Very Large Array in heavenly skies New Mexico True Photography

October 26, 2021 in Photo Story

Not quite as large as I imagined the Very Large Array to be

The Very Large Array was one site I had not been able to get to before in my 4.5 years traveling all over New Mexico for my photography work and on drives with the BMW Club. Well, the latter finally brought me to the Very Large Array Rest Site where I was able to actually see the array in action. While standing there, the huge dishes all started rotating in unison. However, they were not as big as I imagined them to be, nor was there any one central giant mothership type dish. Still, it was very cool to finally see the array and for once, the clouds were amazing when I visit one of these New Mexico True sites.

Catwalk Recreation Area New Mexico True Photography

October 21, 2021 in Photo Story

Get on the catwalk!

Some four hours away from Albuquerque, hidden in the small town of Glenwood, there are catwalks that elevate you over a creak along the side of sheer rock. Free and dog friendly (though holes make it tough on some paws), this is a real hidden gem for the dedicated New Mexico True fan who wants to visit a unique place well off the beaten path.

Cosmos then and now

October 20, 2021 in Nature & Wildlife

Cosmos photos across 13 years of photography history

The first time I photographed cosmos flowers 13 years ago, I was just learning how to become a more serious photographer. That meant I could still be stunned by the amount of bokeh created in these cosmos flowers I made in Tachikawa, Japan. Now many tens of thousands of photos later, I am no longer stunned by creating very shallow DoF in a photo, but I do still appreciate the magic of it. These cosmos were photographed in the ABQ Biopark while bees were busy collecting pollen on a warm fall afternoon. In 13 years will we still be using what we traditionally think of as a interchangeable lens camera to make such photos?

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2021 Opening Day

October 07, 2021 in Photo Story

Biking to balloons to break a 3 year jinx

My own Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta jinx was finally broken after a span stretching three years, and on opening day I was able to see the Grand Ascension. Fog, traffic, Covid, all thwarted plans the past three years, but finally some luck in 2021. I must say though, I did not feel the usual energy out in Balloon Fiesta Park on a not too cold morning. Maybe it was just me? This year also marked the first time I rode my bike to the event, which other than a 7.5 mile ride in the dark, was the best way by far to get there. It also resulted in being able to get photos of the balloons along and landing by the North Diversion Trail, a dedicated, paved cycling path that goes essentially parallel to I-25 directly from Balloon Fiesta Park all the way to I-40.

Horse Dreamscape in Cibola County New Mexico True

September 30, 2021 in Photo Story, Nature & Wildlife

Horses free in the world at twilight share a moment

At the end of a long day out in Cibola County, New Mexico on a pair of rural land real estate photo shoots, my evening end with a view of this horse dreamscape. I was rushing around to try and beat the increasing clouds that were blocking out the sunset, but I paused for a moment seeing these horses far in the distance, who I believe are looking right back at me. There was no fence between me and those horses, so I could have walked right up to them and touched them. That makes me think they are wild horses, free in the world. After a very hard day out in the field, for a moment, there was a shared moment of peace with those horses. We then each went our own ways into the twilight.

Eagle Nest Lake State Park New Mexico True Landscape Photography

August 26, 2021 in Nature & Wildlife

Hidden Gem of a mountain lake in northern New Mexico

New Mexico has dual environmental personalities. The lower half of the state is mostly sand and baron. The upper half, is mostly mountainous and tree covered. So when you think New Mexico is a desert state, it’s hard to also picture that there is a place like Eagle Nest Lake State Park that is a mountain lake surrounded by tall grass and other flora. Hiking paths will take you all around the lake with pivoting views of different mountains. This is a place to come and cool off from the extreme summer heat. It was only 74F for a high on this day in late August! Check out the map below to visit this hidden gem mountain lake oasis.

Nearly scared by alpaca to death in Cibola County New Mexico

August 11, 2021 in Nature & Wildlife

Cibola County is peaceful unlike any other place in New Mexico

Cibola County is one of my favorite places in New Mexico. Much of the county has no cell signal, especially in the El Morro, Ramah, and Fence Lake areas. Being in this off the grid area gives me a peaceful feeling that nowhere else in the state does. However, this was all shockingly disrupted by . . . an alpaca!