Sacred Light in Taos

A Journey to Sacred Ground: Capturing the Mystical Beauty of St. Francis of Assisi in Taos

There are places in this world where time seems to pause, where the veil between the earthly and the divine grows thin. The historic St. Francis of Assisi Church in Taos, New Mexico, is undoubtedly one of those sacred spaces. When my wife Tracey and I ventured to this remarkable adobe sanctuary, we discovered not just a church, but a portal to the mystical heart of the Southwest.

Sanctuary of Timeless Shadows

An Enchanting Exploration

Walking through the grounds of this centuries-old mission, we were immediately struck by the profound sense of peace that permeates every corner. The weathered adobe walls, sculpted by time and the high desert elements, seemed to whisper stories of countless prayers and pilgrimages. Tracey and I spent hours wandering the pathways, discovering hidden corners where light and shadow danced in perfect harmony.

The church's distinctive twin bell towers, crowned with simple crosses, stand as sentinels against the dramatic New Mexican sky. Each angle revealed new mysteries – the way morning light caressed the curved walls, how the ancient wooden doors seemed to guard secrets from another era, and the gentle interplay between the man-made sanctuary and the wild desert landscape surrounding it.

Divine Contours of Taos

“Divine Contours of Taos” captures the San Francisco de Asís Church in Taos, New Mexico as if it exists in a space just beyond the ordinary—where spirituality and earthiness meet in the language of form. In infrared black and white, the adobe curves become luminous, and the shadows deepen into something almost ceremonial, shaping the church into a quiet monument of presence.

This image is also a personal homage. One of my favorite photographers, Ansel Adams, famously photographed this very church, and his work has long influenced the way I see light, structure, and timeless places. Standing here with my own camera felt like stepping into that lineage—honoring the history of the mission while adding my own perspective to its enduring story.

The result is a photograph that feels both grounded and transcendent: a study of contours, texture, and reverence—where the past still breathes, and the spirit of the place lingers in every shadow.

Capturing the Invisible Light

Through my infrared lens, St. Francis of Assisi transformed into something beyond the physical realm. The familiar adobe walls began to glow with an otherworldly luminescence, while the surrounding vegetation burst into ethereal whites and silvers against the deep, mysterious sky. These weren't just photographs – they were glimpses into a hidden dimension of reality.

The Gateway Series:

Begins with an intimate view through the traditional adobe gateway, creating a frame within a frame that draws the viewer deeper into this sacred space. A second gateway perspective reveals the "San Francisco de Asis" sign, marking the threshold between the mundane world and the mystical realm beyond.

The Architectural Portraits:

Showcase the church from multiple perspectives – one revealing the iconic facade in all its mystical glory, with the infrared spectrum transforming the scene into a dreamscape where earthly architecture meets celestial light. Another, aptly titled "Timeless Towers of Light and Shadow," captures the twin bell towers in perfect symmetry, their crosses reaching toward the infinite sky.

Timeless Path to the Mission Sanctuary

"Timeless Path to the Mission Sanctuary" immerses viewers in an ethereal vision where earthly and spiritual realms converge, centered around the San Francisco de Asís Catholic Mission Church in Taos, New Mexico. I was thrilled to witness and capture this iconic location, which holds special meaning to me, as one of my favorite photographers, Ansel Adams, once photographed this very church. His work has deeply influenced my approach, and this image stands as a personal tribute to his artistry.

This black-and-white infrared photograph unveils a dramatic and evocative scene, revealing the historic mission church nestled within the heart of an aged adobe archway. The archway rises like a timeless sentinel, crowned by a prominent cross that serves as a beacon of faith. Two additional crosses pierce the sky, reinforcing the solemn and sacred atmosphere that defines the site.

The intricate play of shadows and sunlight accentuates the texture of the weathered adobe, while the rough, winding path draws the viewer's gaze toward the church’s entrance, inviting a contemplative journey. Foliage delicately frames one side of the image, introducing an organic balance that enhances the composition's depth and mystique. Above, the stark sky forms a striking backdrop, amplifying the symbolic presence of the crosses and enveloping the scene in a palpable sense of tranquility and worship.

This image captures not just a place but a profound sense of peace and reverence, communicated through the delicate interplay of light, shadow, and symbolism. The infrared medium imbues the scene with a mystical glow, transforming the familiar into a transcendent vision that lingers in the psyche, evoking both awe and serenity.

The Contemplative Views:

Include a dramatic low-angle perspective that emphasizes the church's commanding presence against the vast New Mexican landscape, and a sweeping composition that presents the full majesty of the mission, showcasing how this humble adobe structure commands profound respect in its desert setting.

Each image in this collection captures a different facet of the spiritual energy that permeates this sacred ground – from intimate doorway encounters to grand architectural statements, all unified by the mystical transformation that only infrared photography can reveal.

A Limited Vision, A Lasting Legacy

These images represent more than just a moment in time – they're part of my "Mystical Sanctuary" limited edition series, as fleeting as morning mist. Each photograph in this collection is limited to just 25 prints, and with several already claimed by collectors who understand the rarity of these mystical captures, only a few remain available.I've chosen to offer these sacred visions exclusively on two premium materials that do justice to their spiritual significance:

Standing before St. Francis of Assisi that day, camera in hand, I was reminded why I do what I do. It's not just about capturing light – it's about revealing the magic that exists all around us, waiting to be discovered by those willing to look beyond the obvious.

These images from Taos represent that philosophy perfectly. They challenge our perception of reality, inviting viewers to see the sacred in the everyday, the mystical in the mundane. They're windows into a world where the boundaries between the physical and spiritual dissolve, leaving only pure wonder.

Visit our Gallery at Dreamworldimages.art to view the complete "Spiritual Splendor" collection and secure your piece of this mystical journey to St. Francis of Assisi.