Drone Video and Photo Tour of Tucumcari New Mexico

December 08, 2022 in Drone, Photo Story

Route 66 still lives on in Tucumcari

If you are traveling from the east into New Mexico, then Tucumcari is the first town you will come across. It is a historic Route 66 town feature a Route 66 Museum and some of the old motels and eateries leftover from those classic 1950s days. Tucumcari also has a great dinosaur museum. I have had the opportunity to stay in town twice while out on photoshoots. This last time the client wanted drone video and photo highlights of the town. I recommend spending at least a night in Tucumcari the next time you are passing through!

Fort Union National Monument New Mexico fine art photography on a windy day

October 25, 2022 in Photo Story

Historical Photography in the Wind at Fort Union National Monument

On a very windy Sunday morning I returned to Fort Union National Monument for a second visit and a new photography perspective. Even though it was bright sunshine out, the light was not harsh allowing me to get the most out of my new Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens in a series of shots where I wanted to feature different viewing angles and foreground objects. Having heard most of the ranger’s tour and history of Fort Union I think helped me connect with the place and make better photos trying to pull out of the years the last glimpses of the remaining physical fort. I definitely recommend visiting when a ranger can take you on a tour. Just be prepared for why this place is nicknamed Ft. Windy!

Professional Rural Land Real Estate Photography Socorro County New Mexico

October 25, 2022 in Commercial

Many visits to Socorro County west of Belen in New Mexico

Socorro County New Mexico, near Belen in particular, is one of the areas I have visited the most in my 5+ years of photographing hundreds of rural land real estate properties. Then even more specifically, this area near the small airport west of Belen, high up on a plain bordered by mountains I return to multiple times each year. It is a peaceful area, and once you go south a bit, you feel like the entire desert is just yours. Walking this land with my two cameras is a peaceful photography work experience. The only noise comes when I send the drone up to get aerial photos of the entire 5 acres.

US Congress Press Conference Photography in Albuquerque with Representative Stansbury

August 25, 2022 in Event

Speech all about water and drought by U.S. Congresswoman Stansbury

I had the opportunity to photograph a speech and press conference by U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury right on the Bosque itself in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Drought has been a big topic for many parts of the country, and it is certainly an issue in New Mexico as well. Water was the topic of the morning by all those that spoke. I definitely think about every drop of water I use in my daily life here in New Mexico.

Blue Hole of Santa Rosa New Mexico Photo Story

July 20, 2022 in Photo Story

Jumping into the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa

Waking up Saturday morning and not wanting to spend a hot weekend in Albuquerque just sweltering, I headed to Santa Rosa with intentions of swimming in the natural spring they have there, called the Blue Hole. I actually first saw the Blue Hole five years ago, but returning from a 2 month road trip, I just wanted to make it back to ABQ dry. This time I was ready with swimsuit on from leaving the house! However, it was overwhelmingly busy upon first arrival, but after 5pm there were only a few people left and I finally had my chance to make the jump. People of all ages were jumping in, including kids, and I am a very strong and confident swimmer. Nevertheless, upon standing on the rocky overhang, which of course looked much higher up once actually on it than it did from the angle you see above where I took the photo, I felt a bit of hesitation. It is definitely not nothing jumping in from up there! I jumped in feet first and the 61F felt refreshing as I made my way back up to the surface then swam to the steps.

San Juan River Views in Summer New Mexico True

July 05, 2022 in Nature & Wildlife

Summer along the San Juan River is still freezing in the water!

Navajo Lake and Navajo Dam is one of my favorite areas of New Mexico, and having just made my tenth visit to the area, this was the first time to be there in the heart of summertime. I thought this, finally, was my chance to go for a swim in the San Juan River. The air temperature was in the low 80s. This made me totally unprepared for just how cold the river was. You could not ease your way into the water, which is not my custom anyway, so I made the plunge completely under water, only to have to immediately bounce back up and make my way out. The cold was so intense I felt something like frost bite! After warming back up, I took out my brand new lens, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, and made a few photos of the river mostly from a low angle. Doesn’t the water look inviting on a hot summer day??

Cochiti Lake New Mexico Black and White Fine Art Landscape Photography

April 20, 2022 in Nature & Wildlife

A lake almost to oneself in the desert

Though relatively nearby to Albuquerque, Cochiti Lake is not a place I have often visited, but almost on a whim made a return visit to recently. It was to the less used Tetilla Peak area where most of the time there, it felt like having the lake to oneself. This area did only just open up for the season the day before so that probably helped too! Is this a beautiful lake? No, not at all, especially since it only exists because of a dam. However, there are not many bodies of water in New Mexico, and if you go at the right time and to the right spot, it can feel like a small escape from the desert.