Best Places in NM?

[JoeKitchen]

It is too early to know for sure, but I may have a shoot in Albuquerque.  If so, I would probably stay a few extra days to explore NM, so what are the best places to visit? 

I have heard Sante Fe is nice. 

[Chris Kern]

I have heard Sante Fe is nice.

Good food, interesting art galleries, and an eclectic selection of museums.  The central tourist district is quite walkable.  The Amerindian vendors who sell crafts under the portal of the 17th-Century Palace of the Governors make excellent portrait subjects.  (But ask permission first; some feel strongly about not being photographed.)  The short drive to Los Alamos offers some great mountain scenery along the way.  (Best enjoyed as a passenger: if you're driving, you'll need to keep your eyes on the road.)  A slightly longer drive up to Taos makes a nice day trip.  My wife and I have been visiting Santa Fe for more than 30 years, and have never become tired of it.

[digitaldog]

Depends on what you're looking for.
Have you been to White Sands? Amazing but it helps to have models (or dogs) <g>. Kind of hot this time of year and getting worse but an amazing place to shoot.
Santa Fe of course, for great food.
Abiquiú might be worth seeing, maybe Taos.
I'd probably spend as little time in Albuquerque as possible, nothing special (but there is Franks Famous Chicken and Waffles).
https://www.franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com
 

[JoeKitchen]

Depends on what you're looking for.
Have you been to White Sands? Amazing but it helps to have models (or dogs) <g>. Kind of hot this time of year and getting worse but an amazing place to shoot.
Santa Fe of course, for great food.
Abiquiú might be worth seeing, maybe Taos.
I'd probably spend as little time in Albuquerque as possible, nothing special (but there is Franks Famous Chicken and Waffles).
https://www.franksfamouschickenandwaffles.com

From what I have looked at, you seem to be right on about Albuquerque.  Personally, looking for good food and nice views.  Either landscapes or towns with Adobe (inspired) scenes that would be unique to NM. 

My backdrop business is picking up steam, even with the Writer's Strike, and why I may be going, so I would be looking to spend a day or two getting stock images. 

[digitaldog]

Lots of great food in Santa Fe. You can spend big or small.
Not too far is Madrid, which is kind of a hoot.
As for views, one minor issue this time of year is; lots of wind and sometimes controlled fires. I know makes no sense, but it's always a possibility to ruin the views.

[Chris Kern]

My backdrop business is picking up steam, even with the Writer's Strike, and why I may be going, so I would be looking to spend a day or two getting stock images.

Las Vegas, New Mexico (sic), might be a productive venue.  The city has many distinctly southwestern 19th- and early 20th-Century buildings, a number of which have been fastidiously restored.  I would probably opt for mid-week if you're planning to shoot architecturals in order to minimize the number of parked vehicles occluding your view.

[Bozzdivine]

Sante Fe is definitely a great place to visit.  It is a beautiful and historic city with lots to offer. In addition to its art galleries, museums, and historic sites, there is also great shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. Other great places to visit in New Mexico include Taos, Albuquerque, and the White Sands National Monument. Taos has a rich cultural heritage, great galleries, and lots of outdoor activities. Albuquerque has a vibrant nightlife and lots to do, while the White Sands National Monument offers stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities.