Experiencing early snow while aspen leaves are still clinging to the branches is one of Colorado’s most atmospheric transitions. During a workshop morning near Telluride, our early sunrise plans fizzled out under heavy skies. As we drove toward town, the storm broke, unmasking freshly frosted peaks rising above vibrant pockets of gold. Unable to pass up the scene, we pulled off the road on the spot.
Working with a long focal length to compress the storm layers, I captured several frames, though this composition fell outside my usual comfort zone. Despite my initial hesitation, the image struck a chord, quickly becoming a collector’s favorite. When photographing autumn in the Rockies, mood is entirely at the mercy of dynamic weather, and embracing the unexpected often yields the most rewarding work.
