I need to get out and shoot something that screams "Colorado". It's been awhile since I've had an adventure and I just got paid, so I can finally afford a tank of gas and lunch at a greasy spoon! So the question now is, where should I go?
My two criteria are:
(1) No more than three hours from Denver.
(2) Little or no hiking involved, as I'm having some knee issues. If I can drive right up to it and walk 100 yards, that's pretty much perfect.
I was considering the sand dunes until I realized that the sunset shots I wanted would get me back to Denver too late. I don't know much about getting to Maroon Bells, but I believe that's within my range? I'm not interested in another trip to Garden of the Gods since I've been there way too much this year. Any other iconic Colorado scenes to suggest?
Posted by Ken Einig on November 15, 2006 at 9:16 PM
Estes Park...RMNP...Morrison...Ward...Peaceful Valley...Central City up high...Nederland & Caribou...Red Feathers Lake area...Walden and the animal area...Grand Lake...Bent's Fort - but, then, I like that kind of history stuff. You can really have some fun with a camera there (depending on the light of course).
I don't live there now but it is amazing when I take stock of what I took for granted while there.
Posted by Nat Coalson on November 15, 2006 at 10:46 PM
Becky-
Ken's suggestions are great. Also consider that most places you go now will be considered photogenically "ugly"; that is, no green, no color, just rock and dormant trees. Maybe some snow and ice, but mostly lots of brown and gray tones.
To get the most out of shooting this time of year, I'd suggest setting aside your preconceptions about what you're looking for. "Something that screams Colorado" might mean a specific thing within this forum; maybe something spectacular is not practical given the time of year and your personal requirements.
But there are great shots all around. For starters, finding dramatic weather is not hard this time of year; plan a trip for when it's foggy or raining. How about doing some black and white? And for some color, how about botanical gardens, or Butterfly Pavilions?
I think if you can come up with a small project, or theme to go after, you will undoubtedly find the perfect place(s) to go. But to find images that move you personally, in less than ideal conditions, you will have to go beyond the obvious. Challenge yourself.
I think I've decided on hitting the slopes at Winter Park. Well, limping around at the bottom, anyway. There should be plenty to shoot there, not all naturey, but certainly in season, and the spiked hot chocolate at the restaurant at the base is hella good.
Posted by Jody Grigg on November 16, 2006 at 10:43 AM
I lived in Winter Park for 4 years and I can tell you there is not a lot to shoot at the base area. Have you thought about Guanella Pass, you can shoot sunset straight from the road, nice shot of Mt. Bierstadt. Even Loveland Pass is great for sunrise or sunset shots also from the road. Just my 2 cents.
Posted by Brent Murphy on November 16, 2006 at 1:07 PM
Too bad you don't want to shoot at Garden of the Gods. This is the time of year I love to shoot there. If I don't have the time to hike somewhere, and it's post-wildflowers, post-fall colors, pre-winter, that's my go-to spot. Great light, no matter what time of year, and you've got trees with leaves year-round.
Posted by John De Bord on November 18, 2006 at 12:14 PM
Well you have a lotta choice...
Roxborough, Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, and how exploring things here in metro Denver? The Littleton Historical Museum is free and is AWESOME to shoot at. Ketring Lake is a great spot for birding shots, lotta Herons. One of my fav places to shoot locally http://www.littletongov.org/museum/ This one would be perfect in regards to your knees also.
Discussion
6 repliesMy two criteria are:
(1) No more than three hours from Denver.
(2) Little or no hiking involved, as I'm having some knee issues. If I can drive right up to it and walk 100 yards, that's pretty much perfect.
I was considering the sand dunes until I realized that the sunset shots I wanted would get me back to Denver too late. I don't know much about getting to Maroon Bells, but I believe that's within my range? I'm not interested in another trip to Garden of the Gods since I've been there way too much this year. Any other iconic Colorado scenes to suggest?
I don't live there now but it is amazing when I take stock of what I took for granted while there.
Ken's suggestions are great. Also consider that most places you go now will be considered photogenically "ugly"; that is, no green, no color, just rock and dormant trees. Maybe some snow and ice, but mostly lots of brown and gray tones.
To get the most out of shooting this time of year, I'd suggest setting aside your preconceptions about what you're looking for. "Something that screams Colorado" might mean a specific thing within this forum; maybe something spectacular is not practical given the time of year and your personal requirements.
But there are great shots all around. For starters, finding dramatic weather is not hard this time of year; plan a trip for when it's foggy or raining. How about doing some black and white? And for some color, how about botanical gardens, or Butterfly Pavilions?
I think if you can come up with a small project, or theme to go after, you will undoubtedly find the perfect place(s) to go. But to find images that move you personally, in less than ideal conditions, you will have to go beyond the obvious. Challenge yourself.
Roxborough, Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, and how exploring things here in metro Denver? The Littleton Historical Museum is free and is AWESOME to shoot at. Ketring Lake is a great spot for birding shots, lotta Herons. One of my fav places to shoot locally http://www.littletongov.org/museum/ This one would be perfect in regards to your knees also.