New Mexico State Penitentiary in Santa Fe

[david b]

I spent yesterday afternoon at the State Pen in Santa Fe. This is the old place, where the huge riot was in 1980, and where they now make a lot of movies.

I was there for four hours and the time flew by.

Anyway, I am going to organize another trip there and I would like to know who else would like to go. The group yesterday was about 25 and was just fine since the place is so large.

The cost will be about $10 per person, for four hours.

If you want to go let me know. I am thinking the end of March.

 

[markbarendt]

Sounds interesting. I'm up by Durango and that might be a fun outing.

Was the afternoon good for lighting?

 

[david b]

If you check my blog you can see a few shots and read about the place.

I was using Fuji Acros at 64 and most of my shots were in the 1 second range.

A tripod is a must.

The light was rather amazing in most of the place.

 

[Robert Kerwin]

Sounds like a great outing, I'm definitely interested!

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

David-

depending on when, I'd be interested. I've a vacation coming due soon, and Santa Fe is on my list of places to visit.

 

[david b]

so far I have 5 people interested, which will increase the price quite a bit.

 

[cloudhands]

Subscribed.
Count me in. I am in Albuquerque. I do not have a highway-reliable car. If I take the railrunner up to Santa Fe, could I bum a ride with someone? PM me if this is possible.

 

[wrench]

hmmm.... I've had the opportunity to shoot there before, but I couldn't stomach it at the time. That, and everyone else who was going were doing fashion-y type stuff that I'm really not into. How soon do you need a commitment? I'm definitely considering it, but it's the kinda place that I have to be in the mood to go. I just drove by there the other day and was definitely not interested then, but things can change.

 

[mts]

Gee I recall watching the place burning and the red lights flashing--all seen from just outside the $2.00 window at Santa Fe Downs. It was quite a contrast to watch a prison riot going on a short distance from horse racing and spectators. Have fun but don't stay too long.

 

[Michael W]

Years ago I read a book called 'The Hate Factory'. It was the account of a prison riot in New Mexico, so I'm assuming it was this place. Terrifying read.

 

[david b]

Yeah, this is the same place.

I will be asking for some dates that work for you all in a few days.

 

[markbarendt]

David,

Going to my photography club meeting tonight, given the turnout so far I was thinking I'd ask the film shooters there.

Before I do I'd like to know:

Is your intent an APUG only event?

Should I promote this there?

Do you want just film shooters in this event?

 

[wrench]

Ok, I'm gonna throw my hat in the ring. Onto the next question; may I bring my husband? He likes to play with cameras too, and he happens to be my favorite model should the need arise.

 

[david b]

I am not so hardcore film that I cannot be around people who use digital cameras. I don't care what they use.

Let me work out some dates with the guy with the access and I will let you know.

And yes spouses can come. They will have to pay as well.

 

[SCP]

My friend and I were just talking about taking a trip over there to do some shooting. I ran across your thread and thought I would jump in and ask if we can join you all. We are about a half hour away. She uses both Film and Digital and I am a digital user.

 

[cloudhands]

I am bumping this thread back up. Any developments on this trip?

 

[Joe VanCleave]

I would be interested in attending, provided it's on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday (weird shift-work schedule.)

Regarding the riot, there was also the book "The Devil's Butcher Shop."

Thanks for setting up this opportunity to visit this historic venue.

~Joe

 

[markbarendt]

Hate to say it but I'm outta time to plan for this now.

 

[Robert Kerwin]

So, is the trip still on? David?

 

[david b]

I have run into a few travel snags but if you are really eager to go, check out the flickr group
http://www.flickr.com/groups/abq_sf_meetup/

 

[cloudhands]

Wow, 30 people? Maybe I will wait on this

 

[david b]

The place is so big that 30 people won't be an issue. Now most will be shooting digital so if that doesn't matter to you, than you should definitely go.