Old World Classic

Morning light on San Felipe de Neri Church, Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

San Felipe de Neri Church, Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

I’ll be making a shift from my usual subject matter while visiting many of the classic locales in France and Italy during the next few weeks. I’m looking forward to the challenge of creating unique images at some of the popular landmarks as well as just immersing myself in the culture and stepping outside of my photographic comfort zone.

This image of San Felipe Church in Albuquerque isn’t quite on the same timeline nor does it possess the architectural grandeur of the likes of Notre Dame or St. Marks Basilica, but it does represent the old world of the American southwest and the spirit that it evokes. Classic lines, classic beauty.

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

Queen of the Missions

Spanish fountain at the Santa Barbara Mission (Queen of the missions), Santa Barbara, California (Russ Bishop/Russ Bishop Photography)

Just a short drive from my home yet worlds away, the Santa Barbara Mission is an icon of Spanish architecture and the crown jewel of the 21 California missions established by Father Junipero Serra in the late 18th century. The I Madonnari chalk drawings (an Italian art festival that occurs each summer) add an artistic flair and Old World feel to this classic setting.