Abiquiu, Arroyo Blanco, Ghost Ranch. 03-04-2026

Geraint March 3, 2026 4 Comments

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.

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.

Curly’s Cabin from the film City Slickers, at Ghost Ranch.

Curly's Cabin, Ghost Ranch, NM. — Curly’s Cabin, Ghost Ranch, NM.

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 — Chama River Road Palisades.

Off-road near Abiquiu, NM off the Desert Monastery Road.

Arroyo Blanco, and an easy stroll from the car, and not to be confused with Plaza Blanca.

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!

Old bones Arroyo Blanco, Abiquiu — Old bones (Llama) in Arroyo Blanco, Abiquiu.

Moonrise, Orphan mesa — Moonrise, Orphan Mesa, Piedra Lumbre (shining rock).

If you are going to be in the area this year, join me on a photo tour/workshop.

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

Black And White. 11-08-2023

Geraint November 8, 2023 20 Comments

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.

I wanted to convert this color image to black and white after I posted it in color a few weeks ago. Over the years, I have created a large collection of images from the San Luis Valley. I’ll add this one to the black-and-white folder. You can download a PDF file I made on the San Luis Valley here.

Red barn, Colorado in black and white — Red Barn, San Luis Valley, Colorado.

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 building ruin, Villanueva, NM — 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.

Overturned fishing boat, Lindisfarne, England — 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.

Gulls over Westminster, London, UK — Someone was feeding the gulls.

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

Rio Chama, Cerrito Blanco, Abiquiu, New Mexico

Geraint August 30, 2020 No Comments

Rio Chama with the reddish rock butte, Cerrito Blanco in Abiquiu, New Mexico. Popped over to Abiquiu yesterday to scout some locations for night sky photography. We pulled over at this spot where the river is full (they released water from the dam) and always muddy. This favorite location on my photo tours was lush and fresh. I made this three image vertically stitched panorama on my iPhone. Then it rained heavy. I should have worn my wellies. Stay tuned, I’ll be back with the results from the night sky shoot after the new moon in a couple of weeks. Thanks for looking. G

Cerro Pedernal, Storm Clouds, Rio Chama, New Mexico

Geraint July 24, 2020 4 Comments

Cerro Pedernal, with storm clouds, from the Rio Chama road, New Mexico. This view is from over my shoulder in yesterdays image. I like to remind my photographer friends to always look behind, up and down from the obvious view in front. Many of my best images are from some of the more spontaneous moments I come across. Spotting them on the fly, heading down the road, and finding more than I originally planned. Join me, some time, when this current situation changes and I’ll show you some of New Mexico prime locations. Thanks for looking. G

Rio Chama Overlook, Abiquiu, NM

Geraint March 31, 2020 7 Comments

Rio Chama overlook, in Abiquiu, NM. Lets stay in this area one more day. It’s greening up in northern New Mexico. It’s not looking quite like this just yet but it’s getting there. That means spring is here and that’s a good thing. I can feel the days warming up, with milder evenings where the wind has second thoughts. This place on the Rio Chama is a favorite stop on many photo tours. You can see why. Thanks for looking. G

March, Rio Chama, Abiquiu, NM

Geraint March 21, 2020 12 Comments

March along the Rio Chama in Abiquiu, New Mexico. During this self imposed quarantine I’m touring the archives. I’m going slow, pedaling my virtual bicycle, savoring moments in images made over the last few years. Today, outside the kitchen window there were clouds and sunny skies much like this day from two years ago in Abiquiu. Be safe and please stay well. Thanks for looking. Geraint.

Winding Road, Rio Chama, NM

Geraint August 24, 2019 6 Comments

Winding Road, Rio Chama, NM. Not so long and only a little bit winding, but look where it draws your view. One of my favorite locations, and views, enhanced by a dark sky, full of potential thunderstorms. Thanks for looking. G

Cerrito Blanco, Abiquiu, New Mexico

Geraint August 18, 2019 No Comments

Cerrito Blanco, Abiquiu, New Mexico. A view from the banks of the Rio Chama, and to the south, the Village of Abiquiu. Proximity is the watch word in this area. There are many locations to visit within a short distance of each other in this neighborhood. Join me on a photo tour and I’ll introduce you to some gorgeous landscape opportunities. Thanks for looking. G

Penitente Morada Sky, Abiquiu NM

Geraint July 2, 2019 No Comments

Penitente Morada and sky, in Abiquiu NM. I never tire of this beautiful, iconic landmark and architectural gem in New Mexico. It sits perfectly on a bluff, above everything, overlooking Abiquiu and the Chama River Valley. I’ve found my peace in this location and many other locations like it in New Mexico. Here’s a photo I made on my first trip here in 1984. Thanks for looking. G

Geraint Smith Photography

Tag: Rio Chama Valley