Rachael Padilla

Trial and error

Added 2021-12-17 01:16:59 +0000 UTC

Luminarias or farolitos are a New Mexican tradition. They are simple: a paper bag weighted with sand and lighted by a burning candle from within. They are said to have originated in New Mexico along the Rio Grande. At first for the practical use of lighting the roads in the form of small fires along the side. Later, the version using a paper bag became a Christmas tradition. Commonly seen along walkways or on the flat roofs of adobe buildings especially on the plazas at the center of towns, like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Taos (where I grew up).

I miss them this time of year, but hold them in my heart. Symbolically, they represent a warmth and brightness in the longest and darkest of winter nights.

I set up a few and suited up in the coyote priestess costume.

That’s where the trial and error part comes in: I have much to learn with shooting movies and photos in low light!