Scouting Santa Fé 2011, Adobe Shapes

Last time, I talked about patterns and textures in the Santa Fé area. There are so many of them both in nature and in the structures that man has built over the centuries. This blog shows more of the man-made adobe shapes.

I love the vigas that so typify the adobe buildings, old and new, in the Southwest. Vigas, for those unfamiliar with the term, are the roof beams made from stripped trees. Sometimes, they are weathered and pale. At other times, they have been stained, along with regular beams and wood supports, and offer rich contrast to the adobe walls as with this building. Nothing is ever quite straight. After all, the adobe bricks that are the base of so many of these walls are hand made, a very labor-intensive job. No precision instruments in this process!© 2011 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC (at) ZAPphoto (at) com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

In this case, the viga goes across the top of the shuttered window. With the bunch of peppers hanging on the wall, and the blue of the window, I could not resist making a couple of photographs of the side of the building. Color always catches my eye, and with these near-complementary colors, it was a no-brainer!© 2011 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC (at) ZAPphoto (at) com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

Occasionally, we come across adobe shapes that are fantastical, Gaudi-ish in feeling, such as these along the side of a building. They were so much fun to photograph, although for this one, I had to get into a near-impossible position to get the shot I wanted.© 2011 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC (at) ZAPphoto (at) com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

At our B&B in one location, we were greeted by this door. Arnie and I both photographed it. It was at once so welcoming and so promising of privacy. The photograph underneath is a detail of that little window off to the right.© 2011 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC (at) ZAPphoto (at) com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.© 2011 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC (at) ZAPphoto (at) com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

The first Spanish missions in New Mexico were established in the late 16th century. The history of the missionaries and the Indians is a checkered one, sometimes culminating in great revolts by the natives who drove the Spaniards away. Now, the church seems to co-exist peacefully with many of the pueblo Indians, many of whom continue with their traditional ways and ceremonies. This doorway, if you look carefully, shows a view of pueblo buildings beyond. I found the contrast interesting.© 2011 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC (at) ZAPphoto (at) com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

And speaking of traditional ways, in the traditional pueblo houses, one often entered through the roof accessed with wooden ladders such as this one. The ladders are made with two tapered trees being notched at appropriate intervals. The rungs are then laid into the often-shallow notches and secured with rawhide, baling wire, or whatever else is available to wrap around the joint. The ladders could be pulled up to the roof, thus keeping enemies and other unwelcome guests out. There were a number of these ladders in this area, but what caught my eye with this one, was the mop hanging out to dry.© 2011 Margo Taussig Pinkerton.  All Rights Reserved.  From Barefoot Contessa Photo Adventures.  For usage and fees, please e-mail BC (at) ZAPphoto (at) com or contact us at 310 Lafayette Drive, Hillsborough, NC  27278 or at 919-643-3036 before 9 p.m. east-coast time.

We learned this trip, that every year, usually in September when it’s not too hot, yet still dry, that all the buildings get a new coat of adobe to keep them fresh and strong against the elements. We are grateful for this, as many of these structures have been around for several centuries, always a feast for our artistic eyes.

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8 thoughts on “Scouting Santa Fé 2011, Adobe Shapes”

  1. Once again, Margo, your blog and your images are inspirational. I have a tendency to only look for “nature” images and your blog reminds me that I pass by a lot of great photo opportunities.

    1. Thank you, Tom! We always are gratified when our blogs speak to fellow professionals and instructors.

      Photography is photography is photography. Regardless of the subject matter, the principles are the same. I find beauty in an old, run-down barn, an exquisite flower, a dramatic sea, an organ grinder in Paris, a stormy sky. It matters not, as long as it captures my eye.

      Take care,

      TBC

    1. Thanks, Katie. You live in a great area to photograph. We can’t wait to return next year.

      Take care, and thanks for your comment!

      TBC

    1. Mark,

      So glad you enjoyed the blog, and you are very welcome for any feedback I gave that was helpful.

      Take care, and stop in again,

      TBC

  2. There is no such thing as near impossible position for the BC!! Love the shapes, textures and colors.

    1. John,

      I suppose that is somewhat true. Arnie is always amazed by the Margo positions in photography! So glad you are enjoying the blog.

      Take care, and best to Lois, too,

      TBC

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