Over the past 6 years, I have evolved a great deal as a photographer. I rarely chase the epic big scene anymore (but will happily capture it if the moment calls for it), and I'm much more open and curious to whatever nature provides. I've found this approach much more relaxing and I'm much happier as a photographer and human being.

On my past workshop with Muench Workshops we were camped at a high mountain lake above Silverton, Colorado and I couldn't help finding myself enamored by the light reflecting off of the lake in the late afternoon. I pulled out my camera and telephoto lens and enjoyed a few quiet moments alone at the lake while everyone was getting ready for dinner. What I loved is that I showed the image to our workshop attendees and was happy to see them begin to imagine the possibilities that exist all around us if we are observant and open to interpreting the landscape through the lens in creative ways.

Here, reflections of the sun are created by small ripples on the lake, creating the illusion of ships passing through a passage in the arctic.

Hope you dig it!

Tags:   2023 Colorado Wildflowers

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Geology has always fascinated me. As a child, my parents would take me hiking up 14,000 ft. peaks and I would always fill my pockets with interesting rocks. There’s something amazing about how they are formed, visual clues into the past. Here, a rock formation known as Flysch.

This Flysch formation on the Northern Spanish coast exudes character, color, and pizzazz, with chunky and rugged golden brown rocks sandwiching thin layers upon layers of azure rock sediments - a true feast for the eyes.

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One of my favorite images I captured on my visit to Asturias. I worked this scene for a good hour, experimenting with a variety of shutter speeds, compositions, and other settings, patiently awaiting the perfect synthesis of waves to produce this image. I'm very pleased with how it turned out considering I rarely photograph water. I hope you like it and the power and grace of nature it portrays.

Tags:   2023 Austurias Blue Coast Landscape Northern Spainish Coast Ocean Power Spain Water Waves

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A distant sweeping ridgeline of a high Antarctic Peak is obstructed by falling snow.

Tags:   Antarctica Abstract Snow Storm

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14ers Uncompahgre Peak and Wetterhorn Peak loom in the distance above a hillside of golden aspen leaves in fall near Lake City, Colorado. The vibrant aspen forest here created quite the contrast thanks to dappled afternoon light before the arrival of a cold snowy autumn storm that later coated these mountains in snow.

To see more of my 2022 Fall Color Photographs - see them here - www.mattpaynephotography.com/gallery/2022-colorado-autumn...

Tags:   14er 2022 Aspen Trees Autumn Clouds Colorado Fall Fall Colors Lake City Nature Uncompahgre Peak Wetterhorn Peak storm vibrant

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