I have shot from this location outside of Ridgway, Colorado for many years now. The first time I was there I managed to come away with an awesome shot. The colors were at their peak, there were glorious clouds in the sky, and the mountains had a fresh cap of snow. It is one of my personal favorites and hangs as a 2′ by 3′ print in our home. I also licensed a panoramic version of the scene to the new History Colorado Center in Denver this year.

Ever since getting that shot, I have revisited the spot hoping to come away with something as good. I don’t know why. Maybe it is just because the original was captured with my old 5D and I would have something with a few more megapixels. Maybe I would be able to witness even better conditions. Maybe that bull elk I always hear bugling as the sun rises would be right there in my shot (along with an eagle in the sky to top it off!). Whatever the reasoning I do always make a stop if I am in the area at the right time.

About a month ago I got up early and made my way up County Road 9 even though I had heard most of the leaves had dropped and the best color was gone. I setup behind a bunch of scrub oak that still had good color and waited for the sun to rise. It was mostly overcast and there was a pretty stiff breeze. I hung out anyway and a couple of hours later, the winds subsided and the clouds began to break. Soon the sun came streaming down into the valley highlighting the golden aspen groves that still remained. It was amazing! I got what I wanted, although you know I will be back…

Ironically, check out the original shot and notice how I was practically in the exact same spot: .