Top Spots To Shoot Wildlife Photography Santa Fe NM

By Dennis Baker


Without a doubt, many photographers usually struggle to find the right locations for capturing their awe inspiring shots. If filming in New Mexico is part of your bucket list, you can find solace in the fact that there are many options on the table. Many of the locations covered here are recommended for wildlife photography Santa Fe NM.

The first attraction you will notice upon reaching the town is the Loretto Chapel. It is situated a few blocks down the Plaza. Its history dates back decades. Despite its rich history, with ties to France, it is rather small in size.

The primary interesting feature in the chapel is the Miraculous Staircase. There are many myths about how it ended up in the church. One curious thing to note about it is that it has no nails and glue that keep it intact. You will also notice that there is no support structure that safeguards it against crumbling from its 20 foot elevation.

For those purely looking for wildlife, the Santa Fe Ski Basin is the place to be. It only takes a short drive to get to this New Mexican gem. Its terrain is simplistic but punishing, attracting lots of adventurists every year.

Getting an excellent shot of the surroundings requires perfect timing. You need to actively monitor the position of the sun so that you will know the correct time to shoot. For the perfect shot, ensure the sun is not obstructing your view. The best filming time is in the evening from 5PM. Not only will the light be better positioned, but most of the nocturnal animals will have come out as well.

Another place worth checking out is Ghost Ranch. It is located close to an hour northwest of town. You will certainly appreciate its beauty as soon as you get onsite. There are coyotes and western diamondbacks that sprawl the landscapes. Be sure to film from a safe distance to stay safe from snake bites.

Originally, the ranch owners had planned to make the ranch a haven for relaxation and conferencing. Georgia OKeeffe, a massively successful artist, spent her developmental days in it. A number of her most famous pieces may have actually been thought of in the ranch. You can easily tell this from her famous landscape paintings.

No one ever leaves this area without visiting the Tent Rocks. It is a natural rock formation located 1 hour west of town. It gives you the feeling of being in planet Mars. The surrounding rock formations are simply out of a science fiction movie.

The formation arose from volcanic activity that took place about 6 million years ago. The rocks harbor diverse species of monitor lizards. The cliff faces also provided safe locations for bald eagles to make their nests and leave their young ones as they search for food.

Last is the Chama River. It traverses most of the state, bringing with it life saving water to the flora and fauna along its course. You might be tempted to think you are not in a desert thanks to the dense vegetation growing by the riverside.




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