Denver | Tony's Takes Photography

Hazy layers of mountains in front of the Mile High City

March 23, 2023 by Tony

One for Throwback Thursday going to July of last year. After taking in a stunning sunrise, my friend and I lingered, soaking in the view to the east from 14,000 feet. While the brilliant oranges that led up to sunrise had faded, the scene still looked pretty cool. Smoke from wildfires out of state had settled in creating a cool haze showcasing the smaller mountains below us. Off in the distance and to the far left just beyond the mountains you can actually make out downtown Denver and its skyscrapers. While those buildings are tall, they are dwarfed by Mother Nature’s work not far to the west. You can guess which location I prefer!

The Mile High City looking small from 35 miles away and two miles higher

October 20, 2022 by Tony

Kind of a fun, accidental shot. View this image full screen and look close.

You will see the skyscrapers of downtown Denver, Colorado standing tall above the immediately surrounding terrain. Downtown is, however, dwarfed by the mountains to the west where you are viewing this from.

Taken not long after sunrise on Mount Evans in mid-August, I was trying to capture the amber colors in the sky and the silhouetted mountains with the expansive Great Plains in the distance.

After taking the picture, I previewed it and thought the result was pretty darned cool but had forgotten about it until recently when sorting through pics for my end of year photo projects. Definitely a fun shot and worth sharing!

Bison graze on an overcast autumn day with the Mile High City in the background

October 17, 2022 by Tony Leave a Comment

With thick, low clouds causing dim light, I didn’t have a lot of hope for my photo outing yesterday. However, overcast skies do have the benefit of evening out the light and eliminating bright spots and dark shadows. As a result, I got some pretty neat captures, despite the conditions.

In this image from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, we bring together a bit of everything: The Old West with the bison, the New West with the Denver skyline in the background, and then we throw in the Rocky Mountains and a touch of fall foliage to add even more interest. It was a cool scene for sure and one that I was glad to be able to capture.

Golden sunflowers and the Mile High City

August 23, 2022 by Tony Leave a Comment

This sunflower field is absolutely massive and its location affords some fun, different views. While it was, unfortunately, a bit hazy on the morning this was taken, it was way cool to be able to get those blooming sunflowers in the foreground and Denver, Colorado in the background. Oh, yeah, there is also those Rocky Mountains in there too. 😉

I do count myself as privileged to have grown up here and have lived in this city most of my life. Historically, Denver was called the Queen City of the Plains. Both it, and the more common Mile High City nickname, seem quite appropriate.

A field of sunflowers with the Mile High City and Rocky Mountains in the background. (© Tony's Takes) — A field of sunflowers with the Mile High City and Rocky Mountains in the background. (© Tony’s Takes)

Golden sunflower field beneath the Rocky Mountains and Denver

August 14, 2022 by Tony Leave a Comment

This made for a pretty danged nice view yesterday morning! The sunflowers are starting to bloom on the Colorado plains and this particular spot had some added bonuses. Of course you had the flowers but in the distance, also the majestic Mile High City and the Rocky Mountains. Throw in the setting near full moon above in the blue skies and, well, that was darned awesome for sure.

From 5,280 to 14,265

December 8, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

Just a typically gorgeous morning on the Colorado plains and a look to the west at Denver and the Rocky Mountains.

The sun had just popped over the horizon and the trees were casting spots of shadows. In the distance and to the left, the Mile High City (elevation 5,280 feet), known at one time as the Queen City of the Plains. Beyond, the snow-capped foothills and mountains, most notably to the right, the indominable Mount Evans (elevation 14,265 feet).

Oh, and of course some bison grazing the plains making this a fine picture for Tatanka Tuesday!

From the golden dome of the Colorado state capitol building to the Great Plains

May 9, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

A bit of Old West meets the new west as a bison strolls along the plains with the Mile High City and the Rocky Mountains in the background.

I’ve taken hundreds of pictures of the bison in front of Denver like this but every time I just get excited. Such a cool scene and one that helps me to remember why I love living in the Centennial State.

This image is available in a wide variety of formats here.

Feeling at home on the range

April 23, 2020 by Tony Leave a Comment

I’ve taken many pictures of this scene before and I just never tire of it. It is such a privilege to live here in Colorado and viewing this is a great reminder of just how good we have it, even in these uncertain times.

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.