Comet Neowise, San Cristobal, NM
Comet Neowise over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, San Cristobal, NM. Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE. This is what I got from the driveway, this shot of the icy comet almost overhead. It wasn’t cold out but it felt better with a jacket. Stay tuned for another view from tonight, hopefully. Thanks for looking. G
Craters, Moon, San Cristobal, Sky
Craters of the Moon in a San Cristobal, early morning sky. I went out to photograph Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE this morning. I was up early but not early enough to get a good shot of NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE). I could see it just fine, but the sky was too bright around it. So, I had a cup of tea and checked out the moon in the opposite part of the sky. I was transfixed observing her craters, my tea got cold. Slightly west of the la luna, Jupiter and it’s moons were equally mesmerizing. I’ll get up much earlier tomorrow and see what I can do with the comet. Never a wasted moment. Thanks for looking. G
If you’re interested here are a few links to Comet PANSTARRS I photographed in March 2013 over a period of two weeks
https://geraintsmith.com/potd/pages/archive/march_13/mar_13_13.html
https://geraintsmith.com/potd/pages/archive/march_13/mar_14_13.html
https://geraintsmith.com/potd/pages/archive/march_13/mar_18_13.html
https://geraintsmith.com/potd/pages/archive/march_13/mar_26_13.html
Comanche Creek, Valley Of Life, New Mexico
Comanche Creek in the Valle Vidal, Valley Of Life, New Mexico. Peaceful locations in the high country of our most beautiful state and I’m told, also some of the best fishing. Temperatures drop 20ºF degrees at this point making a nice change from the heat of the plains. Thanks for looking. G
Rainbow, Highway, Taos Valley, New Mexico
Rainbow, Highway, Taos Valley, New Mexico. Highway 522 runs from Taos to the Colorado, state line. I was heading home after a day in Las Vegas, NM, sitting on a couple of different benches around town, chatting about photography and a hundred other subjects, with good friend R. David Marks. In this image I’m looking south towards Taos. After spotting the rainbow in my rear view mirror I pulled over and shot this. There is a confusion of light rays dashing every which way. I don’t mind. Thanks for looking. G
Ash Leaf, San Cristobal, New Mexico
Ash Leaf, San Cristobal, New Mexico. Big winds, which I enjoy, and I know there are many feelings and opinions concerning the wind. This little heart-shaped leaf landed in the garden in the rain. There’s always a little beauty in every perceived demise. Thanks for looking. G
Classic Car Show, Taos, New Mexico
Classic Car Show, Taos, New Mexico. Another year. I haven’t heard whether the “Classic Car Run” will be held this year or not. But, this thing fits in perfectly with our current conditions. Something of a cross between a hearse and the Grim Reaper’s ultimate ride. Cruela De Ville comes to mind also. Thanks for looking. G
Dennis Hopper’s Last Resting Place
Dennis Hopper’s last resting place, Ranchos de Taos, NM. Photographer and good friend, David Marks and I made a little pilgrimage to the cemetery today. There are some interesting and colorful growing number of appendages on Dennis’s memorial. Notwithstanding, a whole lot of bandanas, a shell casing, a few rosaries and Mardi Gras beads. Hanging with numerous personal mementos from loved ones and fans, there is a Nikon lens cap suspended and spinning in the breeze. The memorial is a fitting tribute. I am one of many fans of his films, photography and art. The few times I met and spoke with him I found him to be a true gentleman. Thank you, RIP Dennis. G
Strawberry Moon Rising, Taos Mountains
Strawberry Moon rising, Taos Mountains, Sangre de Cristos, New Mexico. I dodged a few mosquitoes and noseums yesterday evening in the field to get this shot. Life in the outdoors is is worth a few bugs, but only a few. I added this cyanotype treatment for a different look. Thanks for looking. G
Chapel, Santa Cruz De Ojo Caliente, Historic Site
Chapel, Santa Cruz de Ojo Caliente, historic site, New Mexico. I often share my thoughts with my clients on religion, it’s core conflict and how to represent the fight between light and darkness in a picture. I include it deliberately in this photo of the Catholic church just around the corner from the Ojo Caliente Spa. Thanks for looking. G
“Kilroy Was Here” Carson, New Mexico
“Kilroy Was Here” Carson, New Mexico. I like the surprise I get when I find out that Kilroy was already here. I remember seeing this first in 1970, in the movie “Kelly’s Heroes” with Clint Eastwood, that was set in WWII. This image is in the wild west. We all know Clint “is” the west and Kilroy will show up anywhere and always before you do. Here’s the scoop on Kilroy! Thanks for looking. G
Pottery Shards, Acoma Pueblo, NM
Pottery shards, a collection on display at one of the many vendors stands we encountered in Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico. I’ve been there the last three years in a row, this year would have been the fourth, alas! I hope to visit again soon, as soon as we are able. Thanks for looking. G
San Cristobal Chapel, New Mexico
San Cristobal Chapel, in the Village of San Cristobal, New Mexico. We live so close, close enough that we can hear the bells ring for Mass or a funeral. I haven’t heard the bells ring out for awhile. I always remember, as a kid, hearing stories that during World War II the church bells in Britain were silent until the day war ended. That day, they rang out as never before. Stay safe and well. Thanks for looking. G
Carrot, Taos Plaza, Farmers Market
Carrot at the Taos Plaza Farmers Market. Something fun and timely as our farmers market is opening this coming weekend. I doubt there will be carrots for sale just yet and I doubt I will be there either. But, we do have plenty of carrots and celery for juicing at home in the pantry. Thanks for looking. G
Be Here Later, Taos, New Mexico
“Be Here Later.” Taos, New Mexico. A play on Ram Das’s “Be Here Now.” I put this together and posted it on Facebook. It was appreciated for sure but not as much as some other posts. I like it in particular though and will continue to encourage a slower recovery. I mean… not a lot has changed in our way of life in the country where space is abundant and social distancing has been going on for centuries. Our state is still in lock down until May 15, and two weeks of quarantine is encouraged for travelers visiting or returning from elsewhere. So please do, be here later! Thanks for looking. G
Doorways, Las Vegas, New Mexico
Doorways, in the old town of Las Vegas, New Mexico. There’s not much use for a level, square or plumb-bob in New Mexico. If there were, then the whole state just wouldn’t look right. Charm, it is what it is. Thanks for looking. G
Wall Paint, Patina, Holman, NM
Wall paint, patina on a building in Holman, NM looks like a painting. When I first spotted this, out of the corner of my eye, I thought the little blue and rust colored spots were actual flowers. By the time the lichen and mold creep is finished with it’s work, this wall will be a masterpiece. Thanks for looking. G
