Denver | Tony's Takes Photography

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.

The Mile High City capped with clouds

May 21, 2017 by Tony Leave a Comment

While it does look kind of cool, thankfully this isn’t typical for Denver. Those of us that live here are used to seeing far more sun and warmth this time of year.

A late season storm brought cold, a lot of rain and a bit of snow to the Colorado Front Range this past week. Just to the west in the mountains they were measuring the snowfall in feet. It was a bit of a shock to the system of residents.

In reality, snow in May is not that unusual although this system was stronger that normal for this late in the season. Certainly I hope we are done with the white stuff for the season but Denver’s latest snowfall in history occurred on June 12, 1947 so you just never know.

Denver, Colorado sits under a layer of clouds after a late season snowstorm blanketed the area and the nearby Rocky Mountains in snow. (© Tony’s Takes)

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)

Denver, Colorado: Queen City of the Plains

December 12, 2016 by Tony Leave a Comment

Many folks that have never been here before envision Denver as being in the mountains. That is certainly not true. The Rocky Mountains lie just to the west of the Mile High City with Denver itself actually residing on the Great Plains.

This image, taken back in November, gives a good view of the landscape. Looking toward the west from a spot about eight miles northeast of downtown, you can see the city with the mountains towering in the background.

As everyone knows however, the city’s official elevation is one mile above sea level, 5,280 feet, as measured from the steps of the state capitol. That of course is where the city gets its primary nickname but it has also been called the Queen City of the Plains and the Queen City of the West at different times in history.

The Mile High City in fall. Looking back toward Denver from the east. (© Tony’s Takes)