Another Door Opens

2012 has been an important year for me. This was the first year that I've spent in the mountains that that I've chosen to live in, and the first that I've been able to concentrate on building a body of work that I can be proud of.

I feel privileged to have been able to study the wilderness through the seasons. With every experience, I've learned a little more about the rich world that lies in the forests and mountains.  Each season brings new sights and smells to familiar trails, and sometimes the changes are so dramatic that the views are barely recognizable. The change from autumn to winter is particularly abrupt.

"Why do you flee so soon, sir, to the theaters, lecture-rooms, and museums of the city? If you will stay here awhile I will promise you strange sights. You shall walk on water; all these brooks and rivers and ponds shall be your highway. You shall see the whole earth covered a foot or more deep with purest white crystals . . . and all the trees and stubble glittering in icy armor."

The end of a year is traditionally a time for new beginnings, and possibly reflection on the time that has passed. I hope to be able to share From The High Country images with many more people in 2013, and I'm grateful to clients and supporters who have followed me through 2012.

If you'd like to help by providing some feedback, you can do so via my new questionnaire.

I'm excited to see what 2013 will bring, and I hope you'll join me. Have a Happy New Year!

On Self Reliance

“Every path but your own is the path of fate. Keep on your own track, then.”  Thoreau

“Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.”  Emerson

'Self reliance' is a term that means different things to different people. To some it might mean chopping firewood, while to others it might mean financial independence. In rural areas especially, self-reliance has come to mean the ability to grow and store your own food, or perhaps advanced wilderness skills.

All of the aforementioned really are forms of self-reliance. The learning of new skills result in an increased level of independence. During these stressful modern times, this skill set provides security. However, the most important form of self-reliance is not a physical skill.

Critical thinking and the ability to hold on to your unique thoughts in the face of opposition are skills that are essential to to the self-reliant mind, which is in turn essential to a truly self-reliant person. Think of Henry Thoreau and John Muir. Both lived alone in the wilderness according to their own philosophies, and both had many other options. They often serve as inspiration in my own life.

Mental self-reliance  is an incredibly broad subject, so I won't attempt to cover it all here. Simply taking responsibility for your actions and your well-being is an important start.

I highly recommend the works of Muir, Thoreau and Emerson if you'd like to learn more, especially during this time of new beginnings.

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”  John Muir


To view From The High Country images, click here.

Waiting For Winter

This time of year can feel like a kind of limbo. The magnificent display of the changing aspens has long since turned into leaf litter on the forest floor. The first flurries of snow have fallen and melted away, and while it still decorates distant summits, no other signs of winter are forthcoming.

The summer visitors and festivals are long gone, but they've left behind a sense of peace. The roads and trails are especially quiet during this period.

In the time between autumn and winter, it would be easy to think that there is little to see in the high country. Still, if you can appreciate the simple things, there is always a new discovery to be made.

On this Black Friday I'm enjoying the silence outside, and the views of the mountains that I'm getting to know like good friends. Living a simple life means that it isn't always possible to take part in the big sales and shopping trends, but a walk in the wilderness is worth more to me than any gift or gadget that I can think of.

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”  John Muir

To catch up with my latest work at From The High Country, you can go here.

Behind the Mask

 After the unexpected level of interest in a recent self portrait, I thought I'd give some insight into the man behind the images.

When I formed From The High Country, I wanted to convey something in the name. Firstly, I wanted it to be memorable. Secondly, I wanted to be very clear that FTHC is purely about the images rather than a photographer's ego. When clients buy my work, I hope that it is because of the quality of the images instead of who shot them.

Over the last year, I've discovered that there is still some interest in the man behind the camera, so I hope you'll find this post interesting and perhaps enlightening.

I grew up in a flat part of the world, but I was always drawn to nature. One of my earliest memories is of spotting deer in a forest clearing during an unusually harsh winter. Since then, forests and mountains have always brought an intense feeling of relaxation.

It was always a dream of mine to live in the wilderness. Life has a habit of getting in the way and distracting a person, but eventually it became a possibility by living simply and sacrificing a few modern comforts in exchange for my current surroundings. These days, photography is a difficult way to make a living. Show me five wealthy photographers and I'll show you four liars!

I want my work to remain affordable. While some price their product to give the idea that expensive means good, I want everyone to be able to hang my work in their homes. Since times are especially tough, I regularly post images online to give those who may be struggling the chance to at least view some uplifting imagery.

When my clients buy a From The High Country print, they should have a reasonable expectation that each shot is of the highest quality. You won't see many of the classic tourism shots on my website, and you won't see many easy roadside shots either. I must find my own inspiration, so I pack up my camera and lenses and hike into the wilderness to show you the places that few people go. I don't over-process images simply because the Rocky Mountains don't require enhancement.

I believe it's important for a photographer to have his or her own style, and that is something that develops organically over time. When I look back even a couple of years I can see significant improvements and a recognizable style due to practice, dedication and passion for both my craft and my subjects.

I hope you found the above interesting and that you have a new understanding of my motivations and goals.  Thank you to all of my clients (past, present and future) and to my followers. I hope you'll consider buying my work and giving it a place in your home, knowing that I gave it my all to bring it to you.

To view and buy From The High Country images, click here.
To buy the 2013 calendar, click here.

If you ever have any questions or comments, you can leave a comment here or on my website guestbook, send a message via Facebook or send me an email.

Winter Approaches

As winter approaches and I prepare the cabin for the coming snow, I sometimes pause to reflect on the year that has passed by so quickly. While it was the same length as any other year, I feel that I've always been here, and that this is where I belong.

People have asked me if I still enjoy the wilderness, or if I still find interesting subjects for my work. The truth is that as I spend more and more time in the high country forests and mountains, my fascination only grows.

Each time I venture into the wilderness I learn a little more about my surroundings simply by being present and receptive to the lessons of the natural world.

Light snow has fallen in my small town for two consecutive nights. Although the afternoon sunlight causes the snow to melt, each morning brings opportunities to view wildlife tracks and picturesque glimpses of the winter to come.

Please visit From The High Country for more of my recent images, or take a look at the new "Scenes From The San Juans" 2013 calendar.

Season's End

Change seems to be constant in the forests and mountains of the San Juans. Familiar trails often yield fresh surprises to the keen observer.

Mushroom season was spectacular but seemingly brief. Individual mushrooms grow to maturity within a few days, and the various species bring additional color to the forest floor at a time when most wildflowers have already peaked.

For the last three weeks, I've been fortunate enough to follow the changing aspen leaves. As I write, I can see golden patches on the surrounding hills, while some aspen stands nearby are already bare.

Though the days are still warm, the first sightings of light snow on nearby peaks have been made. Less than a week ago, I was caught mid-shoot in heavy snow! Just 45 minutes later the sun was shining, and only in shaded areas could evidence of snow be found.

Today is the first official day of fall, which is marked by the autumnal equinox. Due to the early display of fall colors this year I decided to switch from the summer to autumn gallery at FTHC.  Since many of you probably haven't had the chance to see the golden aspens, I also put together this slideshow:



I hope you enjoy the show! Please visit From The High Country for more beautiful images of Colorado.

Fortune Telling

We all make plans at one point or another in our lives. Sometimes those plans are little more than a wish and little comes of those ideas. Even when carefully thought-out, we cannot control the future to the extent that each plan will become reality. Often we focus on certain aspects and subconsciously block problems, but perhaps that allows us to reach for the unlikely goals.

During my travels and exploration of the San Juan mountains, I often think of those who built the enduring structures that I find. Those people risked everything to reach their goals, and many lost their money or even their lives, while some prospered.

At the beginning of this year, I left a life in the city behind (seemingly abruptly, but it was the result of careful planning) and moved to the mountains that I now call home. I knew that I would inevitably make mistakes, but it is our ability to adapt and overcome that makes real success possible.

Through a series of coincidences I was recently able to secure space in a local downtown gift gallery, and I now have nearly 20 pieces on display. I'm fortunate to have such a great opportunity to reach people with my work offline, but I could not have taken so many variables into account and planned for this.

I believe that the only real failure is to do nothing. By taking no chances, you can almost guarantee that nothing will change.  With calculated risks and the resilience to adapt to changing circumstances, we can achieve much.
 

As I look outside I can see the leaves on my aspens beginning to change. Fall is coming...

To view new summer images, click here.

Pathfinders

My small town has two cemeteries. There is an 'old' one and a 'new' one, although both contain the graves of those who died many decades ago. The town was incorporated before Colorado became a state, so there is a great deal of history within the boundaries of the cemeteries.

Life in the mountains was hard at the turn of the last century. Infant mortality rates were evidently very high, and many adults only lived into their 40's. While headstones did not list a cause of death, those that did described accidents, which is of little surprise in this environment, especially when mining was the main industry during the early years.

Despite being next to the busiest road, the cemeteries were very peaceful. Tall trees provided cover from the midday sun, and the slopes were covered with leaf litter rather than the usual grass. Playful squirrels provide light relief from contemplation and introspection.

The various inscriptions would give anyone cause for reflection. Many of the people who died here were pioneers who gave life to my town. The headstones ranged from simple wooden markers to hand carved marble, giving an indication of each person's wealth at the time of their death.

Some inscriptions listed achievements such as government positions or military ranks. At least four people undertook the same long journey as I did to get here (albeit by an entirely different mode of transportation). Other stones left no clues as to the lives that the deceased lived. All we can tell is that someone cared enough to leave a lasting record.

I don't have great aspirations to become a politician or to amass a fortune, but if the visit has taught me anything, it is that I should continue to follow my dreams, and that the bonds we make are far more important than a bank balance. Plan for tomorrow but live for today.

Wilderness Safety

I spend so much time (on here, through my photography and in person) advocating for the great outdoors that I thought that describing a few safety tips would be the responsible thing to do.  My audience covers a wide range of abilities, and I'll do my best to keep it interesting for everyone.

Navigation
Getting lost is probably the most common reason that people get into trouble, whether they are hiking or driving along forest roads. One of the best pieces of advice I can give anyone is to bring a map and know know to use it. A compass is almost as important. GPS units are fun gadgets but I still wouldn't leave home without a map as a back-up. Check your position from time to time and you'll have a last known position to return to if you do take the wrong trail.

Accidents
Injuries are probably the second most common reason for rescue situations. Sometimes they can't be avoided, but some simple preparations can stop you from being a statistic. Wear appropriate footwear for the terrain. Don't be afraid to explore, but know your limitations. Don't try a class 3 mountain trail if you're new to hiking. Be aware of your surroundings and the weather. Lightning can and does kill on exposed peaks.

Weather
Extremes of heat and cold can be dangerous if you don't have the right clothing and protection. Heatstroke is just as debilitating as hypothermia. Conditions in many wilderness areas can change rapidly, so bring spare clothing.

Wildlife
Sightings of elusive or beautiful creatures are often a highlight of a long hike in the wilderness. Many can be dangerous, but none should scare you away from enjoying the outdoors. I've spent time in snake and scorpion country, and the best advice is to be alert. Know where they can be found and be very cautious in those areas. This is true for most other dangerous animals. Learn about them and respect them, but don't fear them. Don't antagonize an animal and be surprised when it defends itself.

Food and Water
Hiking at high altitudes requires more food and water than usual. Bring more water than you think you'll need until you're used to your body's needs. Don't drink untreated water.

Cellphones
A cellphone might just save your life if you're in real trouble, but don't assume that you will be able to get a signal. It isn't an alternative to carrying the essentials and being prepared. A good quality whistle is a cheap signalling device that will always work.


Other Kit
Whenever I hike I have all I need in my pack to be able to survive overnight. That doesn't mean enough to be comfortable. I carry a back country first aid kit,  survival blanket and homemade survival kit (no bigger than an Altoids tin) in addition to the things I've mentioned. They don't weigh much and I often forget I have them, but they may allow me to self-rescue one day.

Preparation
Knowledge is the most useful thing you can bring with you, whatever your chosen activity. Take a first aid course, spend a day with a experienced friend, and don't forget to check the weather forecast before you go!

I hope this has been helpful. There is only so much that I can cover in one post. If you've especially enjoyed this, or any of the previous topics, let me know.

If you enjoyed the images, you can find more here.

Technique

I've avoided this topic until now because it seems almost arrogant to preach to others about technique when every photographer has something to learn. Still, I thought I'd share a few thoughts on the subject today.

As I might have mentioned previously, I believe that the two most important qualities that a photographer should possess are the ability to effectively compose a shot and a passion for the chosen subject matter. Without both of these, expensive equipment and technical knowledge is largely wasted. I've taken several photos with a good quality point-and-shoot camera that are worthy of inclusion alongside my best dSLR shots. Once a photographer masters the basics, he / she can begin to invest in better equipment, but simply owning a new dSLR does not make a person a photographer.

Digital photography makes traditional developing obsolete. Processing is now done with photo editing software. This does not mean that a digital photo is always 'doctored', but a digital darkroom should almost always be used.

Occasionally, there is a need to perform more serious editing to an image, but this should not be done as a result of poor composition.. In this case, a client requested the following change, from this:

 

to this:

Digital editing should be used to enhance a photo, not to rescue a poor shot. If in doubt, take it again. Poor editing is just as bad as poor photography.

Software has allowed the use of several new techniques in addition to new versions of trusted methods such as filters. One new tool, which is quite divisive among photographers, is High Dynamic Range imaging. This technique results in more intense, more saturated and often surrealist images. It takes skill to do properly, but you will not see examples on my website. I freely admit that I am not a fan. It can make a mediocre image much more impressive, but the final image is no longer a representation of reality. I prefer to seek out the outstanding scenes and capture the natural beauty in the high country. I suppose that makes me a traditionalist in some way, but I don't believe that a great photo requires this kind of enhancement. Every photographer has his or her style, and I'd like to think that my love for the outdoors (and willingness to go much further than a roadside spot to bring those images to my audience) is evident in my work.

Just for fun, here are a couple of highly edited versions of my work. They are interesting, but I wouldn't hang them on my wall!

 

Did you know that there is now a From The High Country email list? Sign up at the Facebook page or click 'subscribe' on the FTHC website. You can also subscribe to this blog!

Transitions

For the last few weeks, the threat of wildfire has loomed over my adopted home. Smoke drifted in the air from time to time, and we all wished for rain to come. At the time of writing, several of Colorado's fires are contained, and heavy rain has been very helpful in reducing the chances of new fires. Daily showers have boosted the growth rate of my fledgling wildflower garden, and an occasional morning walk to check on the seedlings is always an uplifting experience.

Meanwhile, in the high country the flowers fill some of the nearby valleys and gulches with color. Streams and summer showers provide perfect conditions for growth. Dozens of different species can be found once a visitor begins to notice the subtle differences.

I moved from a city with a population of 800,000 to a town of 400 people. The differences didn't end with the surroundings, building types, highways or accents. A small town is a community, and this particular one is home to a lot of friends. I think that the town is really at its best on Independence Day.

You can see the July 4th gallery here, and the new wildflower collection here.

Finally, I've been working on a couple of new projects. I've designed a free desktop calendar for July, and there is a new FTHC email sign up option. The first edition will be released over the next day or two. Thanks for reading!

A Solstice Celebration

It seemed appropriate to celebrate the first day of summer by spending most of it outside. The weather was perfect for a long hike and one of Colorado's highest peaks was the goal.

The trail ascends sharply immediately after crossing a large stream, but shelter from the morning sun is provided by dense woodland. In the many small clearings, wildflowers are abundant. The beautiful death camas is in full bloom, and native columbines are irresistible to honey bees.

The clearings become larger until the treeline is reached and the mountains ahead become readily visible, while distant peaks can be seen when looking back toward the trailhead.

Mountain streams and carpets of wildflowers greet visitors and give evidence of last winter's snowpack. Marmots thrive in the nearby boulder fields and scree slopes and, aside from a few dry seasonal tributaries, there is little evidence of drought. Marsh marigolds line the upper streams until one final crossing leads the hiker away from the lush vegetation and into an arid, alpine environment.

Direction changes in the rocky trail lead to rapid elevation gains, allowing ever more impressive views of the valleys and mountains all around. The trail then becomes very steep, and the final ascent is an exhilarating 10 minutes of scrambling before a surprisingly simple walk along a windy ridge to the summit (marked by a USGS benchmark).

With no sign of adverse weather, the solstice afternoon was a perfect time to be at 14,000 ft.

"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." Henry Thoreau

All images shown in this post can be found in my summer gallery.

Back In Time

I recently had the opportunity to visit a place that I hadn't been to in 10 years. It holds a special significance because the first visit played a big part in the decision to live in the mountains.

When I first arrived here, I initially thought that I'd never want to leave, and I suppose that is still true, but I haven't lost the urge to explore. In fact, that urge has only intensified since I've been in Colorado.

Forgotten memories flooded back in that town. Little had changed, except ownership of a few businesses (an all-too-often occurrence in mountain towns). Most significantly, I remembered how I felt when I realized that I wanted to call the Rockies home, and I remembered the struggle to make it happen in the years that followed.

Life is not always easy. Everyone has their own unique set of problems. I believe it is how you manage them and maintain or even cultivate your sense of curiosity and playfulness that really matters.

Henry Thoreau once wrote "However mean your life is, meet it and live it: do not shun it and call it hard names. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Things do not change, we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts."

Over The Divide

12 miles and 3200ft. While accurate, these figures are completely inadequate when describing a late spring hike in the Gunnison National Forest. Wager Gulch offers a variety of terrain and is accessible by both hikers and motorized vehicles since the trail is actually County Road 36, a high-clearance dirt road. The beginning of the trail is lined with blackberries and currant bushes, while forest on either side offers protection from the sun. Bluffs seem to offer good growing conditions for western red columbines.

The trail soon meets with the roaring Wager Gulch creek and crosses it as lupines replace columbines and aspens dominate the forest. Alert hikers might find Chief Snarling Bear in the western rock face.

As the trail continues to climb towards the Continental Divide, a reminder of the season and the altitude can be seen in the form of ice where the west fork of the creek flows across the roadway.

The road exists because of the town of Carson, which in turn existed because of silver deposits in the nearby mountains.  Solitary roadside cabin remains mark the final approach to the townsite, which is a welcome sight after a couple of hours of hiking.

The ruins of Carson lie on private land but are accessible by one more water crossing. The buildings have been protected with modern profiled steel roofing, but upon close inspection it is clear that they have suffered at the hands of casual visitors. The town site's accessibilty by jeep have left it vulnerable to vandalism and the interior of several structures is a depressing sight.

Still, all is not lost. In fact, I like to think of Carson as a decoy in some ways. The real treasure lies on the other side of the Continental Divide and is only found by the curious since, like all true treasures, Old Carson is hidden from view.

Old Carson fell into disuse when the price of silver dropped in 1893, and the Carson that most people know was built when gold was found in the mines adjacent to the 'new' site. Now moose and marmots occupy the area.

There are at least two collapsed / backfilled vertical shafts in the area, and all the usual hazards associated with abandoned buildings, so be extremely cautious if you do decide to explore.

Careful study of the area reveals remains of shoes, many cans and a few fragments of stoneware, all providing clues to the lifestyles of the inhabitants. Mining equipment still remaining includes an intact boiler and winding drum.

The area is littered with prospect holes and tailings, yet there are magnificent views in every direction that offer their own rewards.

Did you enjoy this post? I enjoy hearing from you!
Most of these photos (and many more like them) are available at www.FromTheHighCountry.com, where you can buy prints, view slideshows and create your own favorite list that you can share with friends.