Roadside Relics

I have driven between Phoenix and Albuquerque dozens of times.  Too many times, actually, to count.  I have seen Twin Arrows and other 'relic' sites every time.  But, I have never stopped to explore locations that might have been photo opportunities along the way.  Shame on me.  I have given in to 'being in a hurry'.  Or, maybe just too scared to stop and explore what might have turned into a spooky 'shoot'.  Well, Tom stopped along the way on his last trip from Phoenix to Albuquerque.  He shares some of his best shots of Twin Arrows, an abandoned camp site and a 'mountain lion' building. Now I want to stop too!!  Not only at these sites but at some others I have noticed along the way.

Humphrey's Peak out the door!

I am sure this has a STORY!

Before Sunset Point on the way.

Looking down Central Avenue, across downtown Albuquerque towards Sandia Mountain.  Not too far down the road is a KFC where Tom picked up our dinner.

Note to self . . . don't be so hesitant to wander off the road!

Phoenix Art Museum

Tom has been a member of Phoenix Art Museum for years.  He finds artistic inspiration in their exhibits and enjoys the environment that celebrates creativity.  He often expresses that he would enjoy my going with him to the Museum more often.  I hope these photos motivate you to check it out as a venue worth the entrance fee.  It is true that tripods and flash are not allowed.  Tom is showing us that there are still some great photo opportunities in spite of those constraints.

One of the current exhibits isThe White Shirt According to Gianfranco Ferré.  The Museum describes Ferré as "known as the architect of fashion and the purveyor of power dressing."

Oh Tom!!

Another current exhibit is Still Life from the Center for Creative Photography".  You can check out more about all the exhibits on the Museum's website.

Now this is a pano!!!

I will go with you Sweetheart when I return.  The rest of you can check it out sooner.  Stop by their gift shop.  Just might find the perfect gift for someone one you Christmas shopping list.  My recommendation is the garlic press (no kidding!).  Never had a disappointed recipient of that gift.

Mormon Temple Lights

This is another of my favorite winter shooting opportunities.  This year Tom, Rick and Barbara accepted the challenge.  Seeing these photos made me smile! 

Once again I realize how wonderful the blue hour can be.  If you are drawn to visiting the Temple I recommend going early enough to explore all of the grounds, including the inside where there are incredibly decorated Christmas trees and scenes (none shown here).  Capture the water scenes during the blue hour.  Use a tripod and longer shutter speeds.  Be patient with people in the scene.  Once the blue hour is over go inside for the inside shots.  Then go to dinner with friends.  The Temple is very, very photographer friendly.  If you are not Mormon, no worries, as there is no difference in the way you are treated other than you cannot go inside the Temple itself.  The grounds and the visitor center are open to all.