Said to be the oldest continuously inhabited structures in the US, Taos Pueblo is a definite site for photographers and artists, with some caveats. Located just north of the town of Taos, the land on which the two adobe “houses” sit is grand and sweeping, and seeing the amazing pueblos against the Sangre de Cristo mountains for the first time is quite a stirring sight. The structures themselves are composed of numerous “apartments” within two larger building, with connecting kivas and smaller adobe houses. There is also a very beautiful small chapel as you enter the grounds, as well as the ruins of a larger church, which was the last stand of the Taos rebellion in 1848, a scared and memorial site that should not be entered. The lovely San Geronimo chapel is a graceful, classic Northern New Mexico church; no photos are allowed in the interior.
There are set rules for working in and around the plaza, the large space through which the Rio Pueblo flows and the center of the circle of buildings that compose the old pueblo grounds. The rules are posted as you come in, and violation will result in a fairly quick reprimand at the least, and potential seizure of gear at the worst. Always ask permission prior to photographing someone or a group, and don’t think you can sneak shots with a telephoto. It’s just not worth it. This is especially true during ceremonies to which the public is invited. Simply leave your gear in the car locked up out of sight and enjoy the day.
There is a camera fee that is paid upon entrance, as well as various fees for sketching, painting etc. Generally the fee is for one camera body and not each lens. If you bring a tripod, be prepared to be asked for a “commercial” fee. There are large signs posted that will let you know what is off limits, but overall you should be able to get some great shots and find some wonderful scenes as you wander the grounds. The sketching fee is quite a bit higher than the photo fee, so perhaps take a small point and shoot and use it to refresh your memory later when you paint or draw.
While these strictures might seem onerous to some, the pueblo is sovereign ground and those are the rules. This should not stop you at all from visiting the site and spending a pleasant day among the many welcoming people there. Not visiting the pueblo when in Taos would be a serious omission.
Check for opening and closing times at the Taos Pueblo web site. Call ahead as well, as the pueblo may close to the public at various times.
Photo Copyright Grace Schaub 2010. Horno and Buildings, Taos Pueblo, Hand colored silver print
