Tag: New Mexico

Northern Lights, NM. 11-12-2025.

Geraint November 12, 2025 3 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, a few images of the northern lights as seen from our village of San Cristobal, in the mountains of northern New Mexico.

When I first saw the northern lights last night it was through the trees at our house, so I drove five minutes to this vantage point for a view of our valley and what looked like a sunrise/sunset. Shot on the iPhone.

Northern lights, San Cristobal, NM — Norhtern Lights, San Cristobal, NM

I had a thought to photograph the little chapel in the village against the aurora sky, not one hundred percent sure that it would align.

Chapel San Cristobal, NM — San Cristobal Chapel.

A car came by and highlighted the church.

Tonight viewing should be even more spectacular, clear skies permiting.

The image below was shot in our neighborhood in October last year.

Aurora, Northern Lights — Aurora Borealis, October, 2024

On another note: I want to take a moment to remember my friend Harry Vedoe, who had a profound impact on my life and on the many adventures I’ve had in the backcountry and wilderness over the years. Harry and I were friends for almost 40 years. Rest in glorious peace, Harry.

Harry passed away at age 96 peacefully in his sleep on October 28, 2025.

Harry biking in snow — Harry, biking Gold Hill

Harry Taos Ski Valley — Harry x country in Taos Ski Valley.

Harry San Antonio Mountain — Harry on San Antonio Mountain.

Harry with his foot on Wheeler Peak. — Harry, with his foot on Wheeler Peak.

RIP Harry, or then again, bike, hike, ski, and climb on, or take another road, my dear friend.

As always, thanks for looking. Check out the sky tonight, it should be good viewing for the Aurora Borealis. G

Hunter’s Moon and Hunters. 11-05-2025

Geraint November 5, 2025 4 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, the full Hunter’s supermoon, taken in the neighbourhood, and a few shots of our neighborhood hunters.

Last night when the almost full Hunter’s Moon rose over the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Tonight is the full moon.

Hunter's moon, NM — Hunter’s moon, northern NM

And this shot from our driveway.

Moon rise San Cristobal — Moonrise San Cristobal.

Moon San Cristobal — Moon and lenticular clouds, San Cristobal.

Want to see more moons? Check out this page.

And… the hunters in the hood.

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

Make My Day! 10-29-2025.

Geraint October 28, 2025 12 Comments

Hello from New Mexico. This week, a few images that make my day, taken here in the land of enchantment.

The Rio Chama Overlook can always make my day.

Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM will make my day every time. — Rio Chama overlook, Abiquiu, NM

Just a few weeks later, the Rio Chama, in its full fall splendor, becomes a living masterpiece, capturing the essence of autumn in all its glory.

Rio Chama Overlook, Abiquiu, NM — Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM.

At a different bend on the Chama River.

Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM — Rio Chama, with Cerrito Blanco, Abiquiu, NM.

As I wander through this enchanting grove, surrounded by the rustling leaves, earthy aromas of autumn fill the air, invigorating my senses. The scent of the forest floor, mingled with the cool breeze, evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder, making each moment a feast for the soul.

Aspen trucks and leaves overlay. — Aspen trunks and leaves – a superimposed creation.

Not so spectacular from my driveway due to a haze of brush fire smoke, as some previous comets, such as Comet Neowise a few years ago. But I had to give Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) a shot!

Photographing Malachi Tsoodlie at the Indian Market in Santa Fe made my day fifteen years ago and again recently when I printed the photo in black and white. Soon it will hang on my wall, and make my day for a third time.

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

Around The Block. 10-15-2025

Geraint October 15, 2025 2 Comments

Hello from New Mexico. The phrase “around the block” evokes more than just a simple jaunt; it symbolizes the day-long road trips we often embark upon, journeys that weave through the tapestry of landscapes and experiences, ultimately guiding us back to our point of origin. These excursions, though they may seem circular in nature, are rich with discovery and reflection. As we traverse winding roads and pass through quaint towns and sprawling vistas, we gather fragments of the world that resonate within us. Each sight and sound becomes a thread in the intricate fabric of our memories, reminding us of the home that resides within our hearts. No matter how far we wander, these journeys reaffirm the notion that home is not merely a destination, but a feeling we carry with us, a constant companion on the road of life.

Life, a photo trek around the block.

This “around the block” encompasses a few years of select images taken in October.

Photographing Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM — Looking for the reflection.

Milkweed pods. The seeds have all flown…

Fall color starting to look a lot like xmas — Fall color, beginning to look a lot like Xmas.

There has been a lot of lightning this year. This morning we had sheet lightning, thunder, and hail. A lot of it.

In the heart of mid-October 2007, we were graced with a scene that looked to have been painted by the hand of a local artist (photographer), capturing the essence of autumn in all its glory. The trees were ablaze with hues of crimson and gold, their leaves dancing in the crisp breeze like nature’s confetti. The mountains and town looked splendid, dressed in the first snowfall that year. In stark contrast, this year has offered us nothing of the sort… nada! I’m looking forward to any snow we get, we need the moisture.

Snowfall in mid October-2007 — Snowfall and fall color.

And the first snowfall October 2011. Incidentally also available as a print.

Early snow, Taos — Early snowfall on a street in Taos.

As always. Thanks for looking. I hope you have a great week. Enjoy your trip around the block. G

Photo Treks around the block — Photo Treks

A little Autumn Color. 10-08-2025

Geraint October 8, 2025 10 Comments

Hello from New Mexico! This week, we’re experiencing some beautiful autumn colors. There’s plenty to enjoy, but I wanted to share a little gem I found this week in Valle Escondido, NM. The scenery out there is stunning, and I hope it’s just as beautiful where you are. I must admit, though, the season seems to be moving along quickly.

A little autumn color Valle Escondido, NM — In the morning mists of Autumn.

Aspen trunks in the Valle Vidal. — Aspen trunks in the Valle Vidal, NM.

No photo tour to the San Luis Valley is complete without a stop at the old homestead, you know the one! With storm clouds building, but no precipitation yet, my client, Susan, and I stopped in here on a photo workshop to see what was brewing visually.

A wide view of our valley and mountains.

San Cristobal Valley Cottonwoods — San Cristobal Valley aspens and cottonwoods.

This week’s “Print of the Week”. taken the same week at the location above.

As always, thank you for looking. I hope you’re enjoying Autumn where you are. G

Rio Grande, Ute Mountain. 10-01-2025

Geraint September 30, 2025 6 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico. I’m on the road with photo workshops this week. Here’s a glimpse of the Rio Grande, which, despite its name, isn’t quite as grand at the moment with Ute Mountain rising majestically from the Taos Plateau Volcanic Field. This photograph was taken in the morning on the second day of a five-day workshop. So far, so good.

Wild Rivers, Rio Grande, Ute Mountain, NM — The Rio Grande with Ute Mountain.

A drive on US 64 through Chama to Highway 17 over the Cumbres Pass revealed stunning fall color. I hope you are enjoying fall, autumn where you are.

As always, thank you for looking and taking the time to comment. Have a great week. G

Fall Equinox, Flashback. 09-24-2025

Geraint September 24, 2025 6 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, I’m taking a look back at past Septembers, the month of the fall equinox.

Beginning with this shot of our mountains from El Prado.

Often the first aspens to start turning in the Valle Vidal high country.

The view heading home. Not a bad close to the day.

Fall equinox, NM — Fall in the mountains from San Cristobal.

The overhang in this photo has since fallen off. Glad I missed that!

Fall colors Colorado — Fall colors, Colorado.

From the Lobatos Bridge in Colorado. And a view looking north. Read more about the Lobatos Bridge Outdoor Classroom Project.

Not really a lake, but a pond in the mountains.

Backlit sunflower on the fall equinox against the setting sun across the plateau.

Coyote crossing a field in Taos.

Some areas turn sooner than others. I found this branch and color in Garcia Park.

Print of the week.

Print of the month — Cottonwood Sunset Light.

As always, thanks for looking and all the comments, compliments, and support. G

Taos Artist Combo. 09-10-2025

Geraint September 9, 2025 13 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico. This week, a few more prints, on display this weekend at the “Taos Artist Combo” show at the Stables Gallery in Taos.

Fajada Butte Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Doorways Pueblo Bonito Chaco Culture — Doorways in Pueblo Bonito, Chaco Culture.

St Francis Church Ranchos de Taos — Through the raindrops at the St Francis Church, Ranchos de Taos.

As always, thanks for looking and all the comments and compliments. I look forward to seeing you this coming weekend. G

Show Time In Taos. 08-20-2025

Geraint August 20, 2025 12 Comments

As fall approaches and temperatures begin to drop, Taos, New Mexico, gears up for its Fall Arts season, featuring numerous events throughout the period. This is a magical time in New Mexico, as the landscape embarks on a vibrant transformation with the sights, sounds, scents, and colors of autumn. Soon, the aspens and cottonwoods will drape the landscape in a golden cloak, shining brightly against the blue skies in the crisp light. The night skies are exceptionally clear at this time of year, with the moon, constellations, galaxies, and the Milky Way illuminating the night like few other places on Earth.

This morning, the chill in the air was enough to require an extra shirt. After a brief walk with the dogs, I settled into printing some images—old favorites, iconic classics, and new prints for our annual Taos Artists Combo #4.

If you happen to be in Taos during the weekend of September 12-14, 2025, it would be wonderful to see you at the Stables Gallery at the TCA, located at 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM.

Below is a selection of prints featured in the exhibition. I’m going through the archives alphabetically, hence this series from Arroyo Hondo.

Moonrise with horse — Moonrise with Horse.

Arroyo Hondo Pond and horses. Show time in Taos — Moon set, Arroyo Hondo, NM.

Print of the week and one more in the show.

Taos Artist Combo 4 at the Stables Gallery Taos. — Cottonwood Willows.

There’ll be many more images from all around northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

As always, thanks for looking. I hope to see you in Taos. Have a great week. G

Milkweed Season, NM. 08-13-2025

Geraint August 13, 2025 8 Comments

Greetings from New Mexico! This week, I’m focusing on the Milkweed plant. The images below were taken as part of an exhibit on various seeds. I photographed the plant across three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. This year, the plant is prolific in the neighborhood.

The plant belongs to the genus Asclepias, a group of plants known for their unique properties and ecological importance, particularly for monarch butterflies.

Plants are primarily perennial herbs, characterized by their milky latex-containing sap. They typically have complex flowers that are uniquely structured to facilitate pollination primarily by insects. The flowers are often clustered in umbels and can vary in color from pink and orange to green and white, depending on the species.

Milkweed is famously known for its crucial role in the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed leaves, which contain toxic cardenolides. These compounds are sequestered by the caterpillars, providing them with a defense mechanism against predators even in their adult butterfly stage.

This particular pod birthed the whole seed group at once. I picked up the pod and it rolled out into my hand. I took it home. It stayed intact for me to photograph.

The silky floss of the milkweed seeds is buoyant and has been used historically for filling life jackets, as well as in insulation and textile manufacturing.

Seeds catching the breeze — Seeds in the breeze.

Given its importance to the monarch butterfly, many conservation efforts focus on preserving and expanding milkweed habitats. Gardeners and conservationists often encourage planting native species of milkweed to aid in these efforts.

This one resembles my hair first thing in the morning.

Scattered seeds on rabbit brush. Close-up.

The seeds have left the floss.

Empty pods along the lake shore, Colorado — Empty pods along a lake shore.

Print of the week, Autumn Trio.

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