Geraint Smith Photography

Fine Art Images from the American Southwest

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Tag: Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice. 06-18-2025.

Geraint June 18, 2025 10 Comments

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

Happy Summer Solstice, 06-21-2023

Geraint June 20, 2023 20 Comments

Greetings from San Cristobal, NM. Happy Summer Solstice from here to where you are. I post the image below every summer solstice since I shot it, on June 20, 2018. I like it! This year it is scheduled to appear in the New Mexico Treasures Calendar, 2024.

The first day of summer arrives with the solstice this year on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 8:58 a.m. MDT.

The solstice isn’t a whole day, it’s a moment.

Here’s a summer solstice “moment” in black and white, shot in Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, NM

Plaza Blanca Summer Solstice Moment
Plaza Blanca Summer Solstice Moment, Abiquiu, NM.

If you want to see what Plaza Blaca looks like on the outside, here’s a shot of rock and cloud formations.

Plaza Blanca rocks and sky, Abiquiu, NM
Plaza Blanca rocks and sky.

Here’s another moment I shot in Plaza Blanca on June 22, 2022.

Summer solstice Plaza Blanca
Plaza Blanca, June 22, 2022.

There’s no place like Chaco Canyon to experience the passing moments of the seasons. Here I am sitting under a picnic ramada with a view of the sacred rock formation, Fajada Butte.

Under the ramada, Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
Fajada Butte, Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

The solar eclipse is coming up later in the year. I’m planning on a trip to Chaco Canyon with the rest of the state. We’ll see what happens with those plans.

As always, thank you for looking. It’s a privilege to share my photography with you. G