Hey friend, Erin here! If you are a milspouse photographer gearing up for a PCS to Kirtland AFB, first of all, get ready for some GREAT food!!! (Trust me, we spent four years in ABQ!) But aside from that, you probably want to know how to prepare your photography business too, and Elle DeWeese Photography is here to help you with that. In this Albuquerque, NM Photography Spotlight, she’s sharing her favorite places to shoot in the 505. Don’t miss this one!

What are your top three favorite locations for sessions? Briefly share about each.

Elena Gallegos Open Space

If you’re looking for a gorgeous mountain backdrop with a desert feel, the Elena Gallegos Open Space (7100 Tramway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122) is a great spot! My go-to trail is the Cottonwood Springs Trailhead. It’s an easy 1.5 mile loop, but you don’t necessarily have to go all the way around the loop to get those beautiful shots. It’s open year round, it does have bathroom access and there’s a $3 parking fee. No permit is needed for this location.

Bachechi Open Space

If you’re looking for that rare location in the desert that has trees, greenery and a little bit of water, this is a gorgeous spot! Bachechi Open Space (9521 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114) features a big field full of greenery, wildflowers, and cacti. This location also has a gorgeous wooden bridge along a little pond full of turtles and ducks. There’s a huge park that’s perfect for family sessions, as well as trails along the open space which will lead you to the Rio Grande. Just a bunch of gorgeous spots for pictures here! It’s open year-round, has bathroom access and free public parking. No permit is needed for this location.

ABQ BioPark: Botanical Gardens

If you’re looking to take pictures in a gorgeous conservatory, the ABQ Botanical Gardens (2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104) is a great spot! This location features a 10,000 square-foot conservatory, 32 acres of exhibits, a pond with ducks, and beautiful plants from the American Southwest and around the world. Be sure to check their hours before scheduling a session though, as they are currently only open from 9am to 5pm, are closed on Mondays, and stop accepting new people in the park after 3:30pm.

This location does require a professional photographer permit as well as an entry fee for everyone entering. (Be sure to snag the military discount!) The park is open year-round, has bathroom access, and free parking.

Are there any particularly busy seasons for photographers in this area? Any events an incoming photographer should know about?

I would say the busy seasons around here are September through December and March through May. With that being said though, if your focus is maternity, you will almost always be busy. For maternity sessions I was pretty busy even in slow season.

For local events I would look out for pop up holiday markets if you’re interested in being a vendor. There’s also sunflower U-Picks at Big Jim Farms and lavender U-Picks at Eight Moons Farm. There are photographer fees for both of those farm locations though, so be sure to check their websites or reach out to them directly.

What should an incoming photographer know about permits in this area?

None of the open spaces require a permit. It’s always good to double check online and do your research about any location you want to shoot at though.

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to an incoming photographer?

Be careful of your surroundings. Albuquerque has a very high crime rate. The locations I mentioned are all in safe areas, but there are parts of Albuquerque that are not so safe. So just be aware and careful of your surroundings while shooting.

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: www.elledeweesephotography.mypixieset.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elledeweesephotographyllc

---

Are you a milspouse photographer interested in contributing? I’d love to have your insight! Please send me an email at erin@erinthompsonphoto.com and I’ll be in touch with the details!

If you enjoyed this Albuquerque, NM photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!