Easter Religious Events, Pueblo Events?

I am returning to Chimayo again this year to photograph the Holy Week Pilgrimage. (Images from last here are here: http://charlie.zenfolio.com/p768074979) We would appreciate information on events around the area to photograph, especially religious events.

Our plan is to spend an afternoon in Taos on the way down and then spend Thursday and Friday in Chimayo. We plan to spend the entire Good Friday around the Santuario photographing. On Saturday we will eventually get to the Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque for the night (Mostly for several favorite restaurants) and then head back north through Taos again, maybe spend Easter night in Taos. We will stop at different pueblos to photograph the churches dressed up for Easter. Anyway, that is our plan but we can vary it.

Looking fo suggestions or information about religious ceremonies around Easter and any issues photographing the events. For example, we understand that there is a mass for the penitent brotherhood in Espanola, Does anyone know of it? Also, are any of the chapels in the different pueblos particularly impressinve during Easter and should not be missed? Any other ideas?

Charlie

Easter Religious Events, Pueblo Events?

Keep in mind that many pueblos do not allow photography or require a permit.

Easter Sunday. Bow and Arrow Dance after Mass at Nambe Pueblo. For information: (505) 455-2036.

Easter Sunday and Monday. Various dances at Zia Pueblo. For information: (505) 867-3304.

Easter Sunday and Monday. Various dances at San Ildefonso Pueblo. For information: (505) 455-3549.

Easter Religious Events, Pueblo Events?

I too will ';seriously'; warn you to gather the information from each pueblo as to what can, or cannot be photographed. You may take a picture at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and risk the loss of your cameras. Remember, each pueblo has their own police, and legal system.

This listing of many pueblos%26#39; ';general'; photographic policies, should get you started.

http://newmexico.org/search/index.php?cx=010718860240525920700%3Aa7vay0dc6yc%26amp;cof=FORID%3A9%26amp;q=pueblos+photography#1078

The Penitentes Brotherhood is very secretive, and in my experience, they do not like their ';Moradas'; or churches being photographed from the exterior, let alone their ceremonies. I would recommend you proceed with extreme caution with your photographic ';plans.'; Especially being an ';outsider.'; (No offense intended by me of course.)

Thank you both for the information and I would surely welcome more recommendations. It is always good to be reminded of the photography restrictions at the different pueblos and of photographing los Hermanos Penitente. I have always followed the guidelines at the pueblos an have come away with images that I like. Last Easter Sunday, when we returned from the pilgrimage in Chimayo, we stopped at Talpa and Picuris to photograph. The dark stormy skies and stark adobe walls were a great contrast to flowers placed placed at each, perhaps for Easter. By coincidence, I have images from both places in shows opening this weekend.

As for the brotherhood, during Holy Week in Chimayo different brotherhoods visit and some make processions to the chapel. Some of these are the secret societies and shoo away people, especially those with cameras, while others do not. One of the latter was from Espanola and I have read afterward of a mass on Good Saturday for the brotherhood in Espanola so that is why I asked about that one in particular.

We are pretty free in our plans after Holy Saturday, will visit Albuquerque and may spend some time around Taos, Abiquiu, or both and I was hoping to include Easter ceremonies, decorations, processions, etc. in these plans. I am sure you two and others who read these forums are far more knowledgeable than us and may know of local events.

Charlie

A quick question.

Are these images you have taken in the past and the ones you plan to take for personal use or commercial use?

For the most part it is for my own use. I have images in shows now and these have price tags on them. It would be nice if someone bought them but I an more interested in eyeballs than money. When I photograph events such as the pilgrimage I hand out my card to those who I photograph. I let them know they can see their images there and if they email me, I will send them the images for free. Similarly, I sent a CD of images to the chapel and several were used in their publication, ';The Holy Family of Nazareth';. I received no compensation. So, I guess there is a blurry line between doing it for myself and for compensation but there is much more of the former and little of the latter and that is what I prefer.

Charlie

It sounds like you are doing good research, and following all the rules. I%26#39;ve learned something too about the Espanola Penitentes. Some must be more ';open'; than others. That%26#39;s what these forums are all about, sharing information.

My warnings may come across too strongly worded, but they are intended for the more casual tourist who has not had the time to fully research before arriving. This general rule applies everywhere however. Just respect other people%26#39;s privacy, and ask before you take that shot.

Have an excellent shoot! May the Weather Gods provide you with clear, sunny days, and Kodachrome Blue skies. What you now call it with ';Digital'; Blue skies, I do not know.

CanonBoy, LOL!