Pawnee Buttes on the High Plains of Colorado

Walking out to the buttes on Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado can be full of surprises especially with unpredictable spring weather. This day there were storms rolling through which made for great photography potential. Without any cover or place to retreat we were ever mindful of the lightning that accompanies such storms and probably stayed a bit too long. But the grandeur of the vista and sky were simply too hard to resist. Do you ever indulge yourself in potential risks to shoot photography?

Pawnee Buttes

Two buttes rise above the high plains of Colorado with a stormy sky as a spring storm rolls over the grasslands.

Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

butte art

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Sky God

Waiting.  Watching.  Floating.  Listening.

The mountain sits.
The watcher waits.
The clouds slowly slowly slowly drift.

The watcher waits.
The mountain looks back unmoved.

 
Sky God 

A rugged peak punches a hole through the drifting clouds at Maroon Bells, Colorado.

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

First Snow on Maroon Bells, Colorado

The first snow of the season always holds that childhood magic for me. The quiet falling flakes drift down in spirals to land gently on my nose melting, but leaving me to feel wonder at the uniqueness of each one. We have not had that first snow in town yet, but on mountain tops across Colorado it has come. I see it up there. I long to go there. But not even the eagles, bears, or mountain goats dare to stay in that harsh environment after the snow starts. I settle for gazing out my window.

First Snow 

The first snow of the season on Maroon Bells, Colorado.

 

 more 

maroon bells art

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Colorado's Crown Jewel, Maroon Bells in Autumn

The morning we drove out to Maroon Bells near Aspen it was threatening rain or snow depending on your elevation. I wanted to see the 'Bells' again even if the weather was not conducive for photography. The air was that special flavor of high altitude crisp and the temperature was definitely on the chilly side. But the moment we arrived I knew I would be granted a beautiful opportunity.  There were a few other photographers there as well. There always are and we shared our tips and gadgets as we watched the clouds alternately close in and slowly part for a brief glimpse of the Bell's first snow. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did being there.  Autumn Bells   Famous Maroon Bells gives a brilliant fall display of Colorado aspens peaking in golden color. The cloud shrouded mountain top has just received the seasons first snow, while the lake mirrors the lovely scenic vista. Maroon Bells, Colorado   jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Pawnee National Grassland - Colorado Landscape Photography

 

Clouds fascinate me. I find myself gazing into the Colorado blue sky often. The day we chose to drive out to the Pawnee National Grassland was threatening to be stormy, but on we drove. I was rewarded for my perseverance with some of the most dramatic skies I have ever photographed. It will always be a shoot I remember. 

So if you are ever contemplating turning around in your life because it gets a little stormy you might just miss the time of your life. I know I would have.

 

Pawnee Buttes 1 

A scenic western landscape photo, of sandy rugged buttes rising under a dramatic stormy spring sky on the High Plains of Colorado. Perfect for adding the beauty of the west to your home, office, or bedroom decor. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado 

purchase information 

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Windmill Prairie Landscape in Colorado

The high plains of Colorado east of the Rocky Mountains have a lot of open space commonly referred to as open range. It is entirely legal to allow cattle to roam and many ranchers take advantage of this in the warmer months. Shortgrass prairie, prickly pear cactus and scrub vegetation provide the only nourishment to the wandering herd. This region is semi-arid and windmills dot the landscape to provide necessary water for the cattle. With one of the lowest population densities in the United States, you will not see many structures. That is the attraction for me. I love the vast openness and wide expanse of sky. On this spring day, after my two hour drive, I was awarded with the perfect background sky for shooting this iconic windmill.

Windmill Landscape
A western prairie photo of a windmill on the high plains of Colorado surrounded by grasslands. Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado
12x18 fine art photograph
11x16 fine art photograph
other sizes are available upon request - Contact Me

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Cattle on the Open Range of Colorado's High Plains

On a day trip to the Pawnee Buttes in eastern Colorado's High Plains I spotted the cow and her two calves traveling across the dry and dusty landscape. With the stormy sky overhead and a promise of rain she seemed to be heading toward that promise.

Ironically a lot of the western USA is suffering with drought at the same time that the eastern USA is flooding. Learn more about global climate change.

You can see more photography from the Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado by clicking here.

Three Cows

A pale mother cow and her two calves travel across the dry and dusty high plains of Colorado with a stormy dark sky overhead.

jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh

As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about editorial, photography, and anything in between in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Blustery Day - Colorado Rocky Mountains

It was a blustery day in the northern Colorado Rockies. This view from our deck, looking southeast, is often the direction we see weather coming and at times it can be dramatic. A small snow squall was heading toward our home quite quickly and I ran outside to shoot some photos before the sunny blue sky was covered by the cloud of swirling snow. The wind likes to follow the contours of the land and the first icy finger of the small storm raced up the ravine next to our home. I admit it. I love watching weather!

Blustery Day
A snow squall blows through a pine forest under a blue winter sky in northern Colorado.
click here for more information on this photo

Etsy JulieMagersSoulen

Less Traveled Road

The sky was grumbling and growling as I made my way on the less traveled road. The wind was buffeting the truck and a gust brought the sweet scent of rain in through the window and moistened my face with its coolness. The pickup crested one hill and plunged down another before laboring up the next one. I was heading right for the churning clouds. It was time to stop and watch as the line of pines marched off into the maw of the storm.

Less Traveled Road
A black and white landscape photo of a back country dirt road in Colorado stretching toward a stormy sky with silhouettes of pines marching in the horizon.
click here for more information on this photo

By the way, I have a free drawing for two photographs going on over at Facebook. If you are not yet following me on Facebook now is the time. All of my Facebook followers who RSVP the 500 Fans Celebration Event will be eligible! Good luck! Deadline is midnight August 27, 2010.

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen

Stepping out of My Steel Box

If you are familiar with my work then you know I tend toward natural images found in the Western USA. Today I am stepping out of my comfort zone. You might think I took this photo in a major city, but in fact, it was taken at a rural interstate rest area in Wyoming. It is what my eye saw when I looked at that reflective steel face shining like a beacon in the sun. Let me know what you think.

Steel Box
A wedge shaped building with a face of reflective steel shines in a blue cloud filled sky.
click here for more information on this photo

Etsy Buy Handmade JulieMagersSoulen