Echoes of Silver and Stories: The Leadville Photography Collection

Leadville, Colorado Wall Art

The Two Mile High City

Sitting at 10,151 ft above sea level, Leadville is one of Colorado’s more unique towns, and that’s saying a lot for a state with such incredible mountain culture. Not a big place but it’s still racked up a number of nicknames over the years: The Two Mile High City, Oro City, Cloud City, and Slab Town. That alone provides a great hint into Leadville’s rich mining history that began in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, and that hunt for gold, silver, and lead continued for 130 years. Visiting the small town today, you can still feel what Leadville once was, and that’s a lot of the draw. Only 2 hours from Denver, but it feels a world away, with unprecendented views of the surrounding mountains and no crowds. The architecture is gorgeous and well preserved in a lot of cases like the Delaware Hotel which first opened in 1886. Of course the local jewel is the Silver Dollar Saloon. You’d be hard pressed to find another like it anywhere in the country. Inside you can feel the years (established 1879), and that feeling only gets better once you learn more about it’s history with noted regulars like Doc Holiday! The most surprising part of Leadville is the fact that it has delicious food! I’d recommend checking out The Silver Llama Market and Eatery for breakfast and Treeline Kitchen for dinner. They are conveniently located right next to each other and Treeline has a great rooftop patio that’s open in the warmer months. Mineral 1886 also has good food for lunch and dinner.

Walking through the neighborhoods is always fun because you’ll get a feel for daily life, and Leadville has some colorful houses that are intricately shingled. If you are looking for more of a workout, the Mineral Belt Trail (12 miles) can provide year round recreation with top notch views of the mountains and will take you up close to some of the old mining claims. Walking, running, and biking in the summer. Fat biking and cross country skiing in the winter. There is a nordic center just outside of Tennessee Pass and endless access to backcountry skiing/snowboarding from all routes in/out of town. And If there’s any reason this little hideaway would sound familiar, that’s because it’s home to one of the hardest mountain bike races in the country - The Leadville 100! That and Melanzana, which is supposedly on a year waitlist for hooded sweatshirts. Perhaps the most redeeming quality about their main drag though, is you won’t see a single chain restaurant or business. They are all locally owned and there is no mistaking that fact! Leadville is a gem of a place that you hope will retain it’s small town charm for decades to come. If you’re looking for a fun getaway with resort crowds, check out Leadville for a couple nights.

If you’d like to have a little piece of Leadville to remember your trip and brighten your walls with Colorado culture, contact me directly about photography prints for your home, office, or commercials space. - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Photography print of downtown Leadville, Colorado

Leadville, Colorado Wall Art

Photograph of the Golden Burro Cafe in Leadville, Colorado

The Golden Burro Cafe - Leadville

Photography print of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, Colorado

Black and white photograph of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, CO

Black and white photograph of the bar inside the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, Colorado

Photograph of the bar inside the Silver Dollar Saloon

Leadville, CO

Manhattan Bar - Leadville, CO

Photograph of High Mountain Pies Pizzeria in Leadville, Colorado

High Mountain Pies - Leadville, CO

Photograph of an American Flag hanging in the window of a house with colorful shingles and a ski fence in Leadville, CO

Colorful house in Leadville, CO

Photo print of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, CO

Leadville Saloon

Photograph of bar stools and the old tile floor in the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, CO

Tile floor in the Leadville Saloon

Photograph of the interior of the saloon in Leadville, CO

Pool table and taxidermy inside the Silver Dollar Saloon - Leadville, CO

Hand painted beer sign on an old brick building in Leadville, CO

Beer - Leadville, CO

Western Lifestyle Photographer

Capturing Authentic Western Apparel in Action

Photographing Real Cowboy Gear at Work

It’s no secret that the daily life of a cowboy is demanding. Early mornings that start in the saddle, turn into late nights, all while dealing with the country’s harshest weather and big, wild animals that have an opinion. So the gear they choose to wear has to be just as tough as they are. Through the lens, we highlight real cowboys in real western apparel that holds up to the rigors of ranch life, offering a vivid, authentic showcase perfect for brands looking to demonstrate the quality and style of their products.

Our photography captures working cowboys on the legendary Silver Spur Ranch in Colorado as they gear up in rugged western apparel, blending traditions with contemporary fashion. From the intricate designs of the leather boots to the timeless durability of denim shirts and wool jackets, each piece is tested by the true dnecessities of cowboy life. It's here, among the dust and cattle, where western brands can see their products come alive, telling a story of authenticity, resilience, and style that truly resonates with their target audience. Let's collaborate to bring the essence of your brand to life in settings that inspire and appeal to your customers - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to view a gallery of my authentic cowboy photography

Black and white photograph of a cowboy roping a cow on the Silver Spur Ranch in Colorado

Silver Spur Ranch - Colorado

Photograph of a real cowboy

Western lifestyle photography

Photograph of a cowboy putting an ear tag on a calf

Calving season on a Colorado cattle ranch

Photograph of a cowboy riding his horse through thick brush and trees on a cold winter day

Cowboy gear photographer

Photograph of a cowboy carrying a baby calf on a cold winter day

A cowboy caring for a newborn baby calf

Photograph of a cowboy wearing authentic Western apparel and leather medicine saddle bags

Black and white portrait of a Colorado cowboy

Photograph of a cowboy disposing of a dead calf

Authentic cowboy photography

Photograph of a cattle herd in a foggy pasture

Cattle herd

Photograph of a cowboy on his horse looking for cattle in thick brush

Colorado cattle ranch

Black and white photograph of a working cowboy in Colorado

Black and white cowboy photograph

Photograph of a cowboy bottle feeding a baby calf

Bottle feeding a baby calf

Photograph of a cowboy counting ear tags on the back of a pickup truck

Cowboy counting ear tags

Photograph of a Colorado cowboy on his horse

Colorado cowboy riding his horse through thick country

Chasing Trout and Capturing Moments: Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing Photography

Just outside Loveland, Colorado, the Big Thompson River tumbles through its canyon like a secret meant to be shared sparingly. Here, under the towering rock faces and amid the seasonal flourish of aspens, the trout glide in waters so clear they seem borrowed from another world. It’s a place that refuses to be ordinary, even as it sits just a short drive from the sprawl of Denver and Boulder. Those who find themselves here—rod in hand or simply drawn to the rhythm of the river—know they’ve stepped into something rare.

On a crisp morning not long ago, I joined two Front Range Anglers guides, John Brown and Charlie Schaefer, for a walk along this stretch of the Big Thompson. Both men carried the quiet competence of those who’ve spent enough time on the water to lose the need for bravado. Watching them fish was like watching a craftsman turn wood on a lathe—each cast a practiced motion, each drift a moment of intent. Their chosen method was euro nymphing, a stripped-down approach that trades flashy for effective. The rewards spoke for themselves: trout rising from the depths, some modest, others stretching well past the 20-inch mark.

Walking the riverbank, my camera ready, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this place was built for dreams. The pools, deep and inviting, seemed to whisper promises of trophy fish. The riffles, swift and playful, dared anglers to master their currents. And then there was the light—always shifting, always softening or sharpening the canyon in ways that made even the most routine moments shimmer.

Fall is the Big Thompson’s most dramatic mood. The aspens and cottonwoods light up like fire, a golden warmth against the cool grip of the river. The trout, sensing the change, become bold and hungry, their movements electric against the calm of the season. Some days, the sky stretches wide and blue; others, it crouches low, heavy with clouds or mist. It’s the kind of beauty that demands both attention and reverence, the kind that fills a camera frame yet somehow feels too large to hold.

But fly fishing, as anyone who loves it will tell you, is never just about the fish. It’s a slow-burn affair with the land and water, a test of patience and awareness, a chance to step into the raw pulse of the natural world. For brands and magazines hoping to capture the soul of fly fishing, or for those who simply long to lose themselves in its rhythms, the Big Thompson River is more than a location—it’s a story waiting to be told.

The river has a way of holding onto you long after you’ve left its banks. Its trout, its wildness, its ever-changing moods—all of it lingers like a song you can’t quite stop humming. As a photographer, I find it both a privilege and a challenge to try to pin that feeling down, to turn moments into images that speak to the unspoken connection we have with water, fish, and the landscapes that hold them. On the Big Thompson, I can’t help but feel like I’m chasing something infinite.

Click HERE to check out more of my fly fishing photography and contact me directly to inquire about prints - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Colorado Fly Fishing Photography

Fly fishing guides on the Big Thompson River

Fly Fishing in fall color in Colorado

Fall fly fishing in Colorado

Fly fishing the Big Thompson River

Rainbow trout jumping out of the river

Netting a Rainbow Trout on the Big Thompson River

John Brown of Front Range Anglers having a laugh during a day on the river

Fly fishing guides from Front Range Anglers

Looking for trout on the Big Thompson River

Tree roots growing out of a rock

Charlie Schaefer netting a trout on the Big Thompson River outside Loveland, Colorado

A beautiful Rainbow Trout

Fall colors in the river in Colorado

Hardy fly rod and reel

One handed

Netting a large Rainbow Trout

A fly fisherman smiles while holding a trophy Rainbow trout
Fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River in Colorado - Black and White Photography

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing

Setting the hook

A proper bend in the rod

Won’t forget this one

Charlie Schaefer - Front Range Anglers

The big ones put up a good fight

Textbook Rainbow Trout

Moving up river

Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River surrounded by fall color in Colorado

Fly Fishing - Crested Butte, Colorado

Crested Butte, Colorado Fly Fishing Photography

San Juan Mountains

Crested Butte, Colorado is hands down one of my favorite places to go fly fishing in the country. It’s just one of my favorite places period. Combine the stunning views with their mountain town culture and access to all sorts of fly fishing, and the place is hard to beat. Summertime anywhere in the San Juan mountains will seduce you whether you’re aware of it or not. The images are from a recent backcountry fly fishing trip with friends to a small creek that shall go unnamed for obvious reasons. There is plenty of easy fishing access around around Crested Butte on the Taylor River, East River, and Gunnison River, so blowing up such a remote spot like this would cause me to lose sleep. Just looking at these photographs is FOMO inducing. Can’t wait to get back out there.

Click here to see more of my fly fishing photography.

Summer fly fishing near Crested Butte, Colorado

Fly fishing in Crested Butte, Colorado

Photograph of two friends fly fishing a small creek in Colorado

Fly fisherman wading up a river in Crested Butte, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman climbing over a pile of logs along a stream

A fly fisherman climbing over a pile of trees and branches on the side of a river outside Crested Butte, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman casting in a beautiful section of stream near Crested Butte, Colorado

Fly fishing a picturesque stream in the San Juan Mountains

Photograph of beers cooling off in a pool off on the side of a stream in Colorado

Cans of Coors Banquet chilling in river water during a fly fishing trip in Colorado

Catching trout on a backcountry stream in Colorado

Backcountry fly fishing in Colorado

A fly fisherman netting a trout in a small stream surrounded by canyon walls in Colorado

Fly fisherman laughing after a fun day on the river in Crested Butte, Colorado

Fly fishing wading boots and wading socks drying on a tree

Fly Fishing in the Colorado Backcountry

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Fly Fishing

Colorado - Photography

If you’re looking for a special place to fly fish and have considered the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, just do it. Just go. Stop screwing around and do it. Be warned though, it’s not for everyone. You’ve got to like getting your ass kicked. We did the S.O.B Draw route, and don’t mind saying it’s a tough hike with a full pack. Technically you can’t even call it a hike because there is no path, just a scramble the whole way up and down, with several places that will require taking off your pack just to get down those sketchy sections. They say it’s 2.1 miles with 2,000 ft of elevation, but it seems like that’s just to where the “trail” hits the river. From there you’ll need to keep following the river to find the designated camping spots. If you’re a psycho, you could make it a day trip, but what the hell is the point of that? We did 2 nights and wished for a 3rd.

A guy backpacking down S.O.B. Draw into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Crawford, Colorado.

Fly fisherman backpacking into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado

Camping in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Crawford, Colorado

Fisherman making camp at the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The bastard of a hike in is what makes the whole experience great because very few people actually want to work for it. So you could potentially have the entire canyon to yourself. In my opinion the first campsite is the best one, and makes for a great base camp to take day hikes from. There is plenty of fishing to be had right in that area, which we did on day one. Depending on the time of year, it can be hot as hell. We expected the nights to cool off, but they did not. It stayed hot enough in mid August to sleep in only underwear and no blankets. Sticky. The nights were sticky. Fortunately, the water was very cool.

Fly fishing the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

Fly fishing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

A fly fisherman jumping from rock to rock on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

A fly fisherman navigates rocks while looking for trout in the Gunnison River

A fly fisherman pulls out his net for a rainbow trout on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

A fly fisherman prepares to net a trout in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Leaving camp the next day was great. We packed enough food for the whole day and a Grayl filtration water bottle which eliminated the need to carry large amount of liquids or a separate filtration system. Even with the hot temperatures, waders are a must as there is Poison Ivy EVERYWHERE. A miracle that none of us got it! (It’s worth bringing some Poison Ivy soap and washing off a few times a day)Getting to the river from the top doesn’t mean that the work is over. Everywhere you go requires hiking on primitive trails or scrambles, but it’s all worth it. No matter the location, you’re always surrounded by 2,000 ft rock walls. It reminded me a little bit of Glenwood Canyon without a highway running through the middle of it.

Fly fisherman hiking along the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

Two fly fisherman hiking over large boulders on their way to the Gunnison River

A fly fisherman climbing over boulders along the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

A fly fisherman climbing over large boulders on the side of the Gunnison River

The fishing was awesome. Lots of action. Tough at times, but a ton of fun. Without mentioning any names, one of us had a tough time with fish aggressively swimming down river and breaking the line. We really should have kept a tally on that. Probably just the time of year, but we never even thought about throwing out a dry fly. It was all about Perdigons on the bottom. All 3 of us put some stunning Browns and Rainbows in the net, which honestly, is almost just a bonus. The overall vibe in that canyon is spectacular. A really special part of Colorado, the country, and a unique place to fish without any crowds. Before leaving we were already excited to do another trip. Now that we’ve digested things bit, going at a different time of year seems better, when the water is a little higher and the temps a lot lower.

Fly fishing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Fly fisherman hanging out at camp in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Two friends laughing together after a day of fly fishing on the Gunnison River

Fly fishing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

A fly fisherman prepares his gear for a day in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

A fly fisherman walking over a tree bridge in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

A fly fisherman navigating difficult terrain in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Fly fishing for trout on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

Fly fishing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado

Two fly fisherman walking along the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado
A brown trout caught on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

A trout caught by a fly fisherman in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Bleeding shins from fly fishing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison
A fly fisherman smiles after catching a trout on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

If you’re planning a trip and have any questions, reach out to my buddy at Slackwater Co, he’s got tons of expertise to share on fly fishing in Colorado.

Click here to see more of my fly fishing photography. And contact me directly to purchase prints of my fly fishing photography.

Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Photography - Cheesman Canyon, Colorado - Prints

That old saying “you get what you put in”, or something there abouts, is one that always seems to resonate with fly fishing. Whether you want to call it a sport or hobby, there are a million different ways to do it. Well, 3, actually - bad, mediocre, and great. It always amazes me to see the guys who pull their truck up to a river, cast from the same spot for 3 hours without ever losing sight of said truck, then drive home. Different Strokes, I guess? Personally, I need a hell of a lot more than that. I want to get my ass kicked on a hike to some remote location, spend the whole day fishing/shooting, then get my ass kicked on a hike back to the truck where cold beer awaits in a cooler. Standing shoulder to shoulder with 15 other fly fisherman sounds like hell. Might as well go out on a half day Cattle Boat charter.

The South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon is a place I’ve been lucky to spend a good amount of time fly fishing and making photographs. Visually it’s a lot of fun and offers something for everyone. You can fish 30 steps from your truck if that’s your thing. Or, you can make a day of it, hiking into the backcountry as far as you please. Ensuring that you won’t see but one or two other people the entire time. That’s fly fishing.

Click here to see more of my fly fishing photography . Or contact me directly to purchase prints.

A fly fisherman hops from rock to rock on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A person standing on top of a large boulder looks into the South Platte River during a day of fly fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
Overhead view of a Fly Fisherman casting into the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A fly fisherman walks through large boulders on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A fly fisherman jumps from boulder to boulder on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A large trout in the South Platte River in Colorado
A fly fisherman wades through a beautiful section of the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A photo with motion blur of a fly fisherman casting into the South Platte River in Colorado
A Fly Fisherman hiking up a rocky cliff in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A fly fisherman on the South Platte River casting near large rock cliffs in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A fly fisherman on the South Platte River navigates a rocky section in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A fly fisherman rigs up his rod while sitting on rocks in Cheesman Canyon near Deckers, Colorado
A fly fisherman on a beautiful rocky section of the South Platte River nets a fish in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado
A fly fisherman hiking into a remote section of the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

American Road Trip

It seems like every road trip has its own personality filled with unique findings and activities. Of course photography is always the main focus of these trips, but there are also auxiliary goals that I try to squeeze in as well. Ranching, fly fishing, friends, and hunting are just a few of the things that happened in the squiggly red lines on the map. So far it seems like the results are good in the photography category and a hell of a lot of good times were had along the way. Excited to share more the miles soon.

Traditional Barbershops

Small Town Barbershops

Photographs of American Culture

Hard to believe this project has been going on for 10 years now. You’d think after publishing a couple books on the subject, the desire to photograph barbershops would go away. Apparently not. What a journey it’s been and continues to be. Here are a few made over the past 6 months or so. The first shot of the Commercial Barbershop in Elko is actually a shop I photographed 8 or 9 years ago when it was in full swing. Unfortunately, it is no more. Sad, but that is exactly why I started this project.

Click here to pick up a copy of Barbershops of America.

Smithsonian Magazine

The Saguache Crescent

Small Town Newspaper - American Culture - Publishing

If you’re not interested in hearing more talk about personal projects than skip this one. It will be a familiar topic forever though, so get used to it if you’re going to stick around. Shot these images back in July of 2019 during a road trip out to Colorado. There was a final destination in mind but the route was unplanned. One of the small towns that popped up along the way was Saguache, CO. And by small, I mean population 424 small. Driving down “Main St” I noticed a very peculiar yet unmarked storefront. Inside the front window was an unidentifiable machine that looked like it came from a different age. (Findings like this are one of the many romantic draws to small towns). The screen door was open so I went in and was greeted not by a person, but a space filled with unexplainable life. A monstrosity of metal, tools, and papers from front to back, but I couldn’t figure out what year it was or what it all meant. There was nobody inside so I tried the jewelry store next door hoping for an answer. Sitting calmly behind the counter was the man I later found out ran the business I had so many questions about. That business turned out to be the town newspaper, the last of it’s kind still being printed on a linotype machine. A what? A linotype machine. The industry standard before the invention of computers. Now they are dinosaurs. Dean was very lackadaisical toward my request to photograph him at work, but nevertheless we made plans to meet again after my 4th of July camping trip. So about 5 days later I was back in a town I had never previously heard of, working on a story about Dean Coombs and The Saguache Crescent. My two days with Dean and the town of Saguache was quite memorable. It all seemed like living in a time capsule. Life there happens in a bubble because Saguache has nothing to draw any tourists, so the only people you’ll ever see are locals. Learning about Dean’s process what both educational and humbling. The patience required by one person to put out a weekly newspaper on a linotype is unfathomable. Hats off to Dean and all the people around the world dedicated to similar tasks.

One morning at the local cafe I sat quietly at the bar waiting for a breakfast burrito that turned out to be the size of a piece of firewood. Haven’t found anything even close to that size since. But just as memorable was a 90 year old man in conversation with a friend, who picked up a jar of sugar and did a 10 second pour into his cup of coffee. Kinda threw all the science about health and longevity out the window.

A while after the trip an edit of images was put together and sent around to a few places and got picked up by The National. We were happy with the placement as The National is a very reputable/long running publication. Then Covid hit and everything went to shit. The piece needed a new home. We received warm feedback from a contact at National Geographic. She liked the photos/story even though it wasn’t a good fit and suggested we pitch it to the Smithsonian Magazine. So we did and 1.5 years later here we are. It can be hard waiting so long for a piece to find a home. The wait is well worth it though when that home winds up being The Smithsonian.

If someone handed me a billion dollars tomorrow I’d still be working on these type of projects. Telling stories about people like Dean and the last newspaper in the world being made on a linotype machine. I’m grateful for the opportunity to tell his story my own way and to collaborate with Nick Yetto on the writing. And to have a personal project end up at a place like the Smithsonian.

Long live the personal project!

Click HERE to read the article on Smithsonian’s website

Fly Fishing Deckers Canyon

Fly Fishing Photography - Colorado - Deckers

There is no end to the pleasures that fly fishing can provide a person once they get past the initial suffering that comes along with the sport. That’s not to say it ever gets easy, you just learn how to screw up less. For me, one of the great pleasures is watching the way light, or the lack thereof, can transform a river. Might not look like it, but this was a cold December day on the South Platte River in Deckers Canyon. The solitude a canyon brings is great. It also brings endless shifts of light that can be equal parts beautiful, tricky, and frustrating from a photography perspective. One of my biggest difficulties with fly fishing is a positive one; deciding whether to fish or to photograph. After years of deliberation the obvious conclusion presented itself - fish when the light sucks.

Click HERE to see more of my fly fishing photography.

American Photography

American Photography - Road Trip - Travel

Americana - Wall Art - Photo Prints - Open Road

Taking time to think about a body of work is such and important part of the process as you continue to build it. And as time goes on attention needs to be given to the “holes” that are inevitably lurking in said work. Interiors are one of the many holes that I need to fill. For ten years now I’ve happily traveled around America photographing various aspects of it. And lately, collaboration in the form of outside eyeballs/opinions has been a major focus in order to figure out exactly what is or isn’t working. When we create in a bubble as so many photographers do, it’s easy to get lost on a track that might not be going the right direction. There are so many questions we need to ask ourselves all along the way, which probably won’t get brought up if we don’t receive input from other unbiased people. So, while I never plan on stopping my America series, I’m trying to be much more focused and open about what to shoot and what horses I’ve already beaten to death. Much more than that though, how many other photographers have already done what you’re doing? If the answer is “a lot”, then how can you change your contribution to offer the viewer something different?

Click here to see more from my AMERICA series.

Fly Fishing - Crested Butte, CO

Taylor River Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Photography - Colorado

Sometimes you think the sun is going to help with the cold and on certain days is does. For all the rest of the days, it’s easiest to just accept the fact that you won’t feel your hands again until you get back to the truck. At which point you’ll need to put a koozie around your beer just so they don’t get any worse. Thankfully this wasn’t one of those. It’s only the middle of October but that doesn’t matter. If you spend time in the mountains then you know an early summer morning can feel oddly similar to winter. It’s got to be part of that whole love/hate thing.

It’s safe to assume that most western fly fisherman, in the beginning at least, are only concentrated on the rainbow trout. It’s put up on a pedestal. The trophy. The goal. Won’t deny having those same feelings, but that’s all changed over time, as everything does. Now, in my opinion, brown trout are king. Their colors and markings are really special.Now, In the name of transparency this isn’t my fish, but my friend caught it while I was shooting. Which means I was sort of catching it vicariously through him. That’s the only way I’ve found to calm the urge to set the camera down and replace it with a fly rod. It’s a vicious cycle that I’m trying to be at peace with. On the scale of problems, it’s a good one to have. Snowboarding is the only thing I do that absolutely won’t involve a camera unless it’s the one on my phone. Fly fishing on the other hand is a constant battle.

Good times on the Taylor River that day.

Click here to see more of my Fly Fishing photography

Colorado Fly Fishing Photographer

11 Mile Canyon Fly Fishing - Colorado

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains not far from Lake George, Colorado - 11 Mile Canyon is a breathtaking destination that attracts fly fishing aficionados with its crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and abundant fish species that offer an unforgettable experience for anglers.

Colorado is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, lush forests, and serene lakes. The backcountry canyon section of the South Platte River offers a unique opportunity to escape the crowds of fisherman, immerse yourself in nature, and find solitude on the water. Fly fishing in these remote areas not only allows you to connect with the environment but also gives you access to wild, untouched fisheries teeming with life.

Click here to see more of my fly fishing images

ROAD TRIP

Hopefully I’m wrong but this is probably the last road trip of the winter. If that’s the case, I’m thankful it was so productive. Started with some personal shooting, then a commercial shoot in Nevada, more personal shooting, and then some incredible snowboarding with friends in the San Juan’s. Really grateful for all of it, but also hate saying goodbye to winter. It’s never long enough. Or maybe I’m just greedy?

Click here to see imagery from my America series.

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American Photography

American Photography

Colorado - Utah

Whenever possible I make it a point to take new routes even when the destination might be a place (like Denver) I’ve been a hundred times. That way it’s easier to be inspired by new sights. Occasionally though, when you don’t have a ton of extra time, you find yourself on a familiar highway just motoring from A to B. At this point I’d be confident in my ability to drive from San Diego to Denver with a blindfold on. Still though, it’s a world class stretch of road that should never be taken for granted. Keeping this in mind, I returned to places along the way that I’ve photographed before, while remaining open to things that might have been missed before. Happy with the outcome.

Click here to see more from the AMERICA series.

Road Trip

Have been all over the place lately and thus slacking on the blog. Most recently wrapped up a road trip out to Colorado and back. Had a great meeting in Santa Fe. Spent some QT with friends for Thanksgiving. And managed to spend a lot of time out on the river. The last day was really the icing on the cake though. We went out split boarding in the morning and then by the afternoon we were fly fishing. Colorado is the best. Will be posting images from this trip soon.

Click here to see some of my fly fishing images.

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ROAD TRIP

Just wrapped up another road trip, and like every one before, it was amazing for many different reasons. For me as a person and a photographer, there is nothing better than being out by myself on the road. The freedom and lack of influence by other people is the best. This one was a bit shorter than my usual coast to coast trip done this time of year. I drove out to Colorado and did quite a bit of shooting for various projects/reasons, as well as visiting friends to do some camping, mountain biking, and white water rafting. More from all of this soon.

Click here to see prints from my “America” series.

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CrossFit - Denver, CO

CrossFit Photography - Denver, Colorado

Photographing CrossFit athletes in Denver is an exhilarating challenge that combines technical skill with artistic vision. It’s about more than just capturing movement; it’s about telling the story of resilience, effort, and achievement. Whether you’re shooting in a gritty gym or against the vibrant Denver skyline, every image is about freezing powerful, fleeting moments that embody the spirit of the sport. From the explosive power of a box jump to the intensity in an athlete’s eyes as they push through a personal record, every frame tells a story.

Click HERE for more fitness photography

CrossFit - Boulder, CO

CrossFit Photographer - Boulder, CO

When it comes to CrossFit, every rep, every lift, and every drop of sweat tells a story of dedication and grit. For CrossFit athletes in Boulder, Colorado, the gym is more than just a training ground; it’s a stage where personal bests are shattered and camaraderie thrives. Capturing these moments through photography not only celebrates the athlete’s journey but also highlights the raw beauty of strength and determination.

Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a fitness-focused community. The city boasts several top-tier CrossFit gyms, or "boxes," that cater to everyone from beginners to seasoned athletes. Gyms like CrossFit Sanitas, Roots, and Left Hand CrossFit are hubs of activity, attracting individuals committed to pushing their physical and mental boundaries.

This dynamic environment makes Boulder an ideal location for CrossFit photography. Whether it’s a sunrise workout in an open-air setting or an intense WOD (Workout of the Day) inside a gym, the opportunities for capturing striking visuals are endless.

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Silverton Mountain

Silverton Mountain in Colorado is unlike any other place you can ski/ride in the U.S. Think of it as the exact opposite of Vail. First of all, just getting there is a commitment, as it's about a 6.5 hour drive from Denver. The last part of the drive titled "The Million Dollar Highway" is about as much fun as you can have on a mountain pass. Switchback after switchback, with very few if any guardrails, and long steep drops off the side. The town itself is the kind of place you can see having gun fights in the street back in the day. That kind of town. Drive about 15 minutes out the back of town, and there is a parking lot. Next to the parking lot is a trailer with skis/snowboards piled on it. Next to that is a 2 person chairlift and a yurt for a lodge. That's it. No bougie villages with people wearing fur boots while sipping on a Hot Toddy. Just friendly people that want to ride. And all those people are earning there turns, because that 2 seater lift only goes 3/4 of the way up. From there, your guide leads you on a hike up ardigeline to the place he chooses for you to drop in. And did I mention that they are only open Friday-Sunday? Which means the snow piles up all week, so you're always getting fresh turns. On top of that, the guides section off the mountain, to keep things fresh for the next two days. The terrain is steep and technical. And fun. If you're a serious skier, you should get to Silverton. I loved it so much and wasn't even in great skiing shape when we were there. It was only my second day riding for the year, and I was just finishing up a month long cross-country road trip. Hell of a cap, but definitely wish I was in better shape. Either way, it was a great time, and I can't wait to go back in March. Did a little bit of shooting while I was there too. Hard not to. On day two, the light was so good, I didn't have a choose. It was partly cloudy, so the sun was peaking in and out of clouds. Creating some surreal conditions. Silverton rocks.