New: Mountain in the Mist

Mountain in the Mist

Sometimes when the weather moves into our mountain village, the scenery becomes surreal and beautiful, like a movie set.

It was one of those days, quiet and atmospheric, with the occasional harsh call of the ravens piercing the air.

The mist was enveloping the valley floor with its tendrils reaching through the forest. The shadow of the brooding mountain was scarcely visible in the background.

I wished to savor the moment and process; I waited and let nature engulf my senses.

I stood at the edge of the forest, waiting for the perfect moment to present itself. Then, I clicked.

New: Glowing Aspen Grove

Glowing Aspen Grove

There are magical moments in the wilderness for a photographer when the light performs miracles.

It was another beautiful Colorado day, and I was on an expedition into the backcountry seeking that elusive “WOW” photograph moment.

As I rounded a double hairpin bend with the usual 2,000 ft drop-off, I stopped suddenly.

Before me was an Aspen grove with colors so bright, it seemed as if it was on fire, illuminated from within. An absolutely breathtaking scene had unfurled before me. Luckily, my camera was by my side.

New: Submerged Limb #2

Submerged Limb #2

While hiking, I came across this lush mountain meadow.

The combination of electric greens and reflections dancing across the water caught my eye.

I moved around searching for the perfect composition. Then I saw this submerged limb.

New: Sentinel Ridge

Sentinel Ridge

Up in the high Rockies of Colorado, the weather comes in fast like a steam train. But it can dissipate just as quickly, blessing us with clear blue skies once more.

On rare days, the high mountain valleys can be shrouded in a lingering, brooding mist. This was one of those magical days.

Tempted with a glimpse of the jagged peaks and ridgelines through the constantly moving, mercurial veil, I waited.

As the clouds shifted, I was momentarily startled with this evocative window, revealing the ridgeline with the peaks appearing like sentinels over the valley below.

New: The Western Landscape

U.S. Highway 24, Hartsell Ranch, CO

The high alpine desert has a special appeal to me. There is an otherworldly feeling evoked by the stark and barren landscape. Miles from anywhere, the unforgiving environment is seemingly devoid of life.

However, if one closely observes the terrain, the clues are readily available. Elusive as they may seem, deer are prevalent as are jackrabbits, coyotes, mountain lions, and pronghorns to name a few species. The landscape is teeming with life.

The expansive terrain is blessed with incredible light. The sky is constantly changing, a kaleidoscope of chiaroscuro.

New: Unique View from Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak

Storm clouds in the Rocky Mountains are awe-inspiring.

The clouds build up to form staggering columns—an ethereal myriad of contrasting highlights and shadows form.

At this altitude, the cloud formations are up close and personal. From my mountain aerie on Pikes Peak, I felt like I could almost reach out and touch them.

Once more I am humbled by the grandeur of mother nature and the incredible vistas at every turn in Colorado.

New Black and White Landscape Image

Clouds from Both Sides

Like Alfred Stieglitz, I am fascinated by the formation of clouds and their illusive mercurial nature, ever-changing and evolving into ethereal forms.

However to capture an enduring image is extremely challenging given the fleeting nature of the cloudscapes.

I was driving back from a major off-road photographic expedition at the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, climbing up towards the summit of Independence Pass. 

The road was torturous—double switchbacks with 3,000 ft drop offs.

The top of the pass was shrouded in clouds, a storm was brewing, and I could smell the electricity in the air.

I was already halfway up Mount Evans when common sense told me to get off the summit immediately—lightning strikes in this part of the Rocky Mountains are prevalent, but my inner photographer bid me to stay.

A kaleidoscope of constantly changing cloud forms was revealing itself before me. 

The crux was to capture the perfect shot. I found the perfect vantage point and waited for hours for the perfect moment. 

Click over to my Categories site to see more landscape images.

New Black and White Landscape Image

Approaching Storm #2

I had been contemplating the early pioneer photographers who had captured the vision of the West a hundred years ago—the raw and rugged vistas that extend for hundreds of miles.

As a tribute to those hardy, adventurous souls, I wished to capture the essence of their early historical works.

With my trusty, beat up truck I had been exploring possible locations for weeks. I had almost given up hope of finding the perfect location with the right lighting conditions.

I was on a backcountry trail that I had not been on before, just a dotted line on the map—it topped out at just under 12,000 ft. 

As I was wrestling with the failing power steering of the truck, towards the zenith of the mountain trail, I had just crested the top when the power steering gave out.

I came to a shuddering halt and immediately fished out the toolbox.

Gasket sealant, hose clamps and luckily spare power steering fluid were located, and I went to work—the descent would be near impossible if I did not fix it.

The temperature was dropping. The clouds started to build up. A storm was approaching. 

I was tightening the last screw on the clamp, when I glanced up at the sky, mesmerized I dropped the screwdriver and exchanged it for my camera . . . 

View my Categories site to see more images like this.

New Abstract Image

Summer Reflections

Sometimes the beauty of nature in the wilderness around Aspen is simply awe-inspiring. 

It is difficult to focus on one particular shot.

I was deep in the backcountry after a hike to a remote alpine lake. The sun was beating down through the thin air. 

My cameras and supplies were weighing down my backpack. I was tired and found a suitable granite boulder in the shade and rested against it. 

A slap on the surface of the lake woke me with a start—I had dozed off. 

A beaver in the lake was slapping the water with his tail, letting me know that this was his territory.

As I gazed at the reflections in the lake, I suddenly knew that this was the perfect shot and captured the visual essence of the moment.

Click over to my Categories site to see more abstract images like this.

New Abstract Image

Alpine Lake Study

After hiking up to a remote alpine lake, through a lush mountain meadow, I was rewarded with this captivating abstract study. 

Through exploring a number of compositions, this frame spoke to me most—it embodied the essence of the moment.

The reflections on the surface of the ice-cold water, juxtaposed with the random patterns beneath the surface, combined to reveal an intriguing abstract study.

Surreal tones of green add an otherworldly aspect to the image, reminding us of the diverse and unexpected colors found in nature.

Click over to the Abstracts categories site to see more images like this.

New Abstract Image

Ancient Spirits

This photograph was taken in the spooky moments just before darkness falls at the Sand Dunes National Monument—a bizarre anomaly occurring in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

I had been scouting locations around the sand dunes to find the perfect observation point to capture the changing faces of the incredible dunes. 

 It reminded me of the Sahara desert, without the camels. 

After days of photographing in the arid and dusty wilderness, I felt I had assembled a great portfolio of images.

The urge to explore the backcountry more was too strong to resist. 

I had learned from some off-road motorcyclists that there was an ancient Indian trail that led away from the dune area, up over the mountains, then leading down into the next valley.

I decided to explore . . . 

The rutted track was deep sand, so I had to keep my trusty old truck moving at a steady pace so that I would not get stuck.

Then I saw the sign . . . “Point of No Return, reduce tire pressure to 15 PSI”.

I could not reduce the tire pressure, because I had no compressor with me to re-inflate. I continued moving forward—the sign had the same effect as a red flag to a bull!

I negotiated the off-road track with some difficulty—eventually, the sand dissipated and the track changed to rocky ruts and boulders haphazardly strewn in my way. 

As I climbed the narrow alpine trail, the landscape changed, and I found myself in a rocky grove of venerable scrub oak, pinion, and juniper.

The gnarled wind swept trunks of these trees, a magnificent witness to the tenacity of their growth and survival in this harsh environment.

Driving back in those boggy, sandy roads was even scarier, tens of miles from anybody or anything. 

The first sign of relief was when three girls on horses came around the corner and walked by.

Eventually, I made it back safely.

If you want to see more black and white images like this, visit my categories site.

New Aspen Image

Creek Mist

In the depths of the winter, the mountains and valleys can be cold and unforgiving, but also magical.

It was one of those rare days when the skies of Aspen were overcast and gloomy—but I had a feeling it might also be one of those magical days when the atmosphere of the mountains would be palpable. 

I had risen before dawn, put my trusty old truck into four-wheel drive and ventured up the ice and snow covered trail. 

It had started snowing on the trail, which developed into a blizzard. 

All of a sudden I skidded out and I landed in a ditch—I was stuck—alone with no cell service.

I waited it out in the truck, chiding myself for not bringing my assistant along (he was probably still snoring under a down duvet!).

Eventually, the whiteout started to ease up, and gradually my surroundings came into a blurry focus.

The mist started to clear, the melting drips punctuated the ghostly silence, and this was the scene before me—magical. 

This image is available for purchase! View more images like this in my Aspen gallery. 

New Abstract Image

Lake Serenity

In the late summer/early fall, I hiked into the high backcountry of the Rocky Mountains.

My destination was a favorite secret location, and I was hoping to capture some close-up shots of the elusive moose that had recently migrated to the area.

There was a chill in the air as I set up my hideout. Patience and quietude were my greatest allies.

As I settled in, a powerful sense of serenity in nature overcame me—lulling me into a state of awareness.

I gazed at the moose's watering hole—the scene before me, enchanting.

I took a photograph of the lake to remind myself of that special moment.

The cool, tranquil waters contrasting against the ordered structure of the reeds created a striking composition.

The moose did not appear that day—however, nature provided me with a beautiful meditative image.

View the Abstracts gallery to see more images like this. 

New Category Image

Aspen Radiance

In the backcountry of Ajax Mountain, I cautiously explored—passing by crumbling cliffs and 2,000 ft drop offs.

I was on the hunt to capture the incredible bursts of fall colors.

The light was good—casting momentary shadows amongst the trees. The changing cloud cover teased me with sudden glimpses of radiant light falling upon the aspen groves.

Suddenly the clouds opened up, and the trees exploded with color—revealing the glorious yellows and greens of the aspens.

I skidded my ATV to a halt and managed to capture this startling image—a moment later it was lost, but the memory was captured.

View more images like this on my Categories site. 

New Category Image

Evening Surf

It’s hard to describe the thrill I feel when I find an abstract that captures my imagination. 

When viewed as a piece of fine art photography, this work simply speaks to the soul.

There is a soothing aura about this piece—a meditative work with a positive, uplifting effect.

My work can often highlight certain colors. This one represents the dynamic personality that is yellow. 

View more yellow images like this on my Categories site. 

New Abstract Image

Surface Area

I captured this image in the late spring, early morning—when the light was lengthening the shadows. 

The subtle impact of the scene in my viewfinder resonated with me on a subconscious level.

When I made the first proof print, the photograph came alive before my eyes—the abstract curvilinear water, when combined with the depth and complexity of the photograph, produced a fascinating print. 

The eye is invited to explore the surface area and leaves with a feeling of calmness and serenity.

View the Abstracts gallery to see more images like this. 

New Abstract Image

Submersion 

I have found that finding alluring abstract imagery can happen in the most unexpected places. 

This serene moment in the alpine lake shows evidence of nature’s cycle of life and rebirth. The calming greenery and hint of the lake’s surface present a soothing reflection of the natural environment. 

Not only is this a significant image of the alpine lake, it transcends into the realm of an abstract composition as well. The eye is fascinated by the geometric structures presented by the sunken logs.

This image reveals a small glimpse into the natural world.

View my Abstracts gallery to see more like this. 

New Abstract Image

Blue Notes 

I try to find beauty in unexpected places, but also in plain sight.

The sumptuous hues of variegated blues in this work form a compelling organic image, a finely balanced composition.

Want more abstracts? I have a number of similar images live on my Categories site.

Click below to see more.

New Black and White Landscape Image

Approaching Storm 

A panorama of epic proportions, a computer screen does no credit to this incredible moment I was able to capture—to view this image in person is simply breathtaking. 

The brooding melancholy sky and curvaceous ridgeline snaking up the shoulder of the peak invite focus to the summit in the center.

The negative space to its left is balanced with the mass of the mountain—while to the right, it creates transcendent visual harmony. The atmospheric clouds mantle the mountains casting shafts of light which highlight and bring our eye to focus on the otherwise hidden terrain of the West Elk Range. 

The unique vantage point allowed me to capture the vastness and grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, while also accurately conveying my heartfelt love for the beauty of nature. 

View my Landscapes gallery to see more images like this. 

New Animal Kingdom Image

The Bugling Bull Elk

I’ve had the opportunity to capture some of the most remarkable images.

This magnificent bull elk is announcing his presence—a powerful animal, a force of nature, yet this image captures the sublime beauty of nature with the meadow of delicate flowers balancing the primal energy of the “subject.” 

My experience as a hunter and stalker has served me well in helping to capture rare glimpses of the natural world. 

View more images like this in my Animal Kingdom gallery.