photographing Indian Market

August 18, 2025 • 6 Comments

There has always been something compelling about downtown Santa Fe. It is particularly extraordinary after a good rain like the one that fell on Friday. The smell of damp trees, the Santa Fe River - full or empty - and the food. A wild and visceral atomization of grilled meat, green chile, and fried bits fills the air. These elements become a background for the annual SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) Indian Market on and around the Plaza. This year was its 103rd event with roughly 1,000 Native Artists from over 200 Tribal Nations. It is a truly phenomenal gathering of artists and their work. The people watching is unmatched and a street photographer's paradise. Today's blog, as you will see, is image heavy. I will allow the photographs to tell their own stories. Gabriel Frey, basketmaker from Maine, begins the journey, with his traditional Passamaquoddy baskets, many of which feature a subtle blending of colors.

Indian Market Santa Fe 2 2025 Indian Market Santa Fe 1 2025 Indian Market Santa Fe 3 2025

If you can take your eye off the arts and crafts for a moment, images such as the one below, are there for the taking.

Indian Market Santa Fe 4 2025

Just when it seems as if you have seen it all, something is included to catch your eye, such as these sunglasses by Jolene Bird of Santa Domingo Pueblo.

Indian Market Santa Fe 5 2025

People dress for Indian Market. They really dress.

Indian Market Santa Fe 6 2025

Her beauty is part of her art...

Indian Market Santa Fe 8 2025

...as is his braid.

Indian Market Santa Fe 9 2025

This mannequin speaks for itself.

Indian Market Santa Fe 7 2025

Early morning hours are the best time to talk with the artisans and have a more varied photographic experience, but I can tell you for a fact, any time of the day is good if you let the flow of the event work its way past your camera.

Thanks to Marilyn R., Kay C., Jean & Sam, Tim, Catherine, Steve, Barbara F. R., and Heather F. H. for commenting so thoughtfully about last week's blog.

May you have a creative week as we move toward the end of August.

until next Monday,

a passion for the image©

Keywords: Blacks Crossing Photography, Daryl A. Black, environmental portraiture, Indian Market, New Mexico, people, photography, Santa Fe, street photography, SWAIA

Comments

Ingrid(non-registered)

Great photos of a snippet of the wonderful art. Loved the people photos!

Connie Taylor(non-registered)

For the past 5 days I have had weavers from Spanish Market and today Indian Market stop here to replenish yarn, share photos, stories and ribbons hard won. It is wonderful these traditions exist and are honored. Such beautiful work and beautiful friends. Thanks for your photos.

Ann Alexander(non-registered)

I missed Indian Market this year so was thrilled to see it through your photos.

Steve Immel(non-registered)

For starters I had no idea that 200 tribes are represented at Indian Market. Somehow, I thought of it as being specific to the Southwest. I wrong I was. You've done a masterful job capturing the faces, wares and regalia of the participants. The human connection is evident. The Indian Market and others like it are a gift for street photography, aren't they?

I really liked Gabriel Frey's colorful woven carriers and could identify them as northeastern if not specifically from Maine.

Fred Barraza(non-registered)

Oh! Nice!

No comments posted.