I promised a story about yesterday's shot and also includes this one. I drove to Gunnison, Colorado and slept in my car waking up to ice frozen on my windshield and a bit cold. It was 5:00 in the morning as I started the car to warm up and scrape the windshield. I knew about a rock formation called "The Castles" and that I could get to a view of it on Ohio Creek Road between Gunnison and Crested Butte. I headed to the pass and ventured up in the dark, not really knowing where the view would be. As I climbed up the winding dirt road...it became snow packed and I put my car in 4-wheel drive. I still couldn't see a thing in the dark and kept winding up the pass. I started to doubt where I was going and considered at several points of turning around. Finally, I came around a bend and saw three other photographers set up on the side of the road. I thought I must have found the right spot. I parked and set up my tripod with the other three. I decided to do a long exposure to see what was in front of me and when the image came up on my screen, I couldn't believe it! A spread of colorful aspens filled the valley below and across the span of aspens stood "The Castles" rock formation! About 15 minutes later a truck pulled up and the man rolled down his window and asked if we were having a workshop. We all replied "no" and he asked if he could join us, followed by introducing himself as John Fielder!! I couldn't believe it...I got to shoot this scene side by side by the famous Colorado Photographer John Fielder! It sure made my day and my trip!
What an experience! This shot is unbelievable, Wendy. Loved reading your commentary - you're a most adventurous young woman! Laughed about finding the 3 guys with the tripods set up so you knew you'd found the spot. Have found many good spots that way in traveling around Colorado. Been up Ohio Creek Road - gorgeous country. Most definitely a FAV!
@milaniet Thank you so much Milanie!! I was so glad I kept on going and sure couldn't have imagined how the morning turned out! It was definitely something I will never forget! John Fielder said he was in the area to do a workshop in Telluride over the weekend!
Stunning picture and story about how you got there. Meeting John Fielder was the icing on the cake. We have his books and use them as well as love his work.
Congratulations on making the Trending Page. Well deserved.
The colors are incredible! I flew with my brother on Saturday in his little plane to Pike's Peak and there were no colors at all -- still all green. This is what I was wishing to capture. So a fav for sure!
@taffy Thank you so much Taffy! Yes, it was still pretty green down in the Dallas Divide area compared to last year at this time too! The best colors seemed to be in Crested Butte on Kebler Pass and Ohio Creek Pass. I found pockets of great color near Ridgway. I think our rains this last summer have made everything late this year! I hope you can get to some good places while you are here!!
@exposure4u Oh -- I just responded on my thread...I'm already back home -- it was such a quick visit and all about family this time. If I can get out there for a longer visit, it would really be fun to go on a photo shoot together.
Absolutely stunning image, Wendy, and what a bonus to meet and shoot with John Fielder. At that moment, you had to know you were in a "primo" spot! :-)
Congratulations on making the Trending Page. Well deserved.
What an incredible story you had to share, from the trekking out in the dark to shooting alongside the renowned J. Fielder. Is life sweet or what.