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!
Read MoreWalk into 1923 at the Pioneer Museum in Chloride New Mexico
New Mexico is full of hidden gems, like the Pioneer Museum in the very small (population 10) ghost town of Chloride, New Mexico. When the store went out of business in 1923, it was sealed off, and essentially became a time capsule for the period. All the shelves are just like they were that last day it was open in 1923. The current owner gives a fascinating history of both the contents of the store and its former owners. Chloride is not exactly on the beaten path, but what hidden gem is? If you are visiting Truth of Consequences, this is a great day trip to make as the roads leading out there are great for driving as well. Have you been here?
Read MoreFor smaller town life in Colorado checkout Walsenburg
Visiting rural places is a common part of being a rural land real estate photographer. In the past four years I have been to nearly every part of New Mexico, and now this work is taking me into southern Colorado, which is where I found the town of Walsenburg. The client wanted photos from the town, so I actually got paid to walk the historic streets and wonder when the heyday of these places were. I strolled past diners long closed, new stores in old storefronts, and a movie theatre that must have been a lot more exciting in 1961 than 2021. I really like having the opportunity to see places I never normally would, and try and feel the memories of what used to take place in decades past.
Read MoreSmokey the Bear spokesanimal for preventing forest fires!
A recent commercial interior photo shoot took me to Ruidoso, New Mexico for the firs time, which in turn by taking the scenic route took me to Capitan, New Mexico which to my great surprise is the home of the real Smokey the Bear! Who knew? Smokey has his own historic park detailing his life story. His life definitely started out very sad, being orphaned in a forest fire and being found burned and clinging to a tree (see photo below). This early tragedy led him to a life as an ambassador for the forest serivce and a spokesanimal for preventing forest fires. He served in this role for 25 years! What an amazing story and to discover it right here in New Mexico.
Read MoreErie Street lives in the past and present
Not quite a ghost town, not quite totally forgotten, but Lowell, Arizona is certainly in the past. Walking down its main street (and only street), Erie Street, you pass storefronts full of dust covered merchandise, classic cars, a Greyhound bus waiting for no one, pool halls, and a gas station that is not exactly full service anymore, even if you were willing to pay more than 22 cents per gallon! This place fascinated me. In front of the Greyhound bus I just sat right on the sidewalk for 20 minutes trying to listen to the stories coming through the cracks of the sidewalks, the walls, the signs.
Read MoreWhen I heard of this ghost town near Hillsboro, New Mexico I was quite excited. Exploring haikyo in Japan (and even here in the U.S.) was the source of some of my greatest adventures. All of these past places were just forgotten and open for exploring. Lake Valley Ghost Town, however, had an admission gate and a museum! Despite this it was still interesting to see an old safe lying open in the desert, wagon wheels leaning against fences, and to listen for old voices. It was useful having actual signs describing what each place was in a past life, even if it took a lot of mystery and imagination away.
Read More
