Here in Santa Fe, all of our big holidays take place in the Plaza. It’s charming and becomes packed with people, kids, strollers, dogs, and geeks like me with a camera. These photos are all from the recent 4th of July celebration. That’s an annual celebration in the Plaza with plenty of good food and interesting booths set up with artwork and jewelry. I wouldn’t miss it!
Every year this very long road in the middle of Santa Fe, lights up for Christmas. And many of the people do the same. Lots of “walking Christmas trees” to be found there, cleverly disguised as human beings. Canyon Road draws people from everywhere because it’s renowned for the high quality art galleries. I’ve included one or two photos of that here.
A photographer from the Santa Fe New Mexican was on assignment to document the festivities. He wanted to photograph a group of us who were wearing particularly ostentatious lights. And of course I had to get into a conversation about his gear. And that gear was impressive! You’ll see a shot of it in the gallery.
From a technical point of view, this is a difficult assignment even though it’s filled with lights, color and motion. You’re being jossled every step of the way. But everyone is having a great time, often bursting into song at the sight of some light display that evokes song! This whole scenario puts any camera and photographer to the test. I was using a full-frame Sony with an f/1.8 lens. I don’t think it would be possible any other way. I had ISO on Auto, which I normally detest, but there’s no choice in these conditions. I learn a lot everytime I pick up the camera; and I guess that’s what it’s all about.
Well, Merry Christmas everyone, ’til next year.
Santa Fe likes to dress up for Christmas. This is the central part of the town and every tree and every building are wearing their finest Christmas attire.
Oh yes indeed. They’ve had the luminarias up since the day after Thanksgiving. That’s the tradition here. The Plaza gets all lighted up the evening after Thanksgiving and everyone packs in there to hear the countdown after sunset, and then WOW, they turn on all those gorgeous lights. Everyone loves it.
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