Ghost Ranch, Rio Chama, Snow. 10-26-22

Geraint October 26, 2022 16 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM, and beyond. We went to Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch, and the Rio Chama this week. We had the most changeable weather I’ve ever experienced in one eight-hour day.

If you’ve watched the movie “Silverado“ you’ll recognize this location in one of the earlier scenes. The four main characters come galloping across this landscape with a backdrop of spectacular lighting. If you haven’t seen the movie join me on a photo tour/workshop and I’ll take you out this way. On this day we were on an outing with friends Ron and Monica. It snowed, rained, and hailed with intermittent blue skies and sunshine, making for some dramatic images.

Returning home from Ghost Ranch we pulled over for a second time during the day. We watched it snow over the hills and Rio Chama as it winds and decides its way through to Abiquiu. The colors were astounding and the moisture made the air come alive.

Rio Chama Overlook — The Rio Chama overlook with colorful cottonwoods.

My solo exhibition at Bareiss Gallery here in Taos continues through October 31, 2022. The gallery will be open 9 – 2 pm on weekdays. I’ll be there on Saturday, October 29, or by appointment. Come and visit. It will be great to meet you. If you purchased a piece of work in the show, thank you so much and please come by on Sunday, October 30, or Monday, October 31 to pick it up your new acquisition.

Bareiss Gallery is located at:
15 State Rd 150 Taos, NM
575-776-2284

As always thank you for looking. G

Cottonwood, Willows, Abiquiu Movie Set, Petroglyph Panels

Geraint October 27, 2021 12 Comments

Every time I go to town I pass this scene and often make an image documenting it at various times of day and in different seasons. It’s definitely a favorite on the drive, and I always slow down for a look. Sorry to all the other drivers rushing to or from work!

Cottonwood and willows — Cottonwood and Willows, Arroyo Hondo, NM

I posted a few images of this mini church from the Ghost Ranch movie set before. In the second image, I got an angle from the front with the door open, revealing the cross on the sanctuary wall. I added the candlelight for effect, after all, it is a movie set. I had fun playing in Photoshop® this week.

Pami and I made a short trip out to Abiquiu Lake last weekend. I’m grateful for all the photographer clients I was able to introduce to this area over the last couple of months. So after a dozen or so visits to Abiquiu, it was time for a personal day out.

Cerro Pedernal, Abiquiu, Lake — Cerro Pedernal with Abiquiu Lake.

Check out these petroglyph panels along the Rio Grande, in Velarde, NM. My particular favorite is the “pink panther” lower left!

Join me on a Photo Tour Workshop and I’ll introduce you to some of my favorite locations.

As always. Thank you for stopping in and looking. Stay well. G

Early Winter Greets Fall, Taos, New Mexico

Geraint November 10, 2020 4 Comments

Early winter greets fall on the picturesque Upper Ranchitos Road in Taos, New Mexico. This was how it looked a couple of weeks ago. The trees are now bare and settled into their winter nakedness. Our journey through the season continues. Thanks for looking. G

Fall Color, San Cristobal Valley, New Mexico

Geraint October 21, 2020 6 Comments

Fall Color in the San Cristobal Valley, northern New Mexico. This is the valley where we live and a scene we look at every time we go south to town. On this occasion, I squeezed over on the shoulder to get this photo, dodging disturbing the powdery rabbitbrush that makes me sneeze. I just had a sneezing fit looking at this photo. I hope you don’t get an allergic reaction when looking. Thanks for checking in. G

Fall Colors, Kebler Pass Road, Colorado

Geraint September 13, 2020 10 Comments

Fall colors, Kebler Pass Road, Colorado. Not far from Lost Lake, outside of Crested Butte, off the Kebler Pass Road to Paonia is this wonderful sight. The shape of things to come very soon in this area. The tips of the cottonwoods and aspen are starting to show their colors. I’m looking forward to it. I’m very fortunate to live where I do. So much of what I love and photograph is in my big back yard. Thanks for looking. G

Canyon De Chelly, White House Ruin

Geraint February 25, 2020 4 Comments

Canyon De Chelly, White House Ruin. Canyon de Chelly, National Monument, in Chinle Arizona. Standing in the shade under the cottonwood tree as the sun broke over the brow of the canyon walls. Thanks for looking. G

Taos Mountain, Arroyo Hondo, Cottonwood

Geraint February 15, 2020 4 Comments

Taos Mountain, cottonwood, red willows in the Arroyo Hondo valley. I’ve said it before, some times it’s just about what’s there in front of you. This scene presents itself often. So, while the cottonwood is front and center, with scattered homes on the hill sides, it’s not so bad a feast for the eyes. All capped off by Taos Mountain. (Pueblo Peak). Thanks for looking. G

Marsh Trees, Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico

Geraint February 6, 2020 6 Comments

Marsh trees, Bosque del Apache, New Mexico. I’m reworking some old images to occupy myself on these long winter nights. I’m having a lot of fun. I was inspired by some glass lantern slides I’ve owned since the mid seventies. Stay tuned for more in the series. Thanks for looking. G

Pink Adobe, Colorado State Line

Geraint December 22, 2019 4 Comments

Pink adobe on the Colorado State Line. This abandoned adobe, abode looks like it was a warm and inviting home at one point in time. In the town of Garcia this building is tucked away across a field nestled under the big cottonwoods. Across the state line, in New Mexico, is the town of Costilla, mostly indistinguishable from Gracia, although I suspect most locals would disagree. Thanks for looking. G

Taos Mountain, Sunset Clouds, Daily Commute

Geraint December 5, 2019 2 Comments

Taos Mountain, sunset clouds, on our daily commute in northern New Mexico. We live in a most beautiful place. I know there are many beautiful places on the planet. This is our beauty spot. There’s a twelve thousand foot mountain in those clouds. It will likely be covered in more snow tomorrow. Thanks for looking. G

Geraint Smith Photography

Tag: Cottonwood Trees