People & Places of Santa Fe, New Mexico
June 16 – 25, 2026
Join us on a ten-day, small group photo-adventure, in Sante Fe and surrounding areas, for an immersive Southwest experience. From the adobe architecture of the historic Plaza and centuries-old mission churches to the vivid sunsets painting the desert sky, every scene radiates with color and texture. We’ll explore the dramatic high-desert landscape—red rock canyons, juniper-studded hills, and sweeping mountain vistas. Our journey also includes a visit to the awe-inspiring Very Large Array (VLA), where the sculptural forms of massive radio telescopes rise from the plains like a science-fiction monument to human curiosity—a truly unique photographic experience blending art, technology, and the vast New Mexico sky.
Bobbi & Lee assist you throughout your photographic journey, and share insights on composition, lighting, scene selection, and maximizing the use of your camera—the goal is to take your photography to the next level.
Schedule Subject to Change
Jun 16 – Arrive in Albuquerque
Albuquerque, VLA & Visits with Photographers
Jun – 17: After arriving in Albuquerque, our first full day will find us traveling to the VLA (very large array: https://www.vla.nrao.edu) to photograph the massive radio telescopes at dawn. We will then travel back to visit Karen Kuehn at her ranch in Peralta. Karen is a famous photographer, now working in the movie industry: www.karenkuehn.com
Then we’ll visit with Tim Anderson of Shadow and Light magazine.
Tent Rocks
Jun 18: Early morning drive to Tent Rocks National Monument. Just southwest of Santa Fe, is a striking landscape of sculpted volcanic tuff and ash formations that rise like natural spires from the desert floor. The narrow slot canyons, winding trails, and cone-shaped “tent” formations create endless opportunities for dramatic compositions of light and shadow. As the sun shifts, the soft sandstone glows in warm tones of cream, pink, and gold—an ever-changing canvas for photographers seeking abstract textures, sweeping vistas, and the quiet wonder of New Mexico’s geological artistry.
https://www.blm.gov/visit/kktr,
After our time at Tent Rocks, we will make our way to Sante Fe, and settle into our hotel…
Sante Fe: Canyon Road, Photo Galleries
Railyard Markets & Plaza
Jun 20: A day of street photography at the Santa Fe Railyard Markets and historic Plaza, alive with color, culture, and character. At the Railyard, local farmers, artisans, and performers create a dynamic rhythm of life framed by contemporary architecture and old rail lines—a perfect mix of modern energy and rustic charm. In the Plaza, centuries of history unfold amid adobe facades, street musicians, and Native American artists displaying their handcrafted jewelry beneath the portal of the Govenor’s Palace. Together, these lively spaces invite photographers to capture candid moments, cultural expression, and the unique human tapestry that defines the heart of Santa Fe.
Angel Fire Ballons
Jun 21: Photographing the hot air balloons at the Angel Fire Airport is a feast of color and light set against the majestic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. As dawn breaks over the high valley, brilliant balloons rise into the crisp morning air, their reflections glowing on the polished surfaces of the tethered craft and surrounding landscape. The early light creates dramatic contrasts and vivid hues—perfect for wide-angle vistas or close-up details of crews preparing for launch. It’s a magical experience where the serenity of flight meets the exhilaration of photography in one of New Mexico’s most scenic alpine settings.
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Chimayó & Taos
Jun 22: An early morning drive on the High Road to Taos, one of New Mexico’s most scenic and culturally rich drives, winding through high desert mesas, forested hills, and traditional Spanish villages. Along the way, a stop at the Santuario de Chimayó offers a glimpse into centuries-old faith and artistry, where adobe walls, colorful folk art, and candlelit chapels create intimate photographic moments. Continuing north, the landscape opens to sweeping mountain vistas before arriving at Taos Pueblo—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where adobe structures, running water, and timeless traditions offer extraordinary opportunities to capture both the spirit and enduring beauty of the Southwest.
https://www.newmexico.org/places-to-visit/scenic-byways/high-road-to-taos/
https://taospueblo.com/
Plaza Blanco and Ghost Ranch
Jun 23: A day of photography at Plaza Blanca and Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú is a journey through the soul of Georgia O’Keeffe country—where luminous white cliffs, sculpted sandstone, and vast desert skies evoke an otherworldly stillness. Early light reveals textures and forms that seem carved from pure light, while Ghost Ranch’s colorful mesas and winding arroyos offer endless compositions in every direction. The day culminates with a visit to renowned photographer David Michael Kennedy, whose mastery of platinum-palladium printing and deep connection to the New Mexico landscape provide both inspiration and insight into the art of seeing. It’s a perfect blend of place, craft, and creative spirit.
https://www.daralislam.org/plaza-blanc https://www.ghostranch.org/
https://www.davidmichaelkennedy.com/
Santa Fe Rodeo
Jun 24: A relaxing morning in Santa Fe, followed by an afternoon and evening photographing the Santa Fe Rodeo. From bronco riders exploding out of the chute to cowboys and cowgirls in gleaming hats and dust-covered boots, every moment is charged with action and authenticity. The golden evening light filters through the arena dust, creating dramatic silhouettes and motion-filled compositions that capture both the power and grace of the sport. Beyond the arena, candid portraits of riders preparing, families cheering, and the community gathering offer a rich tapestry of storytelling opportunities for the observant photographer.
Return to Albuquerque
Jun 25: Drive back to Abuquerque—as the journey comes to a close, you’ll return home with a portfolio of unforgettable images that reflect the heart and soul of the Southwest—sun-warmed adobe walls, vast desert skies, timeless faces, and the interplay of light and shadow unique to New Mexico. Each photograph becomes a memory of discovery: a fleeting moment of golden light at Ghost Ranch, the vibrant motion of the Santa Fe Plaza, the quiet spirituality of Chimayó, or the soaring grace of balloons at dawn. More than pictures, these are stories—framed in color, texture, and emotion—that embody the magic of the high desert and the spirit of the adventure itself.
Details
Leaders: Bobbi Lane & Lee Varis
Dates: June 16 – 25, 2026
Trip Fee $6,300
Group Size: 10
DEPOSIT: $1000
Tour Arrangements Include:
- A welcome & farewell dinner, plus snacks & water.
- All ground transportation & lodging.
- Permits & entry fees
- Photography guidance & instruction, with individual & group photo critique.
- Pre & post event Zoom meetings
Excludes:
- Airfare
- Excess baggage charges, departure fees, and airport taxes
- Gratuities
- Meals, except welcome & farewell dinners.
- Personal expenses and incidentals, such as alcohol, and laundry
- Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage loss insurance
Registration
A deposit of $1000 is required to hold your spot. Trip insurance is recommended.
Pay deposit below, then click on “sign-up form” link…
You must fill out the sign-up form, and pay the $1000 deposit to secure a place in the tour. The balance of $5300 is due Feb. 16, 2026, 120 days before the start date.