DJI Mini 4 Pro, 1/90 @ f1.7, 24mm, ISO 100 đź“Ť Lake Irwin, Gunnison National Forest
In the world of modern landscape photography, there are two schools of thought on sharing shooting locations. On one side, some fear that revealing our locations on social media contributes to overcrowding, damage to fragile environments and a growing mistrust from landowners who prefer to grant access only to a select few.
While I understand these concerns, I find this kind of “gatekeeping” to be somewhat misguided. It doesn’t help the growing tension among photographers who act as though they’re part of an exclusive club, closely guarding their techniques and, gasp, even their shooting spots.
In my opinion, sharing our visions, techniques, and yes—our locations—is key to the collective experience we share as landscape photographers. It allows us to tell the stories we’re passionate about through our art. And for that reason, I’m more open to location-sharing than others in the profession might prefer.
To gauge how others felt, I recently ran a poll on Threads. Surprisingly, many respondents were more inclined to share their locations than I had expected. It was a pleasant surprise, and it made me wonder whether the prevailing voices—often those advocating for secrecy—are starting to be outnumbered by a more open-minded community.
DJI Mini 4 Pro, 5 Image Blend 📍 Beaver Lake, Marble, Colorado
Holiday Weekend Adventure: Finding Magic in the Mountains
Speaking of sharing, with Labor Day weekend on the horizon, I was gearing up for an outing with friends, leaving plenty of space for those spontaneous moments that often lead to the most satisfying experiences—and sometimes my best work.
This year marks a decade of living in Colorado, with half that time spent two miles high in the mountains between Alma and Fairplay. You’d think I would have seen it all by now, but the truth is, the vastness of the mountains continues to amaze me. There’s always a new corner to explore or a new adventure waiting to unfold.
We kicked off the weekend in the historic town of Marble, a tiny enclave nestled in the West Elks, known largely as the launch point to the famous Crystal Mill. Our days were filled with exploration—delving into the rich history of the area and marveling at the remnants of the marble industry that once thrived here. We even caught a glimpse of the modern-day operational quarry, where massive slabs of marble are still extracted, destined to be transformed into art by local sculptors.
iPhone 15 Pro, 1/720 @ f1.8, 24mm, ISO 100 đź“Ť Redstone, Colorado
In nearby Redstone, we explored art galleries and took a step back in time at the Redstone Coke Oven Historic District. Here, nearly 200 preserved coke ovens from the late 19th century tell the story of Colorado’s old coal and railway industries, a reminder of the state’s boom-and-bust history.
The trip was full of the moments I cherish—sharing meals, campfires and conversations that linger long after the flames die down. It’s these moments with family and friends, in places that still feel wild and untamed, that I treasure the most.
Sony A7R IV + Sigma 24-70mm ART. 1/30 @ f/11, 70mm, ISO 100 đź“Ť Ruby Range, Gunnison NF
The West Elk Loop: A Journey Through Hidden Gems
After Marble, we set off on the West Elk Loop, excited for what lay ahead. Having driven the loop before, including the stunning Kebler Pass, I couldn’t wait to see it again.
On the west side, the pass winds its way up from the southern edge of Paonia State Park through Gunnison National Forest, home to one of the largest aspen forests on the planet.
On the eastern side of the pass, just a few miles before arriving in Crested Butte, we made a turnoff to Lake Irwin—a spot well-loved by locals but perhaps less known to the rest of us. The lake is beautiful, no doubt, but the true gem of the area lies just beyond it: dispersed camping with expansive views of the West Elk Wilderness, East and West Beckwith Mountains, and the Ruby Range. It’s a true diamond in the rough.
Sony A7R IV + FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM. 15 sec @ f/2.8, 35mm, ISO 6400 đź“Ť Gunnison National Forest
The Forest Service has done an excellent job of preserving the area while still allowing traditional dispersed camping. Sites are clearly marked, with fire rings and plenty of space for tents and vehicles. It’s a perfect balance between nature and accessibility.
Of course, in true mountain fashion, we arrived just in time to set up camp before being treated to an hour of sleet and hail—yes, in the middle of summer! But that’s all part of the adventure, right?
Despite the weather, I kept my camera at the ready, keeping an eye on the shifting light as it played across the rugged landscape. That night, I gazed at the stars. The next morning, I woke before dawn to capture the twilight and alpenglow on the peaks. There’s nothing quite like that first light touching the mountains—an experience I can never quite put into words.
Sony A7R IV + Sigma 24-70mm ART. 1 sec @ f/8, 67mm, ISO 100 đź“Ť Gunnison National Forest
Final Thoughts
It’s moments like these—whether they happen in well-known spots or hidden gems—that fuel my passion for landscape photography. And while I understand the reasons some prefer to keep their locations secret, I believe in the power of sharing. It deepens our connection to the landscape, to each other and to the stories we tell through our art.
In the end, the magic of our natural spaces is something to be experienced, not hoarded. So next time you’re out there, maybe consider sharing a location or two—you never know who you might inspire.
Sony A7R IV + FE 70-300mm G OSS. 1/125 sec @ f/11, 163mm, ISO 400 đź“Ť Lake Irwin, Gunnison NF
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