In the City | Tony's Takes Photography

Light pillars appear above the railyard

February 15, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Check this out! Driving to work this morning I saw these and despite the -10 degree temperature, I had to stop and snap a few pics.

Light pillars are a reflection of the light off of ice crystals in the atmosphere. We don’t see them often here in Colorado so it was a pretty unique opportunity. Unfortunately I didn’t have a tripod with me and had to get to work so these are quick, high ISO shots but still very fun to see.

Taken in north Denver, the lights are coming from the Union Pacific Railroad yard.

Light pillars rise above a railyard in Denver, Colorado. (© Tony's Takes) — Light pillars rise above a railyard in Denver, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)

Merry Christmas from my family to you and yours!

December 25, 2019 by Tony Leave a Comment

I wish you all the very best this blessed season.

Image is of the Denver City and County building, a beautiful sight this time of year. This was taken last year as I haven’t been down there yet this year to visit it.

“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” ~ Luke 2: 8-14

Denver’s Union Station at night

February 7, 2019 by Tony

From one of the few urban photo outings I have taken but one that was a lot of fun and a chance to mix it up a bit from my usual photo fare. Denver’s Union Station is one of the iconic buildings in the Mile High City.

Located within the LoDo district, it is the main railway station for the city. The current building was completed in 1914 and followed by major renovations in 2012 that included the canopies seen here.

Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the building has welcomed famous guests including Queen Marie of Romania, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Today, it is a centerpiece of downtown not only serving as a transit hub but also a tourist attraction.

Image available here.

The Mile High City at night from Denver City Park

January 25, 2019 by Tony

The Mile High City at night from Denver City Park. From my urban excursion last month. This location is a very popular one for capturing images of the Denver skyline and you can see why.

In the foreground, Ferril Lake and the historic boat pavilion of City Park. The towers of downtown Denver lie behind including the iconic ‘cash register’ building. Beyond, the silhouettes of those fantastic Rocky Mountains are seen thanks to a full moon at the time.

Image available here.

Colorado’s state capitol building at night

January 10, 2019 by Tony

I tend to think that we have one of the prettiest capitol buildings in the union. Its classic architecture topped by the gold dome really is something to see.

Of course throw in the fact that the words “ONE MILE ABOVE SEA LEVEL” are engraved on the 15th step of the building to remind everyone they are in the Mile High City is pretty cool as well.

There are actually two additional markers on the steps. One on the 18th step was installed in 1969 when CSU engineering students determined the original marker was too low. Then, in 2003, a third marker was installed on the 13th step as modern measurements using GPS determined what should be truly 5,280 feet above sea level.

This image was taken a few weeks ago during a nighttime excursion to downtown Denver.

Holiday lights in iconic downtown Denver locations

January 2, 2019 by Tony

I meant to share these before the start of the new year and forgot! The day before Christmas Eve I headed out very early in the morning to capture some of the holiday lights in the Mile High City. Two iconic spots were my prime focus – Union Station and the 16th Street Mall.

Both looked absolutely gorgeous in their brilliantly lit displays. At the mall, the famous Daniels & Fisher Tower was lit up in red and green. Union Station had a similar color scheme and a beautiful display out front.

Getting out there early meant a minimum of traffic and people – and parking was easy. 😉

Denver's Union Station showing off its holiday light display. (© Tony’s Takes) — Denver’s Union Station showing off its holiday light display. (© Tony’s Takes)

Denver's 16th Street Mall and the Daniels and Fisher Tower in holiday lights. (© Tony’s Takes) — Denver’s 16th Street Mall and the Daniels and Fisher Tower in holiday lights. (© Tony’s Takes)

Merry Christmas from the Mile High City!

December 24, 2018 by Tony

The iconic holiday lighting of the Denver City and County Building. Truly is a fantastic sight, one of many here this time of season. I do wish you all very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year! Thank you very much for following me. In closing…

The Mile High City on a cold winter’s morning

December 23, 2018 by Tony

I was feeling the need to take a ‘different’ photo excursion as I was getting burnt out on some of my regular places. One spot that I always say I should shoot more is downtown Denver. So, I headed out at 3:30 this morning and hit up a number of spots, including this popular location. It gives a fantastic view of the city and really shows off our amazing skyline. Despite all the city lights, you can even make out a few stars.

Holiday lights at the Denver City and County building

December 24, 2016 by Tony Leave a Comment

Taken on Christmas Day last year, The annual lighting of the lights on the building are a tradition in the Mile High City and are an impressive and beautiful display. Now days they do it with LEDs and the colors are constantly changing making it even more fun and always different. I have yet to get down there this year but need to make sure I do. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy new year!

Holiday lights at the Denver City and County building — The Denver City and County building is lit up for the Christmas season. (© Tony’s Takes)

Black and white fire escape

May 11, 2016 by Tony Leave a Comment

From a visit to downtown Denver’s LoDo area a few weeks ago. This fire escape and the early 20th century brick building it was on were captivating to me. I don’t spend much time in urban environments but when I do, there is so much that catches my eye.

Black And White Fire Escape
A fire escape works its way up the side of a brick building in Denver, Colorado’s historic lower downtown. Denver, Colorado’s LoDo area has a number of historic structures and features, including this bridge. The area underwent major restoration and renoavations over the past two decades and now is a shining example of what a downtown area can be.