My adopted custom from Japan of the last sunset and first sunrise of the year continues in Pacific Grove California
I was introduced to the custom of going out to see the last sunset of the year, and then the first sunrise of the new year when I lived in Japan in the 2000s. It is a custom I have tried to keep each year no matter where I am in the world. This year I was back home in Pacific Grove and went to my beloved Asilomar Beach for both the sunset and sunrise, and Mother Nature provided a spectacular one for both. It was a time to reflect on my first full year in California and what I hope and want for my second one.
Fountain in Hotel Chaco for downtime photography in Albuquerque
I was photographing a conference at Hotel Chaco last summer and had some time in between events to photograph the flora and fountain found in the inner courtyard of the hotel. I don't often have time to look for shots like this while photographing an event, and almost never go on a photo walk in my personal time anymore, so it was nice to just look for photos like I used to before I became a full-time professional photographer 14 years ago.
An annual event I photograph in Albuquerque, New Mexico is the River of Lights. The past two times I have had a chance to test out a new lens. This time it was the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens, which I liked from the very first shot I took with it! This lens was as close to the ideal one lens solution as you could get both in terms of focal length (85mm) as many of the light creations are a fair bit away from the walking paths, and the fast f/1.4 aperture for great low light performance and for creating bokeh when possible. Which is your favorite River of Lights display?
Favorite Photos and Drone Video of 2022 across categories
For the first time in three years, I have brought back the Favorite Five photos of the year, well actually four photos and one drone video this time! My criteria for choosing my own personal favorite five of the year are that as much as possible, each photo/video must be from a different category. That means not just choosing five landscape photos. Then I give preference to choosing a photo/video that I have not made a similar one to before and that has pushed my ability forward as a photographer and drone pilot.
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!
Another lake state park in New Mexico you can visit
It was a very, very windy visit to Ute Lake State Park in Logan, New Mexico (see map below for directions). It was so windy I was afraid I would not be able to fly the drone at all to get the content I needed for my client. Thankfully, the DJI Mavic 3 Cine drone is next level over previous drones for flying in strong winds and producing usable content. I was even helped out by one boat driving across the lake, and two kite boarders zooming over the rough lake surface! On the south shore of the lake you can see it has a rocky coast, fun for scrambling around on. The north shore has a gravely beach of sorts good for a sunset stroll. Have you been to this state park? It is out of the way, 35 minutes NE of Tucumcari, but a nice lake retreat area with the small town of Logan having restaurants, gas, and groceries. Check it out sometime!
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!
