After 30 years of hard knocks in the "traditional" business world, I hit major burnout and decided it was time to do what I love, no matter the long-term results. As a result of this life paradigm shift, my journey as a photo artist was born.
Colorado is one of my favorite places on Earth and has been my home for almost 30 years, serving as my main photography playground.
I soak in the healing energy of the majestic mountains and quintessential old mining/ski town vibes whenever I can.
In June of 2023, I visited some friends in the town of Salida. For my return trip, I decided to take a route back to Denver I had never taken before. One of my friends mentioned being really impressed with the beauty of Twin Lakes. That's all I needed to know; it became my target location. I was very excited!
It was raining the night before I left Salida, but by morning the rain had passed, the clouds were fluffy, the skies were deep blue, and the vegetation was bursting with green.
As I pulled into view of Twin Lakes, I was totally blown away!
Situated at the base of Colorado's tallest peak, Mt. Elbert, and adjacent to Mt. Massive, Twin Lakes is a tranquil retreat adorned by two clear, serene lakes presenting enchanting reflections of the surrounding rocky mountainscape. The glacial lakes, calm against the rugged terrain, provide captivating charm under the vast Colorado sky.
The imposing peaks of the Sawatch Range tower in the distance, their presence reflected onto the lakes' blue surface, interspersed with the lush greens of nearby spruce and aspen forests. At dawn, these pristine lakes sometimes mask under a quiet mist, with the rising sun illuminating the sky with vibrant hues and casting mesmerizing reflections on the water.
The landscape morphs into beautiful meadows dotted with wildflowers flanked by seasonally changing aspen and spruce trees on both sides of the lake. A thriving wildlife ecosystem includes mule deer, rabbits, and various bird species, with occasional background sounds from Rocky Mountain elk.
Twin Lakes offers an untouched sanctuary radiating tranquility and beauty. Beyond its visual appeal, it prompts inner peace and leaves an unforgettable impression of wild nature's magnificence.
A funny and scary thing happened on the shore of the lake as I was snapping photos. I wanted my shot perspective to be as close to the lake surface as possible without wading into the chilly water.
I jumped onto and squatted down on a rock just a few feet from shore to get an immersive feel. I snapped away and was feeling really good with what I had captured. As I started to stand up, I lost my balance and fell backward into the freezing water!
Fortunately, I was able to put an arm out to keep from going completely under and I raised my camera arm high in the air and saved it from being lost. Crisis averted, and one of my favorite photos I have ever taken was saved!
I hope you enjoy this image and the peace and beauty the area exudes.
