Autumn is working its way through the Southwestern United States in a very odd, not quite normal way.  I present part of its third act in today's blog.

It is almost a given that there will a first snowfall either before or on Halloween.  Frosts are generally common at 7,000 feet elevation starting in the middle of September.  This year, there have been two, and they were enough to nip the delicate flowers and vegetables in the garden.  Leaves on some deciduous trees are taking their time turning colors, perhaps to match the warmer than normal summer and fall.  However, the crabapple tree that offered such burnished and beautiful fruit in last week's blog, has been picked over heavily by jays, robins, and numerous other sorts of birds, leaving behind starkly different but equally beautiful leaves.  

trees - crabapple tree 2 2026 trees- crabapple tree 1 2026

The most common symbols of the harvest in New Mexico are chiles, apples, and pumpkins, all in abundance at farmers' markets and in locations all over the state.  I picked up a little gem at an outside market, and utilized fallen leaves as a backdrop.  The varied colors of ash, hosta, and other leaves are almost as showy as the pumpkin.  

Food - pumpkin 2 2026
 

Food - pumpkin 3 2026

But since I have also been working on a photography book and had been pondering a photo session with a fixture in the neighborhood, it seemed an appropriate time for an autumn backdrop for his unique look.  He says many of his friends call him "Leon" (as in rock star Leon Russell), I thought of him as part of the band ZZ Top, but to the canines in the neighborhood, he will always be the "Treat Dealer".  All the dogs know him, and anxiously await his arrival.  John is also kind enough to hand out treats seasonally to humans in the area as well.  He graciously agreed to do a more organized photo shoot next month.

Environmental portraits - John Pullin 1 Santa Fe, NM 10/21/2026 Environmental portraits - John Pullin 2 10/21/2026 Santa Fe, NM Environmental portraits - John Pullin 3 10/21/2026 Santa Fe, NM

Thanks to Rebecca A., Carol and Larry, Tim A., Diane D., TTT, Steve, Kay, and Brenda for writing on last week's blog and commenting.  

My hope is that everyone enjoys celebrating Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and other events safely this week, and that each of you reading in America has already or is planning on voting in the mid-term elections.  I know you have heard this before but your political leaning matters not.  Just that everyone votes. 

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image©