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Exploring Colorado in the Fall A Photographers Journey

October 10th, 2024

There’s something magical about Colorado in the fall. With camera in hand, my wife and I set out to capture its grandeur, a journey that began in Estes Park and led me across some of the most iconic landscapes in the state. From the vibrant colors of the aspens to the primal energy of the elk rut, our fall exploration was nothing short of mesmerizing. The crisp air and dramatic scenery felt like stepping into a postcard, offering endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

Our first stop was Rocky Mountain National Park, where the sights and sounds of the bull elk rut filled the air with excitement. The majestic creatures called out to their rivals, their bugling echoing through the cool morning mist. It was an awe-inspiring scene, especially near Sprague Lake, where the autumn hues painted the landscape golden. Later, I wandered to Bear Lake, its glassy surface reflecting the fiery orange and red trees that bordered the lake, creating a perfect mirror of the fall foliage. For a photographer, this place was paradise.

Leaving the park, we made our way toward Dillon Reservoir near Frisco, Colorado. This alpine lake, surrounded by towering peaks dusted with early snow, contrasted beautifully with the warm autumn colors along its shores. The calm waters begged for long-exposure shots, and the gentle waves rippling across the lake added a peaceful dynamic to my images. The surrounding forests, filled with aspens in peak color, provided a stunning backdrop for capturing the essence of Colorado in the fall.

Continuing south, we stopped in Leadville, Colorado. This old mining town, nestled among some of the highest peaks in the Rockies, exudes a historic charm. After a quick exploration, I ventured up Independence Pass, an iconic and winding route that climbs above the treeline, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Here, the aspen groves seemed to stretch forever, their golden leaves shimmering in the gentle breeze. I spent the night in nearby Aspen, ready for the next day’s adventure.

The next morning, we set out to hike the Castle Creek Trail before visiting the world-famous Maroon Bells. As the sun rose, the Maroon Bells reflected perfectly on the still waters below. To our surprise, a family of moose grazed nearby, providing an incredible photo opportunity. Seeing such wildlife amid the pristine beauty of the Rockies was a reminder of how wild and untouched this region still is, despite its popularity.

After Aspen, we headed to Marble, Colorado, in search of the legendary Crystal Mill. The off-road journey was rugged, but the reward was well worth the effort. The mill, perched precariously above a rushing river, was framed by golden aspens and towering peaks—a photographer's dream. The historic structure, with its rustic charm, was the perfect contrast to the natural beauty that surrounded it.

From Marble, we ventured across Kebler Pass, known for one of the largest aspen groves in North America. The trees were in full color, with shades of yellow, orange, and gold lighting up the landscape. The vastness of the grove was breathtaking, and I found myself stopping every few minutes to capture the beauty that unfolded with each turn of the road.

Finally, we made our way toward Montrose to visit the dramatic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The sharp, rugged cliffs of the canyon offered a completely different kind of landscape, one where shadows danced along the steep walls. We stayed the night nearby, preparing for the final leg of our journey to Telluride via Last Dollar Road, where golden aspen forests stretched as far as the eye could see with the majestic San Juan Mountains standing proudly in the distance. Ending our adventure, I tackled the infamous Million Dollar Highway to Ouray and Silverton, a winding road that clings to the cliffs—thrilling and terrifying, but undeniably worth the views.

As we pulled into Silverton, the trip came to a close, but the images and memories I gathered will last a lifetime. Colorado in the fall is a photographer’s paradise, and 2024 will be remembered as the year I captured the wild beauty of the Rockies in all their golden glory.

See all of my images at dansproul.com

Capturing the Frozen Beauty of Tinker's Creek in Winter

August 8th, 2024

Capturing the Frozen Beauty of Tinker

As a photographer with a deep love for nature, there's something uniquely captivating about winter in Ohio, especially at Tinker's Creek. Nestled within the stunning Bedford Reservation, this hidden gem transforms into a frozen wonderland as the temperatures drop. The creek, which meanders through a gorge carved by glaciers, offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the raw beauty of winter. But the real magic lies in its waterfalls, which, when photographed in long exposure, become ethereal cascades surrounded by delicate icicles.

One of the most rewarding aspects of photographing Tinker's Creek in winter is the challenge it presents. The snow-covered trails, the crisp air, and the silence broken only by the distant rush of water make for a serene yet demanding environment. With my camera in hand, I find myself drawn to the creek's waterfalls, where the water continues to flow despite the cold. Setting up my tripod, I experiment with long exposures, capturing the movement of the water as it contrasts with the stillness of the surrounding ice. The resulting images reveal a delicate balance between motion and stillness, where the waterfalls seem to shimmer like silk against the rugged winter landscape.

The icicles that form around the falls add another layer of beauty to the scene. Each one is a testament to the cold, hanging like crystal chandeliers from the rocks and branches. These natural formations catch the light in mesmerizing ways, creating a dazzling interplay of shadows and highlights. As I adjust my camera settings, focusing on these details, I'm struck by the sheer artistry of nature. Every shot is a study in contrasts: the warmth of the sunlight filtering through the trees against the cool, blue tones of the ice; the fluidity of the water juxtaposed with the rigid structure of the icicles.

Winter at Tinker's Creek isn't just about the photographs, though. It's about the experience of being there, immersed in the quiet beauty of the season. There's a certain stillness in the air, a sense of peace that only comes from being surrounded by nature in its most undisturbed state. As I pack up my gear and make my way back along the trail, I can't help but feel grateful for these moments. Tinker's Creek in winter is more than just a picturesque location—it's a place where the beauty of nature and the art of photography come together in perfect harmony.

Feel free to browse my curated photography and art gallery at dansproul.com for more images!

Spotting Elusive Burrowing Owls in Badlands National Park A Photographers Guide

July 16th, 2024

Spotting Elusive Burrowing Owls in Badlands National Park A Photographers Guide

Exploring the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park is always a rewarding experience, but nothing quite compares to the thrill of spotting the elusive burrowing owls. These small, endearing birds are often found near prairie dog mounds along Sage Creek Road, an area renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. As a photographer, capturing these owls in their natural habitat requires a blend of patience, skill, and a bit of luck. One of the first challenges in photographing burrowing owls is locating them. These owls are expertly camouflaged against the dry, earthy tones of the prairie and often remain motionless for extended periods, making them difficult to spot. I spent countless hours scouring the landscape, scanning for any sign of movement or the distinctive shape of an owl perched near a prairie dog mound. The key was to remain patient and persistent, knowing that the reward would be worth the effort.


Once I finally spotted a burrowing owl, the next task was to approach it without causing any disturbance. Burrowing owls are sensitive to their surroundings and can be easily startled. I had to move slowly and quietly, often crawling on the ground to maintain a low profile. This low-angle approach not only helped me avoid scaring the owls away but also allowed me to capture unique compositions that highlighted the owls against the expansive backdrop of the Badlands. Photographing these owls from a low angle presented its own set of challenges. The uneven terrain and the need to stay close to the ground required careful maneuvering to get the perfect shot. I used a telephoto lens to maintain a respectful distance while still filling the frame with the owl’s expressive features and the surrounding environment. This perspective also emphasized the owl’s small size compared to the vast landscape, creating a powerful visual narrative.

Finding burrowing owls in the famous Badlands National Park.
The experience of photographing burrowing owls along Sage Creek Road was both humbling and exhilarating. It reminded me of the importance of patience and respect for wildlife. Each photograph captured not just an image, but a moment of connection with these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or a nature enthusiast, the journey to find and photograph burrowing owls in the Badlands is an adventure that promises unforgettable memories and stunning images.

Garden Of The Gods Morning Light

January 7th, 2022

Garden Of The Gods Morning Light

Travel Photography Tips
Some say that it's not worth getting up early and driving to your destination for landscape photography...maybe it's not but the peace and quiet sure are!

On my summer trip out to Colorado this year I couldn't wait to explore the rugged landscape in Garden of The Gods. Little did I know that the crowds would be ridiculous! My wife and I started in the afternoon for a little exploration, knowing it wouldn't be a great time to shoot I just brought my small camera. A few interesting shots with tourists but nothing too exciting.
As always I figured the evening would make for better images with far fewer crowds. We went back out after dinner only to find loads of backed up traffic at a standstill. By the time we finally got to an overlook for sunset we barely found a parking spot. As soon as we got out we smelled something funky...skunk? Nahh it's legal here..but there must have been 20 kids out smoking blaring music. Talk about a buzzkill for quiet photography moments...

Landscape Photography In Colorado
So back to the point of this story the EARLY MORNING HOURS are by farrr the best time to visit this magical place. We got up while it was still dark and made our way to some amazing overlooks and even had a whole hike to ourselves. The beautiful morning light and peaceful moments were an inspiration. Armed with my tripod, camera, and a dedication to get a few good shots came in handy:)


You will not regret packing up the car early and hiking for these killer views in Colorado Springs!
Garden Of The Gods Landscape



Garden of The Gods....definitely worth the visit.- PERKINS CENTRAL GARDEN TRAIL
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