It is that time of year when these monstrous flowers begin to bloom on the Great Plains. Most of the fields I found this morning weren’t quite ready for prime time but should be soon. Playing with a new camera and had some technical difficulty (okay, operator error) for most of my shots but this was a good closeup.
Famous barn in the shadows of the Tetons
It is tough to get an original shot of the oft-photographed barns on Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park. Flickr says that this particular one is the most photographed barn in America and given the amazing landscape surrounding it, you can see why.
On the day I visited, I missed the best light of the morning and was too early for the evening but some dramatic skies helped liven (and soften) things up.
Built by T.A. Moulton in the early part of the 20th century, the barn is one of two and took Thomas Alma nearly 30 years to build. The area was settled in the late 1890s by Mormon homesteaders creating the community called Grovont.
Moody reflections of the forest
With overcast skies and light rain falling, it was tough to find photo opportunities on this morning in Colorado’s high country. While standing on the shores of a pond scanning for wildlife, I looked down and saw this scene and kind of liked it. Different but kind of neat I think.
Happy birthday to the Centennial State
It was on this date in 1876 that Colorado was admitted to the union as the 38th state. A lot certainly has changed in the 141 years since then but, despite all of the progress, much of the natural beauty for which the state is known for remains.
In 1893, Katharine Lee Bates visited the state and soon after penned “America the Beautiful”. It is well known that the amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties she wrote about were a direct reflection of her time here.
In fact, it is said that a visit to the summit of Pikes Peak was indeed her primary inspiration. From the lower elevations of the Great Plains that cover the eastern half of this state to the rugged mountains in the west, this truly is an amazing place and I am blessed to have been born here.
This image taken back in April seems to me to do a nice job capturing this state.
Sparkling high country waters in black and white
Taken last weekend in Lake County, Colorado. I was out for an early drive while the rest of my camping crew slept in and came across this very pretty and picturesque creek. Using a slow shutter speed allowed me to make the waters blur as they rushed past the rocks.
Bison graze at ease along the Madison River
This beautiful scene kickstarted our visit to Yellowstone National Park last month. Winter had been harsh up there with a great deal of snowfall and the spring was a wet one. However, all that moisture made for a lush, green landscape and rivers flowing full and quick.
Soon after arrival we set out for a quick exploration trip and found a herd of bison grazing along the banks of the river. Above, a cloud-dotted sky with spots of bright blue peering through. Truly a scene showing nature at its finest and a scene I will never forget.
Landscape frames the sunrise
I was pretty focused (pun intended) on critter photography on the morning this image was taken. However, as I headed toward my target area, the unfolding scene to the east commanded my attention. It was clear it was going to be a typical gorgeous show on the plains of Colorado so I quickly sought out a spot from which to capture it.
This particular location is one of my favorites for sunrises as it gives a nice view to the east plus some interesting objects in the foreground. For this image, I used a wide angle capturing not only the reflection on the water but also the trees to the sides and the grasses below. All of the elements created a nice, natural frame around that colorful view in the distance.
Erupting Great Fountain Geyser
From my trip to Yellowstone National Park last month. The primary photo goal on this day was, as usual, wildlife however the day just didn’t offer many worthwhile subjects so the landscape instead became the focus.
Having been to the park many times, we bypassed the more popular and crowded spots and sought out less visited locations. One of them was the Lower Geyser Basin where we were lucky enough to time our visit with two different eruptions, including this one.
This particular geyser erupts a couple of times a day with some of those events lasting more than an hour. It has been known to shoot water 200 feet in the air but that is a rarity with typical heights of less than 100 feet being seen (like this one).
I loved the dramatic blue skies punctuated by just enough clouds to add interest.
Little outhouse on the prairie
Taken at one of the most photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park. It is tough to come up with an original composition here as it has been seen and imaged so many times by photographers far beyond my humble capability. So, rather than focusing on the historical barns and houses, I chose to give a nice look at a less picturesque structure, but one that is extraordinarily important. 😉
A sunrise that mandated attention
Out on my photo drive on Independence Day I was forced to stop looking for wildlife and instead take in this gorgeous scene unfolding as the sun began to rise. The deep orange of the rising sun coupled with the reflection on Lake Ladora below and the crepuscular rays in the sky above were amazing. Taken at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, Colorado.