I do not know if the movie Forrest Gump put this view into my mind, or maybe it was from a time long before, but certainly for years and years I dreamed of seeing this iconic western road view. I believe it to be the signature view from the road of the American West. A road that vanishes and falls and rises into the mesas of Monument Valley that looks alien, futuristic, and ancient at the same time.
Read MoreI traveled down to Belen, New Mexico with my photography gear and Kiki for a rural land photography shoot. I have been to this exact area of Belen twice before, and know it so well I knew where to look for a cow skeleton, which was still there even though I have not been to this area for over a year! I got my daylight shots, then had time to walk around with Kiki in total silence save for the blowing wind. Then we settled in a spot and I setup my Nikon D750 on my Indoor carbon fiber tripod and waited for the sun to get into position. I decided to make the shot just as the sun peaked below the cloud cover while still above the distant mountain. Since the land itself was just desolate, I composed to show more of the spectacular clouds. I got paid to enjoy this view. Sometimes, being a photographer is not too bad, sometimes.
Read MoreA wood table by a large window with great natural light is always a good sign when starting a food photography shoot in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Such was the setup that greeted me as I entered The Cellar Tapas for an UberEats food photography shoot. Of course having great looking food is key as well, and owner Gabriel and his staff had all five meals ready to go when I arrived. I liked the presentation of the vegetarian platter in particular right on a thick, wooden cutting board.
Read MoreI had my third opportunity to participate in Help-Portrait, a national day of volunteering where photographers and others meet to provide a free professional portrait, to people in their local community who otherwise may not be able to afford professional photography. My first time was back in 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida in a space jam packed with photographers. This was my second year in a row in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but first time getting to shoot. Last year I only helped out with editing. This year with shooting it was great to know that something I helped with will be on that family’s wall for years to come.
Read MoreMy second time photographing the annual Twinkle Light Parade in the Nob Hill neighborhood of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Various types of vehicles adorned in a variety of twinkling Christmas lights slowly drive down Route 66 (aka Central Ave) to the delight of thousands of on-lookers. The usual favorites like Rudolph and The Grinch are always present, along with some twists like Mr. Potato Head and Darth Vader!
Read MoreThis photo of a red shouldered hawk perched on a dead tree limb was made after doing a rural land shoot in Torrance County, New Mexico. One of my photography philosophies is that a real photographer always makes the effort to get a photo they see. I was tired, had just been outside for 90 minutes in the desert, had another 45 minutes to drive back home, but I pulled over, got out my camera, and made the effort to get this shot of the hawk because as a photographer you just cannot pass up opportunities to get a shot. For me, especially one of a large bird as they are very hard to get in New Mexico. Back when I lived in Florida, photographing large birds was easy, they were all over the place. Birds and animals are rare to see in New Mexico, even in the remote places I often travel too.
Read MoreOn assignment for Albuquerque, New Mexico real estate agent Steve Etkind, I had the opportunity to fly my drone over the Rio Communities Golf Course in Belen, New Mexico creating a promotional video he will use to sell lots along and around the golf course. Drone video is a great way to showcase something like a golf course and the lifestyle living on a golf course offers.
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