Happy Monday, folks!
Yesterday, I had the great fortune of rediscovering the beauty of the ABQ BioPark, which consists of a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. When Amy and I first met, we had annual passes that we got so much use out of. While our lives got busy and we let our passes lapse, I think we may have forgotten how much fun we had there until yesterday.
Now that wedding season is fast approaching, I have a few engagement and family sessions scheduled there. Being the person that I am who always scouts the locations prior to shooting there, looking for best lighting, leaves on trees, interesting architecture, etc., I rediscovered the magic of the aquarium and the botanical gardens. Mainly...
..."jellybellies," as I call them. And not the colorful delicious kind in the shape of a bean that taste like root beer. Here's one of the jellyfish that occupies the aquarium, and these guys may be my favorite part. I feel peaceful when watching them, maybe because of their floating motion. They're slow, but graceful in their movements.
Since taking this photo two years ago, this little clownfish has since received a modified home with more anemone ("amnemonomnmone") to take shelter in. This has to be one of my favorite photos I've taken there, perhaps because I imagine this fish to have the voice of Al Brooks. Or maybe Mel Brooks.
The Japanese Garden has to be one of my favorite sections of the botanical garden. The pagoda bell that occupies the entrance stands alone, but definitely makes its presence known. And not in a "Kanye West" sorta way, either.
Another section of the Botanical Garden features a farmhouse area complete with a functioning barn and a miniature vineyard (view obstructed by some inconsiderate garden-goer's dirty laundry, sheesh). The barn is occupied by actual livestock, producing actual grunts and actual odors. I love this part.
If you arrive at the right time, you may see staff in SCUBA gear feeding the fish and cleaning the aquarium and being judged by the other fish for being a "very ugly fish with very strange appendages" (hey, I don't know what beauty standards are in the fish world, alright?).
If you're in the Albuquerque area and want to spend a relaxing day at a beautiful venue that's just the right price, I'd definitely suggest visiting the ABQ BioPark. And if you happen to be feeling an itch to have a photo session done with your favorite photographer (oh you, stahhhhp), contact me to schedule one!
Have a great Monday, friends. It's been good chatting with you. Feel free to leave a comment, snarky remark, or humorous quip below. I always love hearing from you in a forum more personal than our familiar social media platforms.
Best,
Matt
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