MORE NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY OPPORTUNITIES

August 22 will be the last of the 2025 scheduled astrophotography workshops for the National Park Service at Valles Caldera National Preserve. However, during the preserve’s Fall Fiesta, I will be leading some additional workshops. Check the National Park Service website for more information or to register for the August 22 event.

FIRST THE ATOMIC BOMB AND NOW FOTOS BY FORD

My photographs are now available at the Los Alamos Arts Council store in the Fuller Lodge Art Center in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I hope my work does not bomb.

25TH ANNIVERSARY AND BEYOND

It was my honor to provide an image to the National Park Service (NPS) for a new sign being installed at the entrance to Valles Caldera National Preserve.

I captured this from the spot where the sign will be and it shows visitors why the preserve is an International Dark Sky Park.

It's a magical place and everyone should take advantage of the night programs at the caldera so they can experience this for themselves.

Also, the 25th anniversary celebration of Valles Caldera NP becoming a unit of the NPS will be July 25 - 27 and there will be free night sky activities.

NOW IN OLD TOWN ALBUQUERQUE

I am pleased to announce my work is now represented by the Yucca Art Gallery in Old Town Albuquerque. Please stop in!

IT'S GOOD TO GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

In the past month I was surprised to learn two of my images won first place in contests. First, was an image of an old cowboy sitting inside a saloon. Second, was of a gathering of convergent ladybugs. My passion remains landscapes followed by wildlife but it’s good to try something new…occasionally.

ROAD SHOW

I was asked to contribute four pieces for a traveling show of images from Valles Caldera National Preserve. The exhibit opens at the Jemez Fine Art Gallery in Jemez Springs, NM on April 19 and then moves to the Ranger Station in the preserve. The show will hit the road after the summer. Check it out, if you can. Some nice work by several artists.

A MYSTERY THAT INCLUDES A PHOTOGRAPHER

My dear friend, Kathy Strong, recently published her first mystery novel - “The ‘57 Chevy: A Cam Donovan Mystery.” She previously authored seven popular travel guidebooks among her numerous other credits. I was surprised to learn I was the inspiration for “one of the most wonderful characters” in the book. To my knowledge its the first time this has happened.

It is possible I may be somewhat biased but I recommend Strongly (pun intended) you read the book - available at Amazon and fine book stores.

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

I noticed the following headline in a photo magazine a few days ago:

"Instagram is dead for photographers" and TikTok's future is uncertain – so people are flocking back to an old faithful platform

Facebook certainly isn’t a place for photographers so it appears that leaves just Flickr. It’s been a few years but I will give it a try again.

OCTOBER 2024 - WHAT A MONTH!

Quite a month. First, the unexpected treat of the Northern Lights at Valles Caldera National Preserve…three times! Second, the Galactic Center like I have never seen. It was so impressive I went out every night for a week. And then, if good things come in 3’s, I was fortunate to photograph my first comet. I can’t imagine a better month of astrophotography!

THE NORTHERN (NEW MEXICO) LIGHTS

I thought the light show on Monday was special and then on Thursday, October 10, we were dazzled with an encore presentation. JUST SPECTACULAR!!!

INTERRUPTED

Well, those dancing lights showed up again this week and interrupted our workshop. Seems we all forgot about the Milky Way for a while.

Valles Caldera National Preserve truly is a special place and its International Dark Sky certification is well deserved.

PHOTOS NOW AT VALLE GRANDE BOOKSTORE

I am pleased to announce my photographs can now be purchased at both locations of the Valle Grande Bookstore in Valles Caldera National Preserve.

STUNNED, I WAS

After finishing our night sky worship on August 30, two of us set up for some star shots. We had no idea we would be treated to the aurora borealis in the mountains of New Mexico.

WELCOME TO THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT

My work has been included in books, magazines, galleries, exhibitions and other shows but this is a first. If I am fortunate, people passing through the Albuquerque International Sunport (airport) will take time to enjoy the exhibit of some of my photographs. Thanks to the city of Albuquerque for inviting me to be part of welcoming folks to the city and state. It is indeed an honor. The display will continue until July 31.

Upcoming Show

My photo “A Leg Up” was juried into the New Mexico Art League’s upcoming show Body Language. The show runs from Jul 18 - August 17, 2024. A reception will be held August 3 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Check the League’s website for details.

Two Down

The first two of our night photography workshops at Valles Caldera National Preserve are in the books. First, I must thank Ranger Lauren of the National Park Service and the Caldera’s administration and staff who make the workshops possible. Second, to a great group of participants who are the reason we do this, you are the best!

We have been amazed at the popularity of the program. The June 7 event filled up in 1:08 MINUTES! If you did not get in either of these workshops, you have three more opportunities. Another full moon night in July and a dark sky event in both August and September. Check the Caldera’s website for more info and to sign up.

Da Cranes...Da Cranes

Although Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge continues to have very few birds this year, there is good news for photographers.

Ladd Gordon Waterfowl Complex just up the road is hosting large numbers of sandhill cranes and many snow geese. Management added a pond in 2023 near the entrance of the complex which makes it easy to photograph the birds in and around water. The resident deer and hawks stay near by, too.

The complex is off I-25 at exit 175 (between Socorro and Belen).