Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

It's amazing how many times God gives me an awesome shot that is totally different from what I set out to photograph. I was in Rocky Mountain National Park along Bear Lake Road searching for some changing aspen but discovering that little color was showing. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. I was more than miffed about wasting my time and gas, but decided at the last second to check out the Moraine Park campground road. I had never been there before but decided what the heck, what did I have to lose? I spotted 14 elk along side the road enjoying the afternoon sun, and an hour or so later this big boy arose from his nap to defend his harem from an approaching intruder. There it was... "Click" another unplanned, unexpected shot in God's time and at a place of His choosing!
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

On a hot summer day, there is nothing as refreshing as a drive in Rocky Mountain National Park on Old Fall River Road, with the summer sun shining through the coolness of the mountain air. Dick stopped the car to shoot tall spires that beckoned to him. While he busied himself with camera gear, a path caught my attention. I hiked the narrow trail for a few moments, hearing the trickling of water. I looked over my shoulder, and spied a little stream, hidden by branches washed down in the spring thaw. A few more steps to get a better view, there it was, a beautiful sparkling waterfall. Bordering the stream on both sides danced clusters of little blue flowers, Chiming Bells. Just the thought makes me sigh, relax, and remember the joy of finding God's little hideaway off Old Fall River Road.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

This delightful picture brings back fond memories of a day in which God reminded me that He was in total control of my life, my circumstances, and even the smallest detail of my day. He had provided a beautiful autumn afternoon and filled me with the hopes of capturing a glimpse of the fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park... I had presumed that meant He would provide an awesome display of colorful leaves but He chose to provide a colorful meadow instead. A meadow that was filled with tall lush grass, bathed in a glorious mid-afternoon light, which allowed me to photograph a small herd of Elk who had determined it was the perfect place for an afternoon siesta. This particular group of cow elk rested just yards away from a five point bull that would later put on a show of his own!
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

Many years ago I saw a photo of Longs Peak that inspired me to no end. Since the mid 1990s I have visited and revisited Rocky Mountain National Park in search of finding this rock formation and the exact location where it would frame the distant 14,255' peak. Kathy and I once again stopped at the area along Trail Ridge Road known as "Rock Cut" (elevation 12,110') hoping to catch a glimpse of this distinctive formation which had eluded me for so long. This time we decided to climb in the opposite direction of our previous searches and to our amazement, there it was... but the normally magnificent view of Longs Peak was totally hidden by the passing clouds of a mid-summer cold front. God obviously led me to the precise spot to setup and wait because an hour and 20 minutes later this is what I saw!
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

After my adventure with Chiming Bells Falls, I excitedly, but carefully hiked down the trail to show my husband what I had captured off the beaten path. Four or five more steps and I would be on the road... but a bit of something scarlet caught my eye. I stopped in my tracks and carefully turned to look. I found a perfect Indian Paintbrush enjoying the cool mountain air under the shade of a fir tree. In my rush, I ALMOST missed this striking specimen. Seldom have I found a single Indian Paintbrush, lush and full. Most of the ones that I find are small, in a large group, and are hard to capture their true beauty with a camera. This pretty redhead glowed even in the shade. Just as God "plants" each of us, we grow and bloom to the delight of God and all of those that he plants nearby.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

If you have near witnessed "The Rutt" I can confidently say that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in mid September is an experience you will never forget. This annual ritual brings thousands of visitors to the Estes Park area in late autumn to witness the onset of the elk mating season. The high-pitched bugling by the bull elk signals his intentions to the harem of cow elk which he has carefully assembled as well as to any nearby intruder who would be well advised to stand clear. Should the warning be ignored and his territory challenged, the harem will be defended in a display of courtship dominance intended to remove the threat while impressing the ladies. After repeated challenges from a younger male this five-point bull decided enough was enough and this all-out pursuit ensued.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

When I look at this scene many different things happen in my head and my heart - I recall the memories of each time that I've driven over Independence Pass, of the first time I saw this incredibly beautiful location and the first time I saw it was no longer there... A bike path that undoubtedly was created to help people enjoy the beauty of nature had ultimately replaced a portion of God's creation which was the beauty of nature. On my first visit my Dad was with me, the second time I took this photo... several times after that my wife and I experienced the pass together as part of our honeymoon. Each time I re-visit the area, memories of the previous times faithfully return; as vividly as if it were yesterday, I re-experience the very essence of God's handiwork and the awe of His creation.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

This shot is yet another example of planning one thing and getting something else. I had noticed how nice Longs Peak looked as I passed this lake several hours earlier in the day on my way Estes Park - my goal was to hopefully get some "snow shots" at Rocky Mountain National Park. It was extremely windy when I got to the park and definitely not the right conditions to accomplish my goal, so once again God said no to my plans but was undoubtedly chuckling to Himself. He knew this is what He had in store for me on the way home. As I was nearing McCall Lake I could see the location that had caught my eye was now occupied by several fishermen so I continued past the lake, but moments later saw this in my side mirror... I quickly reversed my course, getting myself off the highway and into position for this photo!
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

I am reminded of the scents of the forest and crisp fall mountain air. On this October morning Dick and I drove to one of our favorite fall locations to shoot along Ohio Creek Pass. The forest floor lay damp after a rain shower the previous night, and water droplets shimmered on the aspen leaves continuing to drip into little pools on the stones at the base of the trees. I found a path and at the opening, welcoming all who entered, stood this golden leaf-laden evergreen tree. While I took several shots of this area, questions entered my mind. Who or what traveled this path so long ago? Gold miners, pioneers, Indians, deer, elk, bears? I believe so, but did they all receive the welcome that I was given by this proud evergreen with the golden leaves on a crisp fall morning?
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

I have so much fun shooting mountain streams, but I've learned that if you want to get an image that makes people say wow, there are no short cuts. First off I want to say I use a VERY sturdy tripod with a locking quick release system so that I know without a doubt that my equipment is secure. That was so important in getting this shot because I climbed out onto a big rock in the edge of the stream - after I got comfortably seated my wife handed me the tripod. I positioned one leg in the water directly in front of the rock and the other two projected out onto dry land. Then the camera was handed to me and I locked it in place. I selected f/22, used a NIKON circular polarizer and a cable release so the camera was not touched during the exposure. This was actually the first frame I shot!
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

Close your eyes and imagine what a Blue Columbine as big as the palm of your hand would look like - envision expansive fields of native wildflowers with hundreds and hundreds of these beautiful columbine adorning a high mountain meadow. Fantasy you say... no, the word picture that I just described actually exists - Yankee Boy Basin, nestled at more than 11,000 feet above sea level is surrounded by several majestic mountain peaks that tower to heights in excess of 13,500 feet. Located near Ouray in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, this breathtaking location is a photographer's dream come true. On this particular day my friend Bob and I paused to enjoy and photograph this rewarding view before we began the more challenging 4 x 4 climb over Imogene Pass towards Telluride.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

The last time I photographed this area of Rocky Mountain National Park was back in the early 1990s. After years of shooting specifically for notecards, I am now enjoying the freedom of analyzing each scene to determine the best representation of the area's essence. Bear Lake has been photographed so many times that images have become predictable and all inclusive, so in this image I decided that I would keep the focus on the lake and Longs Peak by minimizing the impact of a large amount foreground information, thus a panoramic format was the best choice. I must confess that I arrived in the park much later than I wanted and this was not one of the first shots that I made, but because I accepted God's timing and didn't give up He provided a perfect sky making this the best image of the day!
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

Rocky Mountain National Park offers so many different photo-opportunities that it's hard to choose. Bear Lake Road is one of my favorites because of its many different possibilities – Alberta Falls, Bear Lake, Glacier Creek and of course... Sprague Lake. Whether you prefer the lush green vegetation of summer, the glorious red and gold colors of autumn, or the pristine quiet of winter's freshly fallen snow... it's easy to recognize the thumbprint of God as you explore the area. On this extraordinarily beautiful day I saw a deep blue sky filled with puffy white clouds - the majestic peaks of the continental divide stood witness as a cloud passed in front of the sun and a mirror-like stillness hushed the surface of the lake. It was the inspiration of that moment that is recorded in this photo.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

An area that is popular with tourists and photographers alike is the easy .5 mile lakeshore trail which loops around Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. This trail offers many fantastic views that will keep you and your camera more than happy but be prepared to wait for that perfect shot... people in brightly colored shirts hiking along the trail or relaxing along the shoreline are a distracting element in any photograph. This classic view of Longs Peak with the keyboard of the winds was accomplished only through God's perfect timing - I had arrived much later than I had planned, but with patience and His timing I was able to capture the mirror-like water surface with a perfectly reflected shoreline of dense pine trees. Throw in some light feathery clouds and voila... what a view!
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

The San Juan Mountains of Colorado are absolutely breathtaking - especially in the fall - and the Uncompahgre Range offers some of the most unique peak lines you will ever see. This particular photo, taken from the Silver Jack Reservoir overlook, showcases the towering summits of the Uncompahgre wilderness, which provide the perfect backdrop to the onset of gold during the annual changing of the aspen. The trail leading to this overlook was lined with a wooden fence... it was atop one of the fence posts that I made several attempts at balancing on one foot in order to get above the initials that had been carved into the bark of the stately aspen which you see in the foreground. After a couple of failed attempts I was finally able to remain steady long enough to capture this image.
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

Making our ascent up the steep and narrow logging trail, I quickly realized that Coffee Pot Road is not for the faint of heart... Nearing the summit the rewards soon outweighed my anxiety as Dick and I came to a fork in the road. There in front of us, displaying the many vivid shades of the rainbow was a meadow of wildflowers dancing joyously in the mid-day sun. Eager to stop and play, my heart shouted yes while my body insisting on food and water adamantly said no! With refueled bodies and renewed spirits, we wandered among the flowers. The approaching storm seemed to intensify the contrasts between the stand of evergreens just beyond the lush meadow, and the wildflowers growing along side the dry creek bed. God gave me this photo, just minutes before the arrival of the approaching rain.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

The Crystal Mill - located on the lower western portion of Schofield Pass between Marble and Crested Butte - is one of the most photographed sites in Colorado. Precariously perched on an outcropping of rock above the Crystal River, it provides a perfect setting to capture a memorable glimpse of the past. While this was my first visit, my friend Bob had been there many times before and was well versed with the 6 miles of rough and narrow dirt road which is rarely open before July or later than August. Our timing was perfect as God graciously provided the overcast lighting that was needed to make the subtleties of this image come together. Being greeted by an abundant population of eager mosquitoes seemed a small price to pay for the opportunity to see and photograph the "old mill".
 

Photo by: Dick R Lovenburg Jr

Since 1992 and the very beginnings of Colorado Creations™ I have insisted on using the traditional 35mm full-frame format for determining which photographs were and were not usable. Thankfully I got to the point where fitting into my predetermined box was no longer a good enough reason to exclude a wonderful and vibrant image like this one. What I like most about this photo is the intensity of the back-lit autumn colored leaves in contrast with the detailed texture of the variegated rich colors in the bark. I can still feel the warmth of the day and the glow of the season as the sunshine illuminated the endless stands of scrub oak that abound on the western side of Kebler Pass... This magnificent drive from Crested Butte to Paonia Reservoir is an absolute must for the "fall enthusiast!
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

I've photographed the Bells on countless occasions and witnessed the many moods of this picturesque location. The springtime, with its wildflower filled meadow leading you to Maroon Lake - the awesome grandeur of autumn, as the aspen begin their golden finale - the first snow of the season, when you experience a refreshing beauty and pristine simplicity that is unmatched. Each has its own unique attraction... On a summer day you might experience the intensity of a passing rainstorm with its unforgettable claps of thunder or the rich blue sky filled with billowing clouds above a perfectly calm lake. This photo, taken back in the early 1990's during my second visit, is one of my favorites because of the incredible clarity of the water, the mirror reflections, and that classic Colorado sky!
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

As Dick and I made our way from Ohio Creek Pass through the mighty towering aspen groves on Kebler Pass, we headed west toward Paonia Reservoir for a good meal and night's rest. Finding ourselves next to this shimmering stream, I knew that in spite of my hunger we just had to stop so I could capture the creek winding through the beauty of the gold, orange and russets of late autumn. As the sun, also preparing for a night of rest, shined brilliantly I quickly pulled out the camera gear from the dusty SUV. It was as if God sprinkled the top of the water with diamond dust as it splashed and danced over the rocks and around mighty boulders. I thought of the fishes that swam in the stream wondering where they were headed for the evening as the water wound its way through the forest.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

Thinking back to my youth, I remember many trips to the western slope with my parents making the long drive over Berthoud Pass and Rabbit Ears pass to visit my aunt and uncle in Craig, Colorado. While I remember not enjoying the curvy mountain roads very much, I did like the train tracks and the river meandering back and forth along that final stretch of road between Steamboat Springs and Craig. Years later I came to appreciate those scenic mountain drives - just as my Dad did - maybe that's why this photo has such special meaning. This view of the Yampa River near Hayden is so typical of what I remember from those family trips. Yet on this particular morning the water seemed even bluer and the sparkle of the sunlight dancing on the water seemed to revive those childhood memories.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

I don't know why I love the blue columbine so much... possibly because for many years they seemed so elusive. I looked for them everywhere but to no avail... obviously my searches weren't sensitive to the right time or location - in fact to be honest, I wasn't exactly sure what the actual plant even looked like. I can tell you that once you've located one of these incredibly delicate flowers you'll never have a problem locating them again! I located this particular flower on the north side of the Grand Mesa, not too far from where I stumbled across my first columbine nearly 11 years before. Today they always seem to have the ability to catch my attention; I find them everywhere - in small clumps, large patches, and entire meadows - I even find them growing right along side the roadways.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

It was 4 am - looking out the motel window I could see it was raining and my hope of photographing a sunrise at the Great Sand Dunes was dashed. My friend Larry encouraged me to load the equipment anyway and make the long drive out to the dunes for what I suspected would be a wasted trip. When we arrived the rain had stopped but the sky was still totally overcast. Convinced there was little hope of getting the shot I proceeded to the middle of Medano Creek anyway, set up the tripod in ankle deep water and waited. The horizon started to lighten, I systematically clicked off a series of frames - the morning light never really got that impressive - or so I thought. It was only after developing the film that I saw the wonderful photo that God had prepared and given to me.
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

What a perfect fall day... in the middle of a forest of golden aspen trees, I saw three dark evergreens standing in a row as if to say they were the guardians of the forest! Behind these three evergreens were towering aspen with their contrasting white trunks. Upon closer observation, not only did the autumn shower from the previous evening leave refreshing droplets of rain, but also Colorado Gold - colorful droplets in various shades of yellow, gold and orange - aspen leaves gently placed upon the peaceful boughs of these noble sentries. I don't remember how much time lapsed as I drank in the beauty of this particular forest along Ohio Creek Pass, but it created a memory of images embedded within my mind, to which I return whenever I need a break from the mundane routine of life.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

In 1999 I was invited to join five other professional photographers on a trip to the Slot Canyons near Page Arizona. I was honored to be included but the idea of photographing an area where a tragic flash flood had occurred just 1.5 years earlier definitely concerned me. After carefully checking the local weather reports, we met our Navajo guide who drove us to the base of a red sandstone plateau where we entered the canyon through a narrow slit in the cliffs. The colors and textures of the walls were magnificent and the intricacy of God's hidden creation left me in awe! As usual I utilized a sturdy tripod and cable release, but the 1 to 2 min. exposures which the low light conditions required proved to be quite challenging with the constant movement of people throughout the canyon.
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

I love the unique peaks of the Uncompahgres! As God has shown me that both snowflakes and mountain peaks are unique, this mountain range received a double dose of uniqueness! Winding our way on Big Cimarron Road, passing open range cattle being driven to their winter home by cowboys on horseback, we took the scenic route to Ouray. Stopping at Silver Jack Reservoir, my husband showed me the spot where he captured a beautiful fall image a few years ago. On this day the orange and gold aspen leaves danced in the breeze with the Uncompahgre Range in the background. With the brilliant blue Colorado sky above mirrored in Silver Jack Reservoir below, I was off to find a perfect place to capture this marvelous view. I can still feel the warmth, contentment and peace of that October day.
 

Photo by: Kathy Lovenburg

Blue skies, pristine white snow and golden aspen leaves are the legacies represented in this, the State Flower of Colorado. Strong and hardy just as the founders of this beautiful state were, the miners, hunters and farmers, were tough and resilient just as this particular flower found on the top of the Grand Mesa. It grew next to the dusty road, stretching its stems to find shade for its delicate petals from the heat of the July sunshine. As I began to set up the camera I found the second hardiest being in the Rocky Mountains... mosquitoes! One must have sounded the alarm because I was soon swarmed by the hungry pests. As I ran back to the SUV for the insect repellant, I soon realized that I needed to be just as tough and hardy as the Columbine and our resilient founding fathers.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

This pristine view of Longs Peak and the meandering Saint Vrain Creek is so typical of what the morning after a Colorado snowstorm looks like. This particular vantage point is not far from my home in Longmont, and embodies the amazing scenery that I have been so blessed to look at on a daily basis, over the past 42 years. I remember many years ago taking a half-day hike as a Boy Scout along these very banks, in fact it was not too far from this location that I thought it would be fun to walk across the ice - stomping on air pockets as I went. As I'm sure you have guessed, I broke through the ice that day, falling into the frigid water below. Fortunately I survived the freezing wet clothes and the parental admonishments that followed... returning years later to take this photograph.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

I was nervous the first time I drove Old Fall River Road. The popular 9 mile narrow dirt road with many switchbacks climbs one-way up the steep Fall River Valley through a lush forest of pine and colorful aspen. At Chasm Falls the skies literally opened and a downpour began - a sign of changes to come. It was near mile five when I was photographing near the roadway that my friend Larry emerged from the woods exclaiming "you've got to see this!" The photo that you see is what awaited me... as we continued upward past tree-line it began to snow, leaving the ground totally white even before reaching the Alpine Visitor Center. We cautiously headed down the mountain toward Estes Park through the ever increasing snow that would soon close Trail Ridge Road for the season.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

This photo of Mount Sneffels was a long time coming. My first trip to Dallas Divide was with my Dad and while the scenery was beyond belief, my photographic skills were in their infancy and very few of my photos measured up to those vivid memories. On this trip the lessons I had learned from repeated visits to the area finally came together. The previous afternoon my wife and I had taken Owl Creek Pass from Cimarron to Ridgway when I spotted this vantage point and took a couple test shots to study my composition. We stayed in Ouray that night and I asked around regarding what time "first light" was - arriving in the dark, my wife slept in the car while I experienced the elk bugling, the hunters shooting, and the magnificent view I had searched for during the previous 10 years.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

As Bob Ross would say "enjoy the happy accidents". My photography had gotten to where the fun was gone and every time I took a picture I heard the shutter release followed by a ka-ching of another dollar spent. Each frame cost money and if I wasn't certain an image was commercially viable I refused to push the button. I had recently converted from film to digital in preparation to photograph my older step-daughter's wedding. One thing I really liked with the new digital camera was the immediate gratification - I could instantly be sure that what my eyes were seeing is what the camera was recording. This helped rejuvenate my artistic tendencies and gradually the fun returned... in this case the unusual ghosting of the aspen trees in the background was definitely a happy accident!
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

Due to the high gas prices of 2007 and 2008, like most Americans, Kathy and I faced the realization that for a time, travel would not be in our budget. This July we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary with a much needed trip to the Colorado high-country. Having forgotten just how much enjoyment and stress relief we experience retreating to the mountains to enjoy God's creation, we made up for lost time. We visited our favorite wildflower locations; Shrine Pass, Rabbit Ears Pass, the Grand Mesa, and Coffee Pot Road - purchased some fresh peaches and found a new wine in Palisade. We even enjoyed driving over Trial Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park... but most of all we treasured our time together, photographing the abundance of delicate wildflowers like you see in this photo.
 

Photo by: Dick Lovenburg

I remember growing up seeing a snow covered barn in television commercials... cowboys were passing in front of it, riding their horses in the deep and powdery snow. I always wanted to see and photograph that old barn... it had such an air of distinction to it - a glimpse into our rugged and colorful past - a return to the simpler times. I searched the Steamboat area on several visits and learned that what once was a part of rural America had in this case, faded into the ever expanding growth of civilization. I photographed that old barn for the first time in December of 1996 after locating it across the street from a retail shopping center. This newest image shows another view of the barn... nostalgic and distinguished, yet peaceful in spite of the continued encroachment of today's fast-paced times...