This really is where it all started… I was on the verge of turning 50, and I had always wanted a “real” camera. That’s such a relative term now, but for me it meant learning something new, and mastering something I’d tried to grasp once, a long time ago. I purchased a camera and lens from Amazon, and thought I was off to capturing epic image I’d always dreamed about. Little did I know how wrong I was.

On one of my first, "photography" specific trips, I encountered less than ideal conditions.  I had my new camera in my hand and a fresh scar on my right cheek, so not only was I self-conscious about the sutures, but I was incredibly nervous about the photography.  

The is the valley that is formed by the East River as it drains the basin near Gothic, Colorado.  Dirty light and low hanging clouds, and a  photographer who had no idea of what he was doing - I'll value this image for a very long time I hope.

Aspen groves are in fact a single entity with multiple shoots. Watching the groups change in their individual ways is fascinating.  This group on Buzzard Gap, near Somerset in the Gunnison National Forest is no exception.  

Truly one of the uniquest locations in Colorado, for the very specific reason that the Aspen foliage turns red. I’ve never seen this phenomena in any other Colorado location, its reminiscent of the Maple trees found in the Northern Michigan of my youth.

This is one of the least dramatic photos that I’ve ever captured, but only seeing this location one other time means that I need to return to capture them again.

The road up to the Grand Mesa, which is usually one of my autumn destinations, meanders along a much depleted stream, along a fertile, groomed valley. As the road reaches the Mesa, conditions change rapidly and Aspens begin to outnumber fence posts and cattle and you quickly climb into a dense forest. This particular spot along the road offers a unique view into the West Elk mountains, and I seem to stop every year either heading up or heading down, to imprint on my mind.

This was actually my second trip to Aspen for the fall colors.  The first was accidental, and I went begrudgingly.  On my motorcycle and with only my iPhone, I just want to "see what all the commotion" was about surrounding the Maroon Bells.  I can only say that I'm embarrassed it took 28 Autumns to get to finally there, but along the way I have learned that there’s more than one season to visit this place.  

This trip I was carrying the Sony a68, and truthfully had no idea what I was doing with it.  The stillness of the water, I'll probably never experience that again.

I had a name for this image earlier.  While driving to my optometrist a name "popped" into my head and I was thrilled with it.  Now it's gone, and I feel like the image will suffer if I don't give it a good name.  By opening the lens as wide as possible, and by keeping the shutter speed fast, and dark image is generated because the camera was focusing on two, tiny stalks of grass.  Light was hitting them, though faintly; yet the illumination is definite and distinct.

Before I started to take photography seriously, and throughout much of life, motorcycles have offered an important sense of expression and been an important path to freedom. I’ve owned a variety of them, and currently still do, and have had the joy of riding with both my son and my brother on different adventures throughout the state and across the Western United States.

But like many, solitude is major reset button for me. So, with a fairly defined plan I set out to explore some of Colorado on a motorcycle in a way I hadn’t ever done before. I found this small stream on that trip, but didn’t photograph it until much later.

The trip is detailed here in a five part story, including photos of the journey, and the really poor decision that brought me to this stream.

A re-imaging of one of my favorites from 2016.  The conditions were nearly identical, but the technical control of the camera was completely different.  This was shot in RAW file format instead of JPEG, so there was much more camera information, and it was processed in Lightroom instead of SnapSeed.  I like both, equally.  The each represent such different asked of my photographic development.

The slope of the land allows for shots into the middle and the tops of the trees, combined with more focus stacking the view draws me in.  I want to be there, now. 

Pando, the Latin word for "spread" is how and Aspen grove is described.  Aspens groves are a single organism and are considered to be some of the world's largest organisms.  Fungi are actually the largest.  

This particular colony on Kebler Pass, in the West Elks of Colorado is majestic as any, and contains such amazing hues of yellow and gold alike.  This image is 11 images at various focal lengths stacked together with Photoshop to create a focused image that draws the viewer in.  I completed a number of these compositions on this trip; it is a technique I am coming to enjoy for the challenge and the complexity of the image it creates.

Fallen Aspen, ferns, and a loan Pine tree added to the composition.  A low aspect offers a different point of view, I'm a bit shocked I didn't get on the ground more than I did.

The East River drains the basin surrounding the historic community of Gothic, just north and east of Crested Butte, at the foot of Schofield Pass. This conjunction of the Sawatch and Elk mountains offers some of Colorado’s most rugged and wild beauty. The high Aspens that are so prominent just a few miles west along Kebler Pass are less frequent, but this is heart of wildflower country. And in the winter, it is a legendary experience. So finding this assortment of yellow and orange peeking out of these smaller groves was a welcome surprise.

This is certainly a scene I will be returning to in the coming years, it is warrants the opportunity to present it self in as many possibly lights as it can. It’s also an interesting take on the idea of illusion. I feel that fundamentally humans are optimistic. We go into most situations hopeful. We go into most situations helpful. We do also tend to make decisions that protect our self-interests, and when that happens it may make us look selfish. When it fact it really just show who and what were are; complicated creatures, each trying our best to make meaning of each situation as they evolve around us.

A setting like the East River is so emblematic of this duality. What do we see, and what do we want to see, those can be and are often times two very, very different things. A setting like this changes seasonally, and a it changes with ever shifting light. People and relationships can do the same; they can shift over longer periods of time, and they can shift moment to moment. I know that I held onto the illusion of relationship far longer than I held onto the actual relationship. We are all certainly guilty of this, so maybe the practice is to move more gracefully with these changes. To worry less of the illusion and expectation and to place more value in the moment, and seeing the beauty in the ever changing conditions and light.

Pando, the Latin word for "spread" is how an Aspen grove is described. Aspens groves are a single organism and are considered to be some of the world's largest organisms. Fungi are actually the largest.

This particular colony on Kebler Pass, in the West Elks of Colorado is majestic as any, and contains such amazing hues of yellow and gold alike. This image is 11 images at various focal lengths stacked together with Photoshop to create a focused image that draws the viewer in. I completed a number of these compositions on this trip; it is a technique I am coming to enjoy for the challenge and the complexity of the image it creates.

Pando, the Latin word for "spread" is how and Aspen grove is described.  Aspens groves are a single organism and are considered to be some of the world's largest organisms.  Fungi are actually the largest.  

This particular colony on Kebler Pass, in the West Elks of Colorado is majestic as any, and contains such amazing hues of yellow and gold alike.  This image is my first attempt at focus stacking, combining multiple images shot at different focus points, in this case four, to create a depth and effect that is impossible for single exposure to capture. I have a few more of these to capture this fall, though I am so happy with this one.

A last, lost image from Ohio Pass.  I got focused on some of the other aspects of this gallery, and wanted to retrace some of my steps. This one has such a compelling line, and depth,  it takes me immediately back to the forests "up-North."

I think this is my favorite of the fall, as it was so completely unexpected.

That ONE shot. I’ve been chasing these colors and this light for three years.

A crop, from a panorama created during sunrise, September 29th. I rode passed this spot four years ago, while on a tour of the state. I’d never taken a specific trip in all my years in Colorado to see the colors changing, and in this specific moment I was too focused on the dirt road and was looking forward to the road ahead.

This was the trip that put my on the journey that I am now, seeking out color, seeking out light. This image sits on my phone, as a reminder of the importance of that journey, and as a marker of where that journey has taken me, and how I long to continue on it.

An effect of the lens… the aperture blades of the lens dictate the shape, pattern and number of rays on the starburst effect. Sometimes a hard horizon or vertical line is required to bring out the full effect, other times it’s simply the characteristic of the lens. In this case, it is all lens, as this lens begins to render them at around F/13.

October, 2018

Another focus-stacked image, with the different layers of Aspens focused on in layers. Six images are then combined in software to create the detail-rich final image. Aspens seem to lend themselves to this particular technique, with their relative uniform growth, and the interconnected roots system that make up their vast groves.

The Aspens, the ferns, the Conifers and the underbrush; each stand in front of a granite face bathed in that autumnal light that makes everything glow.

One of my favorites, I decided to shoot it in brighter light this year. The colors are remarkably familiar, and similar, with the addition of the blues in the sky. I shot this with a wide open lens, f/2.8, in order to get focus on the foreground trees, and I love the distortion of the wide angle lens even more.

Last years image was titled “damn love song,” a Kris Delmhorst title. It was appropriate last year, but still holds a lot of meaning now.

This is a shot I will continue to work on, as long as time permits me.

This composition is 9 vertical images, taken left to right, then stitched together and color graded in Lightroom. The 1x3 aspect of this composition hear translates perfectly to a 16”x48” image, the larger 6x17 aspect has over 85MB of data and would make a massive final print, in the 30”x90” range.

Two images, that already had motion in them because of a longer exposure, about 10 seconds, and the gusts blowing the canopy around while the foregrounds trunks stayed in placed. The images were then blended together, to give even greater motion to the canopy.

Movement, getting drawn into the motion, sitting in the scene; isn’t that what artists want us to do?

A childhood full of western lore, and the icons the made it famous. Another scene from that past, again with the movies, and today the moody colors play to a different time.

How I love the west, and how I got here.

I need to say more about this image and this place, but I haven’t spent enough time there to fully fill out the story. It has a small roll in one of my first motorcycle trips around the state, and this area of Colorado, the San Juans, is still new to me in a sense, and still holds some stories I’m not so sure about.

October , 2018

Mt. Sneffels is one of the more challenging peaks in Colorado’s 14’er pantheon. I haven’t climbed it, and not sure if I will at this point. The Blue Lakes and the Yankee Boy Basin that surround it offer epic scenery, and wildflower vistas that I do intend to take advantage of.

This spot, in Ouray County is well photographed, and leaves little to desire. It’s near the area known as the Dallas Divide, close to the famous Last Dollar Road, setting for the movie “True Grit.”

A shot I’ve been hoping to compose for the fall. The alpine glow was more fleeting this morning than usual, but capturing it in that moment was nonetheless breathtaking. To shoot this in the winter will be true challenge, but I’m looking forward to that opportunity, and many more in the fall.

I’m sure there is some greater scientific reasoning behind the curves in these Aspens. I’ve seen different groves bend and bow but none with so much character and precision. This set is a fairly popular sight, I hope we can learn to manage it with some grace.

A lot of photography feels pretty lonely, especially from the spectators perspective. And while that may be true in a real sense, as much of photography is done in the mind, from the planning and plodding, to the driving to find that site where you’ll be photographing from. But often as not, as a photographer you are surrounded by other like minded individuals.

This panorama was created using 9 vertical images shot at 35mm, then stitched together and color graded in Lightroom. The final image in either a 1x3, or 17x6 aspect is nearly 30MB in size, and would create beautiful 16”x48” final image. Taken near Telluride, Colorado, October, 2018 with a fresh edit March, 2020.

One of the stands of Aspen on the Last Dollar Road; sitting with it for an hour to watch the light and shadows play. These are the layers that make autumn beautiful. Focus stacked, five images blended together, shot at 200mm to create a depth with the light.

Sneaking into a grove, with the 16mm lens. The angle of the fallen trees are exaggerated, but the detail certainly comes through.

October, 2018

the sequel to “the worst heart to break is your own…”

Life circles around us, people return, but the past can’t be relived. Patterns have to be changed so we don’t repeat them; the groves we wear into our lives can stabilize us, and they can burden us.

October, 2018. Fresh edit, March, 2020

This reminds me of home, of Northern Michigan, of Charlevoix. Damp autumn days, soft mud, harvests coming in. Yet, this is lodged high in the Rocky Mountains, and world and a lifetime apart.

Because of it’s depth, intimacy and familiarity, this is my favorite image of the fall. It was a simple, single image shot without a tripod. I used the widest aperture of this lens, to emphasize the distant group of trees, and allow the foreground to present a softer, inviting presence.

This reminds me of home, of Northern Michigan, of Charlevoix. Damp autumn days, soft mud, harvests coming in. Yet, this is lodged high in the Rocky Mountains, and world and a lifetime apart.

This reminds me of home, of Northern Michigan, of Charlevoix. Damp autumn days, soft mud, harvests coming in. Yet, this is lodged high in the Rocky Mountains, and world and a lifetime apart.

Oddly enough this was not the feature I thought I would be shooting this summer and fall. I love the compositions and lighting the presented themselves, something about taking things in as they are, and accepting what is offered.

October, 2018

This is a single image taken while creating a series of panoramas of the Castle, a popular and noted feature on the Ohio Pass Road between Crested Butte and Gunnison.

The clouds didn’t favor a lighted feature, but they did create a mood and tones that are not often replicated.

Shot at 100mm for greater detail.

Pando, the Latin word for "spread" is how and Aspen grove is described.  Aspens groves are a single organism and are considered to be some of the world's largest organisms.  Fungi are actually the largest.  

This particular colony on Kebler Pass, in the West Elks of Colorado is as majestic as any, and contains such amazing hues of yellow and gold alike.  This image is 7 images at various focal lengths stacked together with Photoshop to create a focused image that draws the viewer in.  I completed a number of these compositions on this trip; it is a technique I am coming to enjoy for the challenge and the complexity of the image it creates.

The framing is very subtle; glowing Aspens in the foreground create direction, guiding us to the illuminating beams on the last harvest of summer.

It isn’t really a winter scene, but it is a mountain scene, and because it is a mountain scene, that means winter can take place anytime of the year.

I’d expected fog, and was hoping for more light. The snow and the stillness were a welcome surprise, real gifts when composing these images.

I wasn’t going to shoot here this fall, period. I wanted to shoot here, but the water in Maroon Lake is extremely low, and I’ve been so fortunate the past two autumns to capture beautiful light and the calmest water, that I thought I would let it go this year, that I would let other visitors and photographers have an opportunity to see this true cathedral. But, snow arrived in the High Country, and I couldn't pass on the opportunity to shoot the Bells in a very different light.

Most of the morning was foggy and cloudy, which created beautiful contrast with the blue sky. The white piled on the mountain added to this contrast. Most of my larger compositions will be black and white, it just works so well. But, finding this lonely leaf, trapped in the still water of the creek gave me the opportunity to capture the elements that make Maroon Bells so memorable: color, reflections, and snow. A much smaller scale, but all three elements are there.

There is a radiance in this white. I’m never sure I actually see it, because it only lasts for a moment. Something to do with the direction of the sun, or maybe the clouds, or maybe even the humidity in the air; but I swear, these Aspens really do glow.

September, 2019.

The Fall of 2019 has brought more changes, and forever the process of growth and release is its ever present self. Tanner has taken flight, heading off to new adventures and growth of his own in Chicago. Andrew continues to make progress on his degree with Adi alongside him.

A new group of students are set along their paths, with our Social Studies courses as the benchmarks for their continued success.

What autumn casts away will fertilize the new seeds, what stays close will be stronger after its rebirth.

September, 2019.

Focus stack of 5 images, with a wider aperture, f/2.8, and focusing at multiples of 3 starting at one meter. Add a little more light, a little more yellow in the leaves, and a little more orange of the forest floor. Hopefully I can return here when that is all unfolding.

The file size for the image is 44MB. This is enough data to easily create a 30”x40” final print that would be rich in detail.

September, 2019

South of Leadville is the Arkansas River. This is area represents the headwaters for the Arkansas, and over the years a number of diversions and damns and reservoirs have been built to hold back to water for flood control, irrigation, Front Range water storage and even hydroelectric generation. The hill sides and mountains surrounding Twin Lakes have some of the most vibrant Aspen groves in the state. This late afternoon shot was capture while driving towards the Maroon Bells and Grand Mesa. I wasn’t able to capture the sunset I was hoping for, but the late afternoon light certainly made the Aspens glow.

Kebler Pass is one of the very popular destination for anyone wanting to see beautiful fall foliage at the peak of the season in Colorado. While most years I find myself skulking around in the ferns and focusing on highly detailed images of Aspens, this year I decided to take advantage of some of the other offerings, including the popular stop near the summit of the pass. Along the west side of the pass are a serious of switch backs, which offer a varying set of views towards the setting sun. I staked out a place as the sun was getting low this particular evening, and waited for the magic to unfold.

This is a static image shot at 35mm, considered a wide lens in the photography community. The composition came from shooting a bracket of images, from low shutter speed to high shutter speed in oder to capture the dynamic lighting in the scene. The four images are then stacked together and color graded in Lightroom. The finished image is a 2x3 aspect ration, with a file size of 15MB, suitable for prints as large as 24”x36”.

September, 2019.

Third year attempting to capture this composition, and I’m pretty happy with the results. I can’t wait to be able to camp here for a couple of nights, and truly explore the mesa, and watch as the clouds and galaxy battle it out for supremacy in the sky. This is a static image shot at 16mm, considered an ultra wide lens in the photography community.

This composition came from shooting a bracket of images, from low shutter speed to high shutter speed in oder to capture the dynamic lighting in the scene. The four images are then stacked together and color graded in Lightroom. The finished image is a 2x3 aspect ration, with a file size of 32MB, suitable for prints as large as 30”x40”.

September, 2019.

While I have a lot of different shots of Mt. Crested Butte, I still don’t have one with the vibrant morning light that the valley is known for. I do know it is just a matter of time before I get that shot, but this one comes very, very close for me.

This is a static image shot at 50mm, considered a wide lens in the photography community. The composition came from shooting a bracket of images, from low shutter speed to high shutter speed in oder to capture the dynamic lighting in the scene. The five images are then stacked together and color graded in Lightroom. The finished image is a 2x3 aspect ration, with a file size of 20MB, suitable for prints as large as 24”x36”.

September, 2019.

I found a vantage point, just above the East River, that allowed me to turn my attention back and forth between two different cameras. This is the shot to the north, which is actually 3, 20 second exposures stack together to create a composition representing about two minutes worth of time.

Capturing the brisk morning wind as it smears the clouds across the sky, while also creating depth and dynamic range in the final image can be a time consuming process. There are times when I am very thoughtful and utilize ND filters, allowing for much longer shutter times, and other times like this where multiple, static images can be used to convey the energy and motion of the day.

The static images were shot at 16mm, considered an ultra wide lens in the photography community. The images images were first color graded in Lightroom, then saved as JPEGS to be stacked together in Photoshop. The TIFF file that resulted from the stacking process was then returned to Lightroom where final adjustments could be made. The finished image is a 2x3 aspect ration, with a file size of 20MB, suitable for prints as large as 24”x36”.

October, 2019.

Another one of those elusive compositions for me, the clouds that were making my morning glow so much were nowhere to be found as the day was getting on. I’m also beginning to believe that this is better as a morning composition, but only time will answer that question for me.

As the day moved on the shadows became longer and the light more diffuse. This moving of light created a rich and dynamic scene. It also gave me the chance to slow down and be more intentional about what I’d hoped to shoot. Every year, especially in this Aspen forests I enjoy creating images with a great deal of depth. I prefer a method know as focus-stacking. This technique involves shooting multiple images at different focal points, and then stacking the images together to create sharpness throughout the entire final image.

This image was creating using six different images shot at 70mm, at f/4, with he focal points range from less than 1 meter all the way to infinity focus. The images are first color graded in Lightroom then blended together in Photoshop. The final image is a 40MB file which can create a beautiful 2x3 aspect wall size image of 30”x40” or a panorama of similar size.

The ferns demanded some attention this year. I’m not sure if it was because they spend so much time under the snow last winter, or if they know another long winter is fast approaching, but they were vibrant and thick this year, and added depth to ever image.

Ohio Pass, between Gunnison and Crested Butte is most famous for the Castle. a stunning rock edifice that towers over the valley it faces. As well, the area is rich with Aspen and the contours of the surrounding mountains create rich layers. Add in the long light of an afternoon filled with fast moving clouds, and you’ll ultimately get a composition that highlights exactly what you want if you can be patient. This was an afternoon that I was happy to be patient on.

More ferns, more Aspen, but different light and a different composition.

These are great images to capture, when the day has strong light, and the clouds are rapidly recombining as the cross the sky, their a windows that are creating that let in a perfect ray of light, illuminating something as intriguing as this lonesome stand of Aspens.

A highlight of this fall trip was having a longer focal length lens. A longer lens for allows for more intimate framing fo distant landscapes, and it can be used to created panoramas with stunning detail. I was able to take advantage of this a few times in and around Crested Butte, but will definitely work on incorporating this technique more.

The composition was created with 9 vertical images, shot at 300mm from left to right then stitched together and color graded in Lightroom. The original image is a massive 125MB file, and could easily scale to 40”x120” in this 1 to 3 aspect.

What I found when I arrived at the corner…

A statement on post-processing: With film cameras, the images had to be developed. Time was spent with the strips of film soaking in various chemicals to pull out the color and detail from the images that had been created. Certain films and certain techniques with the chemicals could alter the coloring of the final print. Those who’d mastered this craft were able to produce unique images to capture the imagination of their art but also the realism of the scene.

Today, we have sliders and filters to use to “correct” our digital images. Today, a black and white image isn’t the absence of a chemical, but the selection of a preset. In the case of this image, it is a long exposure, shot for 30 seconds, to blur the cloud movement and smooth the flow Of the East River, but a also added a filter, Vintage to be specific, because this particular scene feels older to me, much older than October of 2019.

I’m not sure I will ever tire of shooting this panorama… the heart of the Collegiate’s has so, so many looks to share.

The composition was created with 9 vertical images, shot at 35mm left to right then stitched together and color graded in Lightroom. The final image creates a 16MB file which would be suitable for a 24”x36” image or 16”x48” panorama.

Light is what makes the image. Color doesn’t create the image, it is only there to highlight the magnitude of the light.

Gazing down the amber lined route, glowing in the evening light brought about the somber mood that is only fitting for such a moment.

During early summer, the slopes of the Almont Triangle are littered with these plots of thick and colorful bouquets. As summer advances and leaves, autumn invades, the scant few Aspens that populate the north facing slope take on that golden hue they are so famous for. Looking north towards Crested Butte and the ridge of the Elks, it’s hard to envision the real fall bouquet and the feet of snow that will pile up. But it will, even if it arrives late as it sometimes does.

Watching nature cycle through its seasons is our most practical antidote; following the excitement and anticipation for these changes, while accepting the unknown flow of this metamorphosis, consolidating the experiences into a set of lessons and memories which can punctuate our internal journey.

I seem to find myself at this overlook whenever Fall comes to an end. In 2020 fall was much shorter than usual, simply an overnight trip to Crested Butte after dropping off work for a small viewing Labor Day weekend.

The astrophotography images were a highlight of the trip, but it also gave me a chance to work through some compositions of simpler colors and subdued tones that are often overlooked when the Aspens begin to glow. Watching the sky start to blaze as the sun was setting over the Arkansas Valley and the Continental Divide was a reminder of the beauty that comes in all forms.

ISO 100 | F/11 | 1/15 sec. - Sony a7riv - Sony FE 24-105G

Photography is in its simplest terms, the capturing of reflected light on a material or surface that is sensitive to the wavelengths that emanate in these reflections and can convert those waves of light into colors and then shapes that recreate the scene in front of us.

It is easy to get lost in the complexity of photography gear. Not only is there the gulf that divides digital and film cameras, and within each of these realms is a whole set of categories and subcategories to suit all of the different ways in which photographs can be made.

I decided to take a “one-camera, one-lens” approach to this trip. One of the lenses that I haven’t owned or used is the 35mm focal length. This is considered a classic focal length, utilized by some of the best known street photographers and cinematographers, but not one common in the landscape genre.

With this technique in mind, I set a zoom lens to a 35mm setting and sought out scenes and compositions that would fit in this length. The over-reliance on gear and gadgets is an easy mindset to fall into, and I certainly myself or others for simply taking advantage of the incredible technology available to us.

But in the end, it is just photons collected on either a chemical reactionary film or a digital sensor; how it is gathered is less important than what is gathered.

ISO 100 | F/11 | 1/15 sec. - Sony a7riv - Sony FE 24-105G

Autumnal - Cottonwood Pass Study I

Photography is in its simplest terms, the capturing of reflected light on a material or surface that is sensitive to the wavelengths that emanate in these reflections and can convert those waves of light into colors and then shapes that recreate the scene in front of us.

It is easy to get lost in the complexity of photography gear. Not only is there the gulf that divides digital and film cameras, and within each of these realms is a whole set of categories and subcategories to suit all of the different ways in which photographs can be made.

I decided to take a “one-camera, one-lens” approach to this trip. One of the lenses that I haven’t owned or used is the 35mm focal length. This is considered a classic focal length, utilized by some of the best known street photographers and cinematographers, but not one common in the landscape genre.

With this technique in mind, I set a zoom lens to a 35mm setting and sought out scenes and compositions that would fit in this length. The over-reliance on gear and gadgets is an easy mindset to fall into, and I certainly myself or others for simply taking advantage of the incredible technology available to us.

But in the end, it is just photons collected on either a chemical reactionary film or a digital sensor; how it is gathered is less important than what is gathered.

ISO 100 | F/9 | 1/200 sec. - Sony a7riv - Sony FE 24-105G

Autumnal - Cottonwood Pass Study II

Photography is in its simplest terms, the capturing of reflected light on a material or surface that is sensitive to the wavelengths that emanate in these reflections and can convert those waves of light into colors and then shapes that recreate the scene in front of us.

It is easy to get lost in the complexity of photography gear. Not only is there the gulf that divides digital and film cameras, and within each of these realms is a whole set of categories and subcategories to suit all of the different ways in which photographs can be made.

I decided to take a “one-camera, one-lens” approach to this trip. One of the lenses that I haven’t owned or used is the 35mm focal length. This is considered a classic focal length, utilized by some of the best known street photographers and cinematographers, but not one common in the landscape genre.

With this technique in mind, I set a zoom lens to a 35mm setting and sought out scenes and compositions that would fit in this length. The over-reliance on gear and gadgets is an easy mindset to fall into, and I certainly myself or others for simply taking advantage of the incredible technology available to us.

But in the end, it is just photons collected on either a chemical reactionary film or a digital sensor; how it is gathered is less important than what is gathered.

ISO 100 | F/11 | 1/35 sec. - Sony a7riv - Sony FE 24-105G

11 vertical images edited and stitched together in Lightroom & Photoshop

Autumnal - Cottonwood Pass Study Panorama

Photography is in its simplest terms, the capturing of reflected light on a material or surface that is sensitive to the wavelengths that emanate in these reflections and can convert those waves of light into colors and then shapes that recreate the scene in front of us.

It is easy to get lost in the complexity of photography gear. Not only is there the gulf that divides digital and film cameras, and within each of these realms is a whole set of categories and subcategories to suit all of the different ways in which photographs can be made.

I decided to take a “one-camera, one-lens” approach to this trip. One of the lenses that I haven’t owned or used is the 35mm focal length. This is considered a classic focal length, utilized by some of the best known street photographers and cinematographers, but not one common in the landscape genre.

With this technique in mind, I set a zoom lens to a 35mm setting and sought out scenes and compositions that would fit in this length. The over-reliance on gear and gadgets is an easy mindset to fall into, and I certainly myself or others for simply taking advantage of the incredible technology available to us.

But in the end, it is just photons collected on either a chemical reactionary film or a digital sensor; how it is gathered is less important than what is gathered.

ISO 100 | F/4 | 1/2000 sec. - Sony a7riv - Sony FE 24-105G

Autumnal - Cottonwood Pass Study III

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall I - September, 2021

ISO 100 | F/6.3 | 1/640 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 135mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall I - September, 2021 - 18 image panorama

ISO 100 | F/6.3 | 1/640 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 300mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall II - September, 2021

ISO 100 | F/6.3 | 1/640 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 400mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall III - September, 2021

ISO 100 | F/6.3 | 1/640 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 400mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall IV - September, 2021

ISO 100 | F/5.6 | 1/1600 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 150mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall V - September, 2021

ISO 100 | F/5.6 | 1/1000 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 400mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall VI - September, 2021

ISO 100 | F/1.8 | 1/125 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE135GM ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall VII - September, 2021 - 22 image panorama at 16x9 crop

ISO 100 | F/6.3 | 1/100 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall VIII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/2.5 | 1/4000 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall IX - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/125 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall X - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/125 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XI - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/2.5 | 1/800 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/2.5 | 1/500 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XIII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/2.5 | 1/80 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XIVI - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/2.5 | 1/80 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XV - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/5.6 | 1/500 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 400mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XVI - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/5.6 | 1/500 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 400mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XVII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/200 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE14GM ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XVIII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/200 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE14GM ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XIX - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/20 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE15-35GM ~ 10 image panorama at 35mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XX - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/200 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE14GM ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXI - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/40 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE24GM ~ 1

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/13 | 1/80 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE24GM ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXIII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/13 | 1/80 sec. - Sony a7iii w/ FE24GM ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXIV - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/13 | 1/80 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 135mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXV - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/4.5 | 1/100 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 100mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXVI - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/4.5 | 1/100 sec. - Sony a7riii w/ FE100-400GM ~ 100mm

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXVII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/800 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXVIII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/800 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE50G ~ 17 image panorama

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXIX - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/400 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE50G ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXX - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/11 | 1/600 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE14GM ~

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXXI - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/125 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE50G ~ 21 image panorama

With trips up and down the Front Range, up to Steamboat and the Yampa Valley, the Gore Range, Upper Arkansas Valley and over to the Grand Mesa, this wasn’t the most active fall for me, but the photo opportunities that did present themselves offered up some unique images, as well as the chance to catch up on some of the photographs I missed last year.

The point wasn’t just about the photography, but just being out. Colorado is an amazing place, with so many beautiful views and just taking the time to be out in these wild spaces is a worthy enough goal.

Finding Fall XXXII - September, 2021 -

ISO 100 | F/11 | 1/200 sec. - Sony a7riv w/ FE14GM ~

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This sunrise of Marcellina Mountain from Kebler Pass was a reminder to make the extra effort, to follow that different path.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/5.6 | 1/124 sec. ~ 100mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunsets just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This sunset from Ohio Pass was a reminder to make the extra effort, to follow that path taking you to new and different places.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/6.3 | 1/400 sec. ~ 300mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This sunrise from Ute Pass was a reminder to make the extra effort, to follow that path taking you to new and different places.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 320 | F/4.5 | 1/40 sec. ~ 100mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This moonrise over the Maroon Bells was a really special evening, one I’d hope would occur, but wasn’t completed ready for as the clouds began to part and the moon climbed across the sky.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/5.6 | 1/100 sec. ~ 300mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunset just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This spot has been a stable over the past six years, but usually it’s the sunrise that I hold out for. This year and last though it has been the sunsets that produce the best shots, with their dynamic clouds and vibrant light.

Sony A7riv w/ Sony FE50GM - 10 image panorama

ISO 320 | F/2.8 | 1/500 sec. ~ 50mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This sunrise from the Grand Mesa was taken just after some logging trucks had rumbled by, filling the scene with the fine dust of the mesa, adding an eerie light to the scene.

Sony A7iii w/ Sony FE135GM

ISO 100 | F/8 | 1/200 sec. ~ 135mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunset just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This spot has been a stable over the past six years, but usually it’s the sunrise that I hold out for. This year and last though it has been the sunsets that produce the best shots, with their dynamic clouds and vibrant light.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM - 3-image HDR

ISO 160 | F/5.6 | 1/320 sec. ~ 200mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This sunrise of West Beckwith from Kebler Pass was a reminder to make the extra effort, to follow that different path. To get to the location I was up well before sunrise, hiking by the light of a full moon and a headlamp through thick Aspen groves that were both strange yet comforting - over terrain that was unfamiliar but felt as if I walked over a hundred times before.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/5.6 | 1/124 sec. ~ 100mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunsets just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. Colorado’s natural history, stretching back millions of years, is evident in the remnants of ancient volcanos that dot the landscape such as the Castle as viewed from Ohio Pass.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/6.3 | 1/400 sec. ~ 300mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. The soft and brilliant gold, yellow, orange and red that dominate the valleys and hillsides this time of year bring such a magical quality to the High Country they are impossible to ignore.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/6.3 | 1/250 sec. ~ 200mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. The soft and brilliant gold, yellow, orange and red that dominate the valleys and hillsides this time of year bring such a magical quality to the High Country they are impossible to ignore.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE14GM

ISO 160 | F/8 | 1/60 sec. ~ 14mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. The soft and brilliant gold, yellow, orange and red that dominate the valleys and hillsides this time of year bring such a magical quality to the High Country they are impossible to ignore.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE24-105G

ISO 160 | F/8 | 1/60 sec. ~ 70mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. Much has been written about Chief Ouray and his wife Chipita. Their names mark so many features across the Colorado landscape and the two peaks baring their names stand side-by-side at the bottom of the Arkansas Valley.

Gear: Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

EXIF: ISO 100 | F/6.3 | 1/400 sec. ~ 100mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. While blow-out sunrises and sunsets are far more dynamic, low light, overcast days create their own captivating scenes. The distant track glowing in the morning rain was a reminder that more was to be seen.

Gear: Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE14GM

EXIF: ISO 100 | F/6.3 | 1/160 sec. ~ 14mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. But the moments when the seasons collide, those first snow falls that call blanket the high country, add a whole new depth to the unfolding scene.

Sony A7iii w/ Sony FE24-105G

ISO 250 | F/6.3 | 1/2000 sec. ~ 105mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. The soft and brilliant gold, yellow, orange and red that dominate the valleys and hillsides this time of year bring such a magical quality to the High Country they are impossible to ignore. But of all of the views, looking straight up, losing time and feeling the enormous space underneath the canopy of the changing colors is really the best way to experience this incredible season.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE14GM

ISO 160 | F/8 | 1/800 sec. ~ 14mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. The soft and brilliant gold, yellow, orange and red that dominate the valleys and hillsides this time of year bring such a magical quality to the High Country they are impossible to ignore. But of all of the views, looking straight up, losing time and feeling the enormous space underneath the canopy of the changing colors is really the best way to experience this incredible season.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE14GM

ISO 160 | F/8 | 1/500 sec. ~ 14mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

This is arguably the reason that so many of us head into the mountains at this time of year - the Aspens. The soft and brilliant gold, yellow, orange and red that dominate the valleys and hillsides this time of year bring such a magical quality to the High Country they are impossible to ignore. But of all of the views, looking straight up, losing time and feeling the enormous space underneath the canopy of the changing colors is really the best way to experience this incredible season.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE14GM

ISO 160 | F/8 | 1/500 sec. ~ 14mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This was a new destination for me, and one that was most definitely worth the effort, and one I will return to again.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/4.5 | 1/600 sec. ~ 100mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This was a new destination for me, and one that was most definitely worth the effort, and one I will return to again.

Sony A7riii w/ Sony FE100-400GM

ISO 160 | F/5.6 | 1/800 sec. ~ 200mm

Fall 2022 and it was time to get out to some of my favorite place and seek out some new settings.

High country sunrises just don’t disappoint, whether for brilliant colors or simply, peaceful beauty. This was a new destination for me, and one that was most definitely worth the effort, and one I will return to again.

Sony A7riv w/ Sony FE50GM

ISO 160 | F/4.5 | 1/600 sec. ~ 100mm