Just as a new batch of wolves are set to be released into the Colorado Rocky Mountain wilderness, the ranchers launch a new bid to kill the wolf project. The headline on a CBS news article reads, "Efforts underway to stop wolf reintroduction in Colorado with popular vote". Please do not sign their petitions to get their new initiative on the ballot.
Finally after years of uncertainty and consternation, the Explore Act was signed into law this week. The Act is a wide ranging set of new laws which will provide for the construction of new campgrounds, shooting ranges, trails and much more. Most important to me and many photographers and videographers, is the inclusion of the Film Act within the text of the bill. The Act eliminates the requirement for for purchasing an expensive permit to film in national parks and forests with the intent to make a profit, even though you might not have known at the time that you were shooting for profit. This of course affected basically all Youtubers, who have had to live in fear of huge fines for their activities, which were legal at the time they created the film. with onerous application requirements and an uncertain outcome
A new year is almost upon us and it seems like a good time to take a look back at 2024, one year in the life of a photographer. Join me in this post as I review a year of pictures in the rugged mountains of Colorado.
This is the time of year when I frequently visit the Eleven Mile Fishing Report to check the status of the ice cover. Upon discovering that the reservoir is completely frozen over, I decided to make an early morning visit to investigate the bald eagle nesting pair's return to their winter home in the canyon.
I was happy to see my fall film pictures arrived in my Dropbox yesterday from Englewood Camera! I shot this batch on my recently acquired and tested Canon EOS Elan 7, and Kodak Ektar 100 film. I chose Ektar for it's' fine grain and brilliant color and contrast. Some say Ektar Color negative film rivals the amazing quality of Kodak Ektachrome slide film.
Last night Colorado provided the silver lining proving that the forces of good and compassion for our four footed friends can prevail. Last night the Mountain State passed it's ballot initiative banning the hunting and trapping of big cats. California has already banned fur trapping, and with enough work and education perhaps it will be possible to implement a national trapping ban like over 100 civilized countries through the world have already done.
It was quite a day in Waterton Canyon yesterday with a few battling bighorns, but mostly just a normal active day along the South Platte River this time of year.
Summer is over and the mornings are getting colder. Frost and a cold wind on my favorite trail seem to be driving away the early morning tourists and there is a sign of hope. It seems that the deer are returning to their normal habit of drinking from the creek and watering hole at night, and making the climb over the mountain at dawn.
Ten years ago I was sipping my morning brew in my favorite coffee shop staring out at Pikes Peak, when I realized it was time to adapt. My photography business was centered around wedding photography and that genre had changed around me and I had failed to adapt. At the time I had recently moved to the mountains and was surrounded by abundant wildlife. Almost any morning I wished, I could take a short hike and would have the opportunity to photograph deer, elk, bear. fox, coyote, and many other small and fascinating creatures.
The final push to publish my novel Thundering Hooves is on! The editing will be complete this week and final proof copy ordered. I considered waiting to publish until closer to Thanksgiving when the Christmas shopping season begins, but the wild horses can't wait. All over the west our government continues it's push to destroy … Continue reading The Final Push
Colorado Photographer / Author | Steven W. Krull 