Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

Tag: Northern New Mexico

Flashback Wednesday, 07-16-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, a flashback with images originally posted on July 16, going back fifteen years. I’ve been on assignment this week for AAA magazine, lots of images to process, so I’m posting images here from the archive.

I hope you enjoy this flashback. You can see more images from the early years at this link:
The Photo of the Day 2005-2016

July 16, 2015.

Flashback, Cerro Pedernal Storm
Storm, Cerro Pedernal, NM

July 16, 2011.

July 16, 2014.

Flashback St. Francis Shadows
St. Francis Shadows, Ranchos de Taos.

July 16, 2016.

Columbine Williams Lake Trail
Columbine, Williams Lake Trail.

July 16, 2012

Harley Davidson Road King, Arroyo Seco, NM
Harley-Davidson Road King, Arroyo Seco, NM.

July 16, 2010.

Walking Rain across the Plateau.
Walking rain across the Plateau, west of Taos.

I could keep going, but there are limits. If you want to see more, click the link at the top of the page.

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

Pow Wow, Taos Pueblo. 07-09-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow is taking place, and below are some images that reflect the vibrant energy and light of the event. If you’re in Taos this coming weekend, don’t miss the chance to experience the Taos Pueblo Pow Wow. It promises to be an enthralling experience. The event runs from July 11, 2025, to July 13, 2025. Hope to see you there!

Pow Wow, Taos Pueblo, Waiting for the grand entry.
Pow Wow, Taos Pueblo, and rainbow.

Below are some images from the middle 1980’s, shot on Kodachrome slide film and scanned.

Taos Pueblo Powwow
Waiting to dance.
Dancer
Dancer.
Dancer
Dancer.

And the year before the Covid shutdown. “Chief from Saskatchewan”.

Powwow participant
Taking a stretch break.

Then a trip to the Pueblo itself is always fascinating.

As always, thanks for looking, and all the comments and compliments. Have a great week and I hope to see you out there. G

Red-Winged Blackbird, Poem. 07-02-2025.

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, my photo of a red-winged blackbird and a poem shared by a friend on Facebook. I thought I’d share this moment of beauty.

Red-winged blackbird Ranchos de Taos NM
Red-winged blackbird, Ranchos de Taos NM

The Poem:

We were riding through frozen fields in a wagon at dawn.
A red wing rose in the darkness.
And suddenly a hare ran across the road.
One of us pointed to it with his hand.
That was long ago. Today neither of them is alive,
Not the hare, nor the man who made the gesture.
O my love, where are they, where are they going
The flash of a hand, streak of movement, rustle of pebbles.
I ask not out of sorrow, but in wonder.

~ Czesław Miłosz

Read more about Czesław Miłosz.

More birds.

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

Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch. 06-25-2025

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
“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.

Piedra Lumbre, NM
Red rock country.
Ojo Caliente, NM
Hollyhocks, Ojo Caliente, NM

There are numerous, delightful murals in Ojo Caliente. This is a new favorite.

Mural by Vela Art, Ojo Caliente, NM
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
“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
Driveway mirror-heart, San Cristobal, NM.

All in all a colorful day.

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

Summer Solstice. 06-18-2025.

Hello from San Cristobal, New Mexico! This weekend marks the summer solstice, occurring on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 8:42 p.m. MDT. Over the years, I have made it a tradition to spend both the summer and winter solstices out with my camera, often capturing images at the precise moment of the solstice. While it’s not always eventful, the occasions when I do capture something are particularly memorable and enjoyable.

Below, I’ve shared some images from previous years where I managed to capture moments during the summer solstice that were especially meaningful to me. One of my favorites was taken in Plaza Blanca, NM. It was also a relief to find some shade in an alcove where I set up for the shot. Enjoy!

Summer Solstice Plaza Blanca
Summer Solstice, Plaza Blanca, NM.

I hope you’ll enjoy the following moments and can get out on Friday for the Summer Solstice, and catch the moment.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly.
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk.
White Horse
White Horse, Ranchos de Taos, NM.
Pond plant reflections.
Pond plant reflections, Taos.
Muskrat eating at the Shuree Ponds, Valle Vidal
Muskrat eating at the Shuree Ponds, Valle Vidal, NM.

A visit to Valle Vidal is sure to be filled with delightful experiences.

Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM
Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM.
Indian Paintbrush
Indian Paintbrush in the high country.
Apache Plume
Apache Plume, San Cristobal.
Red cloud over Taos
Red cloud over Taos.
Fajada Butte sun star, Chaco Canyon, NM
Fajada Butte sun star, Chaco Canyon, NM.

And lastly the print of the week, a solstice moment taken in Taos NM,

Print of the week, Taos Mountain Trees
Taos Mountain Trees.

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

Comanche Point, Valle Vidal. 06-11-2025.

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, Comanche Point in the Valle Vidal, Valley of Life. I spent a couple of days on a photo tour workshop with two talented photographers in the high country of northern New Mexico.

Here are a few views of Comanche Point at the confluence of the Rio Costilla and Comanche Creek. This area is always gratifying with stunning light and beauty.

Comanche Point, Valle Vidal
Rio Costilla at Comanche Point, Valle Vidal, NM.
Rio Costilla and Comanche Creek
Confluence of the Rio Costilla and Comanche Creek.
Rio Costilla, Valle Vidal, Valley of Life
Rio Costilla, Valle Vidal, “Valley of Life”.

On the return trip, two hours later, the clouds in the pictures produced rain and sleet. The temperatures dropped from 76ºF down to 46ºF. I was happy to have a down vest.

The Valle Vidal is a favorite location and never disappoints, always yielding great photo opportunities.

Here are some images from previous trips. Join me on a photo trek in this area, you will be amazed.

Valle Vidal
Valle Vidal.
Comanche creek
Comanche Creek.
Black Bear
Black Bear.
Bull Elk
Bull Elk.
Yellow Rumped Warbler
Yellow-Rumped Warbler.
Mountain Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird.
Wildflowers, Valle Vidal.
Wildflowers, Valle Vidal.
Wild iris and wildflowers
Wild iris and wildflowers.

And the road that leads to this area is no less spectacular.

Here’s a video of a Muskrat at the Shuree Ponds in the Valle Vidal from a few years ago.

This week’s “print of the week” is from another valley, “Valley of the Gods”, Utah.

Valley of the Gods
Valley of the Gods, Utah.

As always, thank you for looking. Have a great week. G

Landscapes And More. 06-04-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM! This week, I’m excited to showcase landscapes and more in current and upcoming publications. Don’t miss my print of the week feature, highlighting a captivating image for your collection. I also had the honor of participating in a podcast Q&A on Landscape Photography with esteemed experts Bill Shapiro and Dr. Grant Scott, offering valuable insights and inspiration.

This week, my work appears in the current edition of Enchanted Outpost magazine. You may remember when I was the featured artist in their premier edition.

Thanks to all at Enchanted Outpost.

Blanca Peak, Colorado Landscapes
Blanca Peak, a favorite of Colorado Landscapes.
Ghost Ranch, NM
Ghost Ranch, NM.

The Taos News, our esteemed and multi-award-winning small-town newspaper, has featured the following three images in its summer guide.

Ute Mountain Road
Road to Ute Mountain.
Shooting stars, wildflowers Taos Ski Valley
Shooting stars, wildflowers in Taos Ski Valley.
A ladder at the Picuris Pueblo Church restoration
A ladder at the Picuris Pueblo Church restoration.

And in the upcoming New Mexico Treasures 2026 desktop calendar, the following four images are featured. The calendar is due out in July and sells out quickly.

Rainbow, San Cristobal
Rainbow, Columbine Hondo Wilderness from San Cristobal, NM.
Crescent moon and Venus over the San Cristobal Chapel
Crescent Moon and Venus over the San Cristobal Chapel.
Snow melt, Weeping Walls, Taos
Snow melt, “Weeping Walls, Taos”.
Rio Grande Gorge bridge in fog
Fog lifting at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

Podcast Q&A on Landscape Photography with esteemed experts Bill Shapiro and Dr. Grant Scott.

Lastly, the print of the week, El Prado Cottonwood Light, is one of my favorite landscapes.

Print of the week, El Prado Cottonwoods
El Prado Cottonwoods.

As always, thank you for looking. I’m honored and grateful for every opportunity to share my work that shines a light on this place I call home. Have a great week. G

Springtime, Taos Mountain. 05-28-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, Taos Mountain and El Prado, the meadows, are in the height of spring finery, and Williams Lake, followed by the ‘print of the week’.

Taos Mountain, El Prado.
Taos Mountain, El Prado.

I made it back to Williams Lake without a slip on the ice. Conditions weren’t too bad, no need for micro-spikes this time, but I was definitely glad to have the hiking poles. I’ve had tougher trips, like back on July 4, 1995, when I had to turn around because the snow was too deep. I was carrying my 1½-year-old son on my back and kept post-holing through the drifts in the trees. Over the years, I’ve probably made close to a hundred trips to this lake, and I’m looking forward to many more, here and on the trails beyond.

Williams Lake
Williams Lake, 05-22-25

I had brunch with these two critters, a ground squirrel and a scarry looking buck toothed marmot

Ground squirrel
Ground Squirrel.
Marmot
Marmot.

While the squirrel raced around foraging, the marmot sat unmoving like a big furry glove puppet. To put it in perspective, he/she was bigger the our chihuahua, Barkley, now no longer with us. Here he is on Wheeler Peak.

This week’s featured print is a nearly full Harvest Moon beneath an almost double rainbow. Some images stay with me, and this is one of them. I remember the exact moment I captured this five-image stitched panorama. Taos Mountain is in the clouds under the rainbow. This piece found a home in Taos this week.

Print of the week, Harvest Moon Rainbow
Print of the week, Harvest Moon and Rainbow

As always, thank you for looking and for all the comments and compliments. Have a great week. G

Dawson, New Mexico. 05-21-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, a photo tour with Scott to Abiquiu, Cimarron, and Dawson, NM, and all points in between.

We began the weekend at the Saint Francis Church in Ranchos de Taos and caught the moon setting over its buttress. From there, we went to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch and had fun finding compositions around the lake and red rock formations. We spent the day out there and returned with some unique landscape images. It’s always a good day in Abiquiu, NM.

Saint Francis Church, Ranchos de Taos
San Francisco de Asis.

The second day was spent between the Enchanted Circle drive through the Moreno Valley, the Palisades to Cimarron, and Dawson Cemetery, returning through Red River to photograph Bighorn Sheep. The whole day paid off in desired but unexpected images. I think Scott got these elk crossing the Vermejo River.

Elk on the Dawson Ranch Road
Elk on the Ranch Road.

Dawson Cemetery, NM
Dawson Cemetery, NM.

Memorial weekend is coming up, I hope everyone has a good start to summer. Here’s a favorite shot from the biker rally held this weekend every year. You may remember it.

Memorial day in Taos NM
Memorial Day in Taos, NM.

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

Williams Lake, Wheeler Traverse. 05-14-2025

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. This week, I’m sharing a wide panorama from Williams Lake, a panorama shot on my iPhone. It’s a short post, but a sweeping view. I’m going back up to the lake sometime next week and follow up with another perspective.

The Wheeler Traverse extends from Wheeler Peak on the left of the frame to the peak on the extreme right and beyond down to the Taos Ski Valley. I did the traverse in 1989, again in 1990, and maybe again this year. Click on the image to expand.

Williams Lake, New Mexico
Williams Lake, New Mexico.

Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak, New Mexico, are located high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Taos, New Mexico. Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak form one of the most iconic alpine destinations in the state. Their rugged beauty, pristine wilderness, and accessibility from Taos Ski Valley make them favorites for hikers and backpackers.

Wheeler traverse
Wheeler traverse.

Wheeler Peak, elevation 13,161 feet (4,011 m), is the highest point in New Mexico. From Williams Lake, a steep, rocky spur trail continues another 2 miles and gains 2,000 feet to the summit. The views are sweeping: to the north, you see the Rio Grande Gorge; to the east, the Moreno Valley and Eagle Nest Lake; and to the west, the layered mesas of northern New Mexico. Bighorn sheep, marmots, pika, golden eagles, and the occasional black bear frequent the alpine tundra.

If you’re fit and would enjoy a guided hike to the lake for a photography tour, please message me through my contact form.

Print of the week. Click on the image to see more details.

Rio Grande Gorge Rainbow
Rio Grande Gorge Rainbow.

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