Shadowy figures zip up the envelope as it’s inflated.
Balloon shadows at the Taos Mountain Balloon Rally.
Checking the ropes!
Shadow.
Unfurling during inflating the balloon.
Design.
In the words of actor/author David Niven, “the moon’s a balloon”.
To cap off the week the moon met up with the planet Jupiter. Eerie enough for Hallooween. Jupiter is closest to earth during all of 2023 tonight.
Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. Happy Summer Solstice from here to where you are. I post the image below every summer solstice since I shot it, on June 20, 2018. I like it! This year it is scheduled to appear in the New Mexico Treasures Calendar, 2024.
Here’s a summer solstice “moment” in black and white, shot in Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, NM
Plaza Blanca Summer Solstice Moment, Abiquiu, NM.
If you want to see what Plaza Blaca looks like on the outside, here’s a shot of rock and cloud formations.
Plaza Blanca rocks and sky.
Here’s another moment I shot in Plaza Blanca on June 22, 2022.
Plaza Blanca, June 22, 2022.
There’s no place like Chaco Canyon to experience the passing moments of the seasons. Here I am sitting under a picnic ramada with a view of the sacred rock formation, Fajada Butte.
The solar eclipse is coming up later in the year. I’m planning on a trip to Chaco Canyon with the rest of the state. We’ll see what happens with those plans.
As always, thank you for looking. It’s a privilege to share my photography with you. G
