If you're wondering about the Maroon Bells...

this is what they looked like on Thursday. Not a great photo by any means but it gives you some indication of what to expect.

Those trees look HEALTHY! That's good news. And I think this shot is beautiful.

I agree with TC. My eye goes right to the peaks and there's no mistaking that they are your main focal point in the image. Beautiful soft light, nice color, and a symmetrical comp all make this very pleasing indeed! Looks like the color is coming right along.

Thanks for the update, and I happen to like this one a lot!

This is a great shot. At least the Aspen's look healthy and full of leaves this year with the exception of the small grove on the right. This will be the first year I will not make it there for several years. I will be heading up to Tetons and Yellowstone this weekend.

Tim

Thanks Bret. Like the photo. Especially the balanced composition.

Bill Brennan

Thanks Bret. Like the photo. Especially the balanced composition.

Bill Brennan

There are some groves on the hillsides along the road into the Bells that are covered in yellow trees. The Silver Queen campground is pretty yellow now, too. There are some really good opportunities in the area.

Also, the aspens on the south side of Independence Pass are out of control right now. Huge swaths of yellow. I wouldn't say they've peaked but they're damn close.

Scrub oak in the entire CB/Aspen/Snowmass area are peaking. Reds, yellows, oranges, browns...I don't recall seeing a single green oak leaf. Entire hillsides are just quilts of color. The Prince Creek Rd. and Sopris Creek Roads leading from the Carbondale area toward Snowmass are particularly exceptional right now. So is Hwy. 92 along the eastern edge of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Hope this is helpful.

Bret, I'm curious. What time of the day did you make this image?

This was a couple minutes before the first direct sunrise light hit the peaks and literally seconds before the wind picked up and destroyed all reflections for the rest of the morning. Not sure of the exact time, though.

Don't be too humble, Bret. This is beautiful.

Bret, any pics from the Sopris area showing the scrub oak?

No photos of Sopris and Prince Creek that show much of anything but the road. Sorry.

A subtle image but I like it.

Thanks for all the info, Brett!

Not sure why you don't like this image? Like others...I like it! Thanks for the info....I am not a landscape guy, but I am going to try to make a few images this year of the color.