Capturing a perfect sunset in Santa Fe, New Mexico

After two days of snow, Santa Fe was buried in over 12 inches of fresh powder. We had road closures, school closings, 2-hour delays… it was so much fun! That is if you enjoy winter weather, which I happen to. Yeah, there is the occasional incident where your 4×4 gets stuck in a 20 inch snow drift (doesn’t 4×4 mean you can drive through anything?) OK, so there are some drawbacks to all the snow. But overall, I absolutely love the winter and the heavy snows that come with it. Besides skiing, building snowmen, having an occasional snow ball fight with the kids and drinking hot cocoa next to the fire, there are not too many things that I love more during winter then watching a sunset.

The Sangre de Cristo mountain range had been hidden underneath the thick winter clouds for almost three days straight. It was around 4:00pm when I noticed the clouds beginning to break apart. When the mountain peaks finally started to show through the cloud cover, I was amazed at how much snow they got, the mountains were glowing! I knew that mother nature had something spectacular planned. The stage was set, and I was rushing off to Monte Sereno for a front row seat where I intended to take it all in.

It didn’t take me more then ten minutes to get from downtown Santa Fe and into Monte Sereno. Each minute I drove, the mountains seemed to get brighter. The sun reflecting off the mountain side was hypnotizing,  I couldn’t keep my eyes off of them. I took the Tesuque exit near the Santa Fe Opera house, and drove into the subdivision. I found myself a spot on the side of the road, pulled out my Nikon and started shooting.

Memories of burning orange sunsets reflecting on the snow capped mountains started to fill my head… oh yeah, this time I was ready to capture it! As I watched the color in the sky change from blue, to pink, to orange and blood reds, I was not prepared for how terrific this sunset was going to be.

Sitting on top of the world alone in my 4Runner, I was so excited to see what was unfolding in front of me. The clouds hiding the mountains seemed to roll over the summit just in time. And the sun, which was also being covered by the departing storm in the west, broke through the clouds like a spotlight; lighting up the star of the show on center stage.  I didn’t stop shooting, not until after the last bit of blood reds faded away and only after I filled a 2GB memory card. Truly an amazing experience, and one I will not soon forget.

Ok, Its time to show you what I captured, and I am excited to be able to share it with you. Here is a small set of photos that show the incredible beauty Santa Fe has to offer. With views like these, who wouldn’t want to live here?

I hope you enjoy the sunset…

The stage is set, I hope the clouds don't get in the way!

I love it up here...

The ridge lines cast shadows as the sun light hits them.

The clouds are covering the sun and the mountains... oh come on, move please!

YES!! Its SHOW TIME!

Glowing orange!!! Burn baby burn!

I was hoping for good, but I got exceptional.

Sunsets in Santa Fe. The only way this could be any better is if you were seeing it in person....from the back porch of your new home!

This Santa Fe Home with Views is scheduled for completion February 2009, only a month away!

If you are interested in purchasing this home,  give me a call  or email me and I will be happy to show it to you.

Brian Tercero
(505) 930-9586

First years snow blankets the Sangre de Cristos, you can still see the golden tint of the aspen trees... beautiful.

The house has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and is 3065 heated square feet with 1034 square feet of covered portals and an additional 795 square feet of storage for a grand total of 4894 square feet.

Some of the best architects in Santa Fe designed this custom home to sit hidden by the native pinon trees and junipers on a 2.387 acre lot. The home was pinned in precisely to take advantage of the premium views, while maintaining privacy. You will be in awe of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and with huge windows in every room, the views will follow you throughout the house.

Imagine yourself cooking dinner in the spacious gourmet kitchen, or relaxing in the authentic Santa Fe style living room, soaking in the hot tub in the master bathroom, or enjoying the kiva fireplaces located in any of these rooms. All the while you will be captivated by the stunning beauty that only Santa Fe has to offer.

Are the views drawing you in? Then step outside onto the curving, view veranda that wraps around the backside of the house, and take a deep breathe of the crisp mountain air, enjoying the warmth of the outdoor, sculpted fireplace. Enjoy one of Santa Fe’s famous sunsets, as the light paints the mountains red… ahhhh… only in Santa Fe!

They dont call them the "Sangre de Cristos" for nothing. Translated from Spanish it means "The Blood of Christ", and they live up to their name.

Construction is under way!

Construction will be complete in late November, its the perfect time to watch the aspens change color, and watch them get their first dusting of mountain snow.

This home is located in the highly coveted Monte Sereno subdivision. It is a master planned luxury community situated on the rolling hills in north east Santa Fe, neighboring the internationally acclaimed Santa Fe Opera House.

Literally five minutes from the Opera, and no more then ten minutes from the historic downtown plaza. Monte Sereno is located perfectly for those who want the the feeling of living out under the stars free from light pollution, but yet are still conveniently located close to all of Santa Fe’s amenities. It just does not get any better than this.

The leaves are turning, fall is upon us!

Check out some more of the views.

Mountain views for as far as the eyes can see!