Aspen Interlude
This is my first fall in Colorado and I was somewhat surprised by the number of people that flock to the Western Slopes to photograph the colorful and dramatic scenery. I met a number of photographers (and dogs) at my various stops. Some lived as close as my new hometown of Ridgway, many were from the front range near Denver and some lived as far away as Switzerland. It was fun meeting everyone, hearing their stories and sometimes sharing tips on where to go. With that said, there is also a benefit to photographing alone. The images in this post are from a recent shoot in a lovely aspen grove… all by myself. Here I was able to get into ‘the zone’… a sort of zen-like experience. Without distractions and outside influences I was in the moment, totally immersed in the trees and captures. It was a very enjoyable morning!
Several of these images are available as prints (framed, matted or unframed), canvas wraps, notecards and more! See the great selection of framing and other options by clicking on the links below the images. If you would like something not yet available, please let me know in the comment area and I will be glad to upload it for you.
‘The Colors of Fall’ © Denise Bush
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‘Across the Meadow’ © Denise Bush
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‘Among the Aspens’ © Denise Bush
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‘Field of Aspens’ © Denise Bush
‘Young Aspen Grove in Autumn’ © Denise Bush
‘Aspens In the Morning’ © Denise Bush
‘Aspen Gathering’ © Denise Bush
‘Aspen Tree Welcome’ © Denise Bush
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‘Aspen Trio’ © Denise Bush
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‘Aspens In a Row’ © Denise Bush
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Filed under: Colorado, Landscape Photography, Photography | 40 Comments
Tags: aspen, autumn, Colorado, fall, foliage, landscape, nature, photograph, prints, trees
Denise Bush\’s Photo Blog
Denise Bush's Photo Blog 
Stunning Denise, I almost feel like I’m there. But I’m not…. 😦
Thanks Deb! Maybe next September?
So beautiful! I wonder if it was a poplar species that gave rise to pointillism? Many of these photos make me think of Impressionists like Monet (esp. Aspen Trio).
Yes… maybe Georges Seurat came up with the idea while painting similar trees! It seem the orange and red round aspen leaves have this affect more than the yellow. I think it is because there is more color variation and contrast in those trees. If you look at the linked large versions and magnify them you will see the detail in the leaves.
I did do that to see the wonderful details and also visited your FAA site, which is quite impressive! Frames, mats, the works, all delivered to your door. The miracle of the internet! If I had the bucks, I’d be ordering up a storm. 🙂
Nice series on how the seasons show their change out West. I think that you see so many people because so much of CO does not have the hardwoods we have beck East and they have to travel for the color…My sister-in-law (from Greeley) was just here to visit our colorful Fall in CT.
Well I think aspen trees are pretty much all over Colorado. Do you think we have more of the orange and even red here on the Western Slopes? I’m thinking so many come here because it is very majestic and unspoiled along with the abundant color.
Yes indeed it is the combo effect for sure…
Dang it Denise, you keep getting better and better. I think Colorado agrees with you and your photographic abilities. Just letting you know I’m thinking of you and Brent. Hope all is well
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Thank you Kitty. I would hope that I know what I’m doing by now!
Thank you for posting these! I’ve been painting studies of aspens over the past few weeks in order to do a commission, and your photos are great for me to reference both leaf color and bark detail. Great photos!
If you put your paintings on your site. I’d like to see them.
WOW is all I have to say. Such amazing work.
Thanks Joe. It’s always nice to hear from you. Hope you are doing well.
Wow such amazing images – thank you for sharing the beauty of nature as you captured with your lens.
Hi Mary — I truly appreciate you taking the time to come and see my posts. Thanks very much! 🙂
Gorgeous autumn colors. Aspens are the best. Great job, Denise.
Thank you Jane! I love the aspens and look forward to photographing them this winter too.
I love this beautiful restful series. This is photography that manages to capture the essential peace of a simple scene (no dramatic landscape necessary) – or even amplify it! Thank you….
Oh… thanks so much. I’m glad the peaceful feeling came through!
Beautiful work as usual.
Thanks very much Russ. Hope you are having a good autumn.
Beautiful images. I like your idea of photographing alone and being able to get into a zone. I am feeling more and more like that is the way to get out and do photography.
Thanks Ken. I like going out with other people sometimes but think I often do better on my own. It should be about personal expression so it makes sense.
If I had to pick a fav, I guess it would be Aspen Tree Welcome. I totally get your solo photography nirvana. I find that I almost never take photos when I’m with other people. Or if I do, I rush and don’t do the justice. Even with my really patient and supportive friends, I just can’t quite …well, you said it, get in the zone.
Thank you for your comments! I like hearing your favorite… it’s one of mine too. 🙂
I love it when you are in the zone. This is a great set of images to add to your now large body of aspen photographs. I’m particularly enamored with the “Aspens in the Morning”. Great use of negative space that really isn’t negative space.
We were just in Arizona and got to spend a day with the Aspens in Flagstaff. A week later we were experiencing the fall birches in New England. The similarities and the differences are pretty interesting.
Thanks for your interesting insights! I’ve always loved New England and the birches… the aspens here are just bigger, sturdier and more plentiful. I think the birch leaves are always hues of gold and yellow. I don’t recall seeing any that were orange or reddish orange like here.
These colorful western scenes of aspen savannas in pristine landscapes are so different from, and generally superior to, the aspen clones of the Northeast. Hard to pick a favorite but Nos. 8 and 9 are at the top of my list. Great series of photos!
‘Savanna’ is a good word to use for this particular family of trees, situated out in a grassy field. Usually they are mixed in with Colorado Spruce and on mountainsides. It’s nice to hear your likes! Thanks very much for your look and comment.
All stunning photos. The colors of fall from the west is enjoyable to see and I would like to experience the same. PS I’ve moved to LBI
Hey Ginny… thanks for visiting and checking in! Congrats on your move to LBI!
I’ve been there this time of year, and you definitely captured the magic of the season! Just beautiful!
Thank you Amy! The magic is fleeting… I’m so sad to see the leaves leave!
Happy aspens to you. I’d have been thrilled to wander there with a camera too.
Thank you for coming in for a look Steve!
Gorgeous!!
Oh, thank you very much! It’s nice to hear from you and imagine your smiling face.
Welcome to Colorado. Thank you for recently visiting my blog site. Love your photos here of the Aspens. Yes, they are beautiful every autumn in Colorado and are always a very popular photography subject. I’m originally from Colorado Springs, so growing up in the state it has always been a favorite time of year for me when the Aspens peak and autumn colors are rich and vibrant in other trees as well up and down the front range. The mountains just kind of explode with color during this time and the opportunities also for photographing the wild game like when the elk are bugling near Estes Park.
Thanks for the visit, comment & welcome Joyce!