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There was optimism that she would appear the following spring with a new litter of cubs. At age 24 though, she was old for a grizzly in this ecosystem and many thought her days of raising cubs were over. As it turned out, In the spring of 2020 grizzly 399 emerged from her den with four tiny cubs in tow. She has shown herself to be an extremely capable mother, but quadruplets are extremely rare among grizzly bears and the prospect of all four of her cubs surviving their first year seemed highly unlikely. As she often does, 399 defied these expectations. Two years later all four of her almost full grown cubs are still with her and looking very healthy. At the time of writing this all 5 are in their den and should be emerging any day now. This will almost certainly be her last spring with the quadruplets. Sometime this year she will likely send them off on their own. This past fall I was lucky enough to capture Grizzly 399 and her quadruplet cubs traveling north beneath the mighty Teton Range. Where I captured this photo was not far from where I had my very first encounter with 399 back in the spring of 2008. At that time she had 3 cubs following behind her, one of which grew up to be grizzly 610, a famous bear now in her own right. Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-road-to-northport/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0742_NZ_The_Winding_Road_Web.jpg The Road to Northport An unnecessarily curvy road is accentuated by colorful autumn foliage. There are a couple theories as to why this stretch of highway is so twisty. The first says that there were once utility poles that ran through here that the road needed to accommodate. The second, and more accepted reason for this windy bit of road is that it was purposely designed this way by famed Danish landscape architect Jens Jensen, who founded and lived at the nearby Clearing Folk School. Earlier in his career Jensen dreamt up what he called the "Ideal Highway" which would be "a thoroughfare that slowed traffic and kept nature always in its view" His idea also included a separate pedestrian path, which this road doesn't have, but it isn't hard to imagine that Jensen's vision for a road to make people slow down and appreciate nature led to this quirky little stretch of highway. Door County - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-matriarch/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/399_1600_WM.jpg The Matriarch 11 years ago in the spring of 2008 I had my first encounter with grizzly 399. At that time she was just coming out of hibernation with her three cubs in tow. She was already a well known bear back then, but is now a bonafide wildlife celebrity. 399 has made a habit of raising her young in proximity of the roadways of Grand Teton National Park, most likely to avoid backcountry clashes with male bears. These unique habits have given an untold number of people incredible wildlife viewing experiences. At 23 years old, she's birthed numerous sets of offspring and raised them in view of throngs of photographers and wildlife viewers.  It was a really special moment for me when I unexpectedly came across 399 once more this fall. She was making her way along the meadow at sunset. I shot some close up photos with my telephoto lens, but as she made her way in front of some brilliant yellow cottonwood trees with the freshly snowcapped Tetons towering above, I decided to switch lenses and capture her in her environment.  She was looking fat and healthy and is now most likely in her den for the winter and I, like so many others hope to see her again this spring.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/first-light/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0740_First_Light_WM.jpg First Light The sheer prominence of the Tetons is the first thing you will notice about them. Rising up to 7000 feet above the valley floor and lacking foothills or low peaks typical of most mountain ranges, the roughly 40 mile range is the newest of the Rockies and this is one reason they are so dramatic, jagged and abrupt. They are impressive from any vantage point, but this angle of the cathedral group with the Grand Teton towering above the others is one of my favorite angles to shoot from.  Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/schwabacher-sunrise/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0739_NZ_Schwabachers_Sunrise_WM.jpg Schwabacher Sunrise Newly dusted in autumn snow, the Tetons are perfectly reflected in a beaver pond along the Snake River. Schwabacher Landing - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/bison-in-snow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0738_NZ_Bison_Snow_WM.jpg Bison in Snow A massive bull bison grazes during a heavy autumn snow storm.  American Bison (Bison bison) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/king-of-the-timbavati/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0738_King_of_the_Timbavati.jpg King of the Timbavati A Lion's magnificent mane absorbs the warm glow of sunset as he keeps a keen eye on a herd of zebras not far away. A few opportunistic vultures occupy the trees above, no doubt in anticipation of a possible successful hunt. Lion (Panthera leo) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/footsteps/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/fw.jpg Footsteps Elephants are capable of forming incredibly deep and loving bonds. The strongest is the maternal bond between a mother and her calf. After carrying her baby for 22 months in her womb (the longest gestation period of any mammal) She will nurture her offspring and teach it the way of life in the herd. As a baby, the calf will stay very close to its mother, walking under her for shade and protection. While their eyesight is still developing the calves can recognize their mother through touch, scent and sound. Mom and calf will regularly touch and smell each other, reinforcing their bonds. The calf will stick close by her mom for the its first few years. If the baby is female she will stay with the herd for the rest of her life. If male, he will live with the herd until the age of 12-14 at which point he will strike out on his own and turn to a more solitary life.   African Elephants (Loxodonta africana) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/intention/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0736_NZ_Intention.jpg Intention Face to face with a large male leopard. African leopard (Panthera pardus) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/eyes-of-the-huntress/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0735_NZ_Night_Huntress_WM.jpg Night Stalker By day you will usually find lions asleep in the shade. They are truly impressive sleepers. Primarily nocturnal hunters, night gives them a huge sight advantage and also saves precious energy by avoiding the heat of the day. When the sun goes down and the bush goes dark, everything changes. The lion, who had a day of lethargy and indifference is now in her element, supremely focused. She has the eyes of a huntress now. She leads the other members of the pride and walks with intention. We let them be soon after I shot this photo, but it was a humbling experience to be so close to these magnificent predators in complete darkness. Lioness (Panthera leo) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mother-hyena/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0734_NZ_Hyena_Feeding.jpg Mother Hyena A mother hyena allows me to capture an intimate moment while she feeds her young cubs.  Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) - Timbavati - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/african-twilight/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0733_African_Twilight_WM.jpg African Twilight A small water hole reflecting the sunset entices a lion to have a quick drink.  Lion (Panthera leo) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/grace/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0732_NZ_Leopard_BW.jpg Grace, Power and Beauty Grace, power and beauty. These are the words that come to mind when I look at a leopard. The first thing I notice are the eyes that seem to pierce right through you. Their coat patterns make them perfectly camouflaged, but also impossibly beautiful. For me they're maybe the most charismatic of the big cats of Africa. This leopardess was keeping a watchful eye from a riverbank. With a young cub to care for, she needs to be vigilant at all times.  African leopard (Panthera pardus) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sip/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0731_NZ_Drinking_Lion_WM.jpg Sip A male lion takes a moment for a quick drink of water.  Lion (Panthera leo) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/nthombi/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0730_NZ_Nthombi_WM.jpg Nthombi A beautiful leopardess keeps a watchful eye on her surroundings. When we first came upon this leopard she was fast asleep on a branch of a tree seeking shelter from the late morning heat. She awoke and to my delight began calling for her cub. Soon the little leopard appeared from the thick brush and the leopardess was quick to jump down from the tree and greet her baby with a wrestling match. It was such a privilege to get to witness this interaction up close and in the wild. African leopard (Panthera pardus) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dust-bath/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0729_NZ_Dust_Bath_WM.jpg Dust Bath Elephants regularly bathe in dust and mud. These baths serve a multitude of purposes. Covering the skin in dust helps keep parasites at bay. It also keep the elephant cool and shields their skin which is susceptible to sunburn.  African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rhino/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0728_NZ_Rhino_FW_WM.jpg Where they Belong Two white rhinos sip from  a small water hole on a scorching hot day.  White rhinos are an incredible conservation success story. They are a species that has truly been brought back from the brink. In the early 20th century there were as few as 20 individual white rhinos left on the planet. Today the estimates are somewhere near 20,000. While their numbers have rebounded, rhinos of all species still face an uphill battle. Habitat loss and a huge increase in cases of rhino poaching leave the future of these incredible animals uncertain. Demand for rhino horn in some Asian countries (mostly Vietnam and China) has skyrocketed. In these countries horns are promoted for their ability to cure a wide range of ailments, despite the fact that rhino horn has absolutely no scientific medical benefit whatsoever. There's nothing special about it. In fact the horn of a rhino is made of keratin, the exact same substance our hair and fingernails are made of. I felt honored to be able to watch these gentle giants at such a close distance in the wild where they belong. White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/majesty/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0727_NZ_Majesty_WM.jpg Majesty The last warm rays of sunset light strike the mane of a beautiful male lion surveying a herd of zebras in the distance.  Lion (Panthera leo) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/under-an-african-moon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0725_NZ_Under_African_Moon_FW_WM.jpg Under an African Moon As a wildlife photographer the most satisfying images I take are the ones where an animal is given a sense of place. Showing an animal in its environment tells us a much greater story than a closeup. Every once in a while the right conditions come together and allow you to capture these moments. Such was the case on this particular evening. At dusk a pair of male lions were walking towards a herd of zebras with intention. They entered the clearing just as the sunset was reaching its peak. The almost full moon shone bright above. I quickly switched out my large telephoto lens for a wide angle to capture the entire scene. This photo to me epitomizes the magic of the African bush. Lions (Panthera leo) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/stripes/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0724_NZ_Zebra_FW.jpg Stripes The unmistakeable stripes of the zebra.  Burchell's zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/hyena_cubs/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0723_NZ_Hyena_Cubs_FW_WM.jpg Bad Reputation Contrary to their bad reputation, hyenas are not the thieving, sadistic villains of the animal world. Movies, legends and nature documentaries have long portrayed hyenas as evil maniacal scavengers. Hyenas are top predators who feed themselves far more often from hunting than by scavenging. Spotted hyenas are extraordinarily intelligent animals and have large and complex social structures much larger than that of other carnivores. They may not have the same charisma as some of the other top predators of the savannah like lions and leopards, but they are a far cry from the unintelligent and cowardly animals we have made them out to be.  Spotted Hyena Cubs (Crocuta crocuta) - Timbavati - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/shining-bright/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0722_NZ_Leopard_Cub_FW_WM.jpg Shining Bright Their piercing amber eyes are the first thing you notice when encountering a leopard. Acute senses, especially their hearing and eyesight aid these beautiful cats on their hunts. This young leopard is still reliant on its mother for food, but soon it too will be amongst the great hunters of the animal kingdom. African leopard Cub (Panthera pardus) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/littlelion/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0721_NZ_Lion_Cub_.WM.jpg Little Lion By the time we found the pride of lions we had been tracking all morning the temperature had already become quite hot. The pride was (as lions usually are) fast asleep in the shade. There was however one curious young cub who was still awake and intrigued by our presence for long enough for me to capture some really close portraits before it too went to sleep. Lion Cub (Panthera leo) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/skyscraper/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0720_NZ_Giraffe_WM.jpg Skyscraper Giraffe Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) - Timbavati Game Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/titan/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0719_NZ_Titan_FW_WM.jpg Titan Staring eye to eye with the largest terrestrial animal on the planet has a special way of making you feel really small.  African Elephant Bull (Loxodonta africana) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/xividi/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0718_NZ_Leopard_FW_WM.jpg Xiviti In the shadow of a small tree a beautiful male leopard seeks respite from the blistering heat of the midday sun. While they may look ornate when isolated through the long lens of a camera, their rosette covered fur actually makes for perfect camouflage. This suits a leopard well as they are solitary and elusive creatures that rely on stealth for hunting and hiding.  African leopard (Panthera pardus) - Timbavati Reserve - Greater Kruger - South Africa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/taipei-101/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/1717_NZ_Taipei_101_WM.jpg Taipei 101 Taipei 101 - Taipei - Taiwan https://www.natezeman.com/photo/puffin-portrait/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0716_NZ_Puffin_Portrait.jpg Portrait of a Puffin Skomer is a small island off the western coast of Wales. Its absence of terrestrial predators makes Skomer a crucially important habitat for nesting seabirds. Guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, gannets and many more species come to the island each year to nest. Skomer is home to half of the worlds population of manx shearwaters, and of course the celebrities of the seabird world... the Atlantic Puffin. Puffins spend most of their year at sea, but return to land in the spring through early summer to raise their young. They spend their days watching over their burrows and bringing in a constant supply of fish for their young. Their uniquely shaped and boldly colored bill along with their generally comical appearance make them a favorite amongst bird lovers. Puffins are an indicator species, and their recent conservation status move to vulnerable is another worrying sign for sea life and the environment in general. Invasive predators, human activity, climate change and pollution are all contributing factors to the decline in puffin numbers.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) - Skomer Island - Pembrokeshire - Wales https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mutianyu/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0715_NZ_Mutianyu_Great_Wall.jpg Mutianyu Great Wall The Mutianyu Great Wall was originally built by the Northern Qi Dynasty in (550-577) over 1,400 years ago. It was rebuilt and strengthened during the Ming Dynasty on the foundation of the Northern Qi wall around 700 years ago. This section of wall, which is just a bit over 3 miles long, is just a tiny fraction of the entirety of the Great Wall of China. Standing here and attempting to grasp the sheer amount of manpower that went into creating the Great Wall is a mind bending experience. It's a place that really needs to be seen to be believed. Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Great Wall of China - Mutianyu Section - China https://www.natezeman.com/photo/westlake/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0714_NZ_WestLake_WM.jpg Fusion Ancient Chinese people described West Lake as an area of intoxicating beauty. Su Shi, a poet in the Song Dynasty, compared West Lake to Xi Shi, the fairest woman in ancient China. Marco Polo described Hangzhou as the most splendid city in the world. West Lake has inspired famous poets, scholars and artists since the 9th century. Today that classic beauty is still well preserved. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due mostly to its influence on garden design. Specifically, its harmonious blend of the natural with the man made. "The West Lake has influenced garden design in the rest of China as well as Japan and Korea over the centuries and bears an exceptional testimony to the cultural tradition of improving landscapes to create a series of vistas reflecting an idealised fusion between humans and nature."Purchase Prints and Wall Art:Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Jixian Pavilion - West Lake - Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province - China https://www.natezeman.com/photo/santorini-twilight/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/oia1600wm.jpg Santorini Twilight Sunsets in Santorini are world famous. This idyllic cliffside village really comes alive at dusk. For a few moments the warm palette of colors from the buildings, the sky and the sea all come together and create this magical scene. Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Oia, Santorini - Greece https://www.natezeman.com/photo/santorini/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0712_Santorini_WM.jpg Santorini Perched atop the steep cliff walls of the caldera of Santorini is the town of Oia. Its blue domed churches match the skies and shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea below.  Print options, sizes and prices: Oia, Santorini - Greece https://www.natezeman.com/photo/valley-of-fog/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0711_NZ_Monument_Valley_Fog.jpg Valley of Fog After a night of thunderstorms and heavy rain we woke to the valley immersed in beautiful fog. As the sun rose the fog slowly dissipated, revealing the dramatic sandstone formations that make up Monument Valley. Monument Valley - Navajo Nation - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/super-blue-moon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0710_Super_Blue_Moon.jpg Chelsea Moonrise A super blue moon rises behind Battersea Bridge and Albert Bridge with the Shard looming in the distance. Super moons are full moons that are at their closest distance to earth during its orbit, making them appear larger than typical full moons. A blue moon is a second full moon in the same calendar month. I planned my shot carefully and found a vantage point where I knew the moon would rise between Albert Bridge and the Shard. The moon was due to rise just after sunset so I knew the bridge would be lit up but the sky would still be somewhat light and bathed in blue. Luckily for me it was a rare clear January night in London offering an unobstrocted view of this beautiful event.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Super Blue Moon - Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea - London https://www.natezeman.com/photo/schwabachers-landing/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0710_NZ_Schwabachers-Landing_WM.jpg Schwabachers Landing The peaks of the Tetons are reflected in the waters of the Snake River on a perfect autumn day. Purchase Prints and Wall Art:Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Schwabachers Landing - Snake River - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sloth_and_baby/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0709_NZ_Sloths.jpg Slow Living A sloth hangs from a tree in a rainforest in Costa Rica. Clinging to her body and peering out is her tiny baby. Sloths are fascinating creatures. Their lives are lived at a much slower pace than other animals. This lackadaisical lifestyle is actually a very simple defensive trait which helps it avoid predators that hunt by sight like jaguars and large birds. Rather than evolving to be quick on their feet to avoid predators, sloths went the route of simply being motionless and therefore invisible. They move so slowly in fact, that algae grows on their hair. The algae, which is green, serves as camouflage for the sloth, helping them blend in with the forest canopy. The coat of the sloth is also famously home to "sloth moths", which as the name implies are moths who make their homes in the sloths coarse hair. Sloths have the slowest digestion rate of any mammal, and since they are highly adapted to living in trees, their diet consists almost completely of leaves with little to no nutrient value. Scientists believe that sloths, whos hair becomes its own ecosystem, are benefiting from a symbiotic relationship between itself, the moths and the algae. The moths colonize the sloth's hair, in return the moths aid in the growth of the nutrient rich algae, the algae in turn, helps camouflage the sloth and also provides it with important nutrients it needs to survive in the trees. They really are a wonder of evolution, and I felt really lucky to be able to have such an up close encounter with this mom and her adorable baby.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options Sizes and Prices: Brown Throated Sloths - Costa Rica https://www.natezeman.com/photo/playa-cofete/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0708_NZ_Playa_Cofete.jpg Untamed Coast Sixty Miles off the western coast of Africa lies the volcanic archipelago of the Canary Islands. The second largest of these islands, Fuerteventura, is known for its pristine white sand beaches and barren volcanic landscape. Cofete beach, on the Islands southwest side is one of the most amazing beaches I've ever visited. It is a wild and isolated paradise. The mountains of the Jandia massif rise from the beaches edge, and stretch as far as the eye can see, with almost no signs of human intervention. Huge turquoise waves pound the coast, and the whipping wind carries saltwater spray far up into the mountains. A walk along this 12km stretch of beach exposes you to the full force of the mighty Atlantic and offers some of the best views in all of the Canary Islands.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art:Print Options, Sizes and Prices:   Playa de Cofete - Fuerteventura - Canary Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/reflections_of_autumn/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0708_NZ_Reflections_of_Autumn.jpg Reflections of Autumn Sunrise burns off overnight fog from Maroon Lake revealing the stunning twin peaks of the Maroon Bells. This classic autumn scene is one of the most photographed landscapes in the world for obvious reasons.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Maroon Lake - Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/raindrops-on-aspen-leaves/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0707_NZ_Aspen_Leaves_WM.jpg Raindrops on Aspen Leaves Droplets of water from a recent rainfall sit atop a blanket of vibrantly colored aspen leaves. Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Aspen Leaves - Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-aspens/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0706_NZ_Orange_Aspens_WM.jpg Autumn Aspens Aspen trees ablaze in autumn oranges. Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Aspen Trees - Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/land-of-enchantment/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0706_NZ_White_Sands_WM.jpg Land of Enchantment Pure white gypsum sand dunes soak in the last rays of sun on what was  pretty much a perfect evening. White sand dunes are a rarity due to the fact that gypsum is water soluble, therefore rarely seen in sand form. Rain water typically carries dissolved gypsum out to sea. Here, however, in the Tularosa Basin there is no outlet to the sea, so gypsum washed from the nearby mountains becomes trapped here, where it dries out and becomes large gypsum crystals. Weathering eventually erodes these crystals into fine grains of gypsum sand. Wind then carries the sand away where it collects forming these other-worldly dunes. White sands is an absolute playground for a photographer at any time of the day. It was especially enchanting this particular evening watching the sun disappear behind the mountains.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: White Sands National Monument - New Mexico https://www.natezeman.com/photo/aleutian_summer/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0705_NZ_Aleutian-Range_WM.jpg Aleutian Summer After an expedition photographing the giant coastal brown bears of the Alaska peninsula, and more than a few days delayed at camp because of fog, we got the call that a weather window was opening up and our bush plane would soon be coming to get us. There are no roads in this rugged and vast wilderness and you're very much at the mercy of mother nature and her weather patterns. I would've been perfectly happy being fogged in for many more days, but when the clouds began to break up we radioed our bush pilot and got ready to be picked up and taken out before the next round of weather rolled in. We lifted off from the beach in the tiny plane and flew over the meadows and tidal flats that I had spent the last days in with the bears. I spotted 2 bears below us and watched them until the plane banked towards the mountains.  Our pilot flew us over the massive peaks of the Aleutian Range. Looking down at the gigantic volcanic peaks and the glaciers that slowly slithered to the ocean, you could really start to get a good idea of just how cut off this place is from civilization. You knew it from the ground but you could really feel it from high above in a small bush plane.  Luckily, the bears and other animals that call this place home have been able to live their lives untouched by human development and encroachment. One of the main reasons I love being out in nature is the sense it gives me of feeling small and insignificant. Nature can be incredibly humbling. It's a feeling I think we as humans don't feel enough, and leaves us detached from the natural world and our links to the things that connect us and all other things.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Aleutian Range - Alaska Peninsula - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mostar/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0704_NZ_Mostar_BH_WM.jpg Mostar Looking down from  the minaret of the The Koski Mehmed PaÅ¡a Mosque,The crystal blue Neretva river flows under the famous Stari Most bridge and through the city of Mostar.  The Mosque from which this photo was taken was built in the early 1600's and stood for hundreds of years before being virtually destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Much of the city, including the bridge was lost to the war. Today though, while many reminders of the war are still evident throughout the city, it has for the most part rebuilt, and is one of the most beautiful cities I've had the pleasure of visiting.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Mostar - Bosnia and Herzegovina https://www.natezeman.com/photo/colorado-autumn/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0703_NZ_Sneffels_Pond_WM.jpg Colorado Autumn A still pond reflects the amazing autumn palette on display below Mt. Sneffles.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Mt Sneffels - Sneffels Range - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/city_lights/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0701_NZ_Petronas_Towers_WM.jpg City Lights Looking up at the Petronas twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Petronas Towers - Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia https://www.natezeman.com/photo/lincoln-cathedral/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0700_NZ_Lincoln_Cathedral_WM.jpg Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lincoln In the year 2560 BC the Great Pyramid of Giza was completed, making it the tallest structure in the world. It wasn't until almost 4,000 years later that the record height of the pyramid was surpassed. Building commenced on Lincoln Cathedral in 1088, however there were multiple re-buildings and expansions to the the building over the next two centuries. In its final iteration, completed in 1311, Lincoln Cathedral topped out at 520 feet, making it the tallest building in the world. A title it would retain until its main tower spire collapsed in a storm 238 years later. Unsurprisingly, Lincoln Cathedral is rich in history that goes just beyond its physical structure. Today it is perhaps best known for having one of 4 original copies of the Magna Carta. King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 at Runymeade. Hugh of Wells, the then Bishop of Lincoln was present at Runymeade and also a signatory of the Magna Carta. He brought back a sealed copy of the Great Charter to Lincoln. It was kept at the cathedral for hundreds of years before being moved in 1993 to Lincoln Castle, from whose walls this photo was taken. The Magna Carta along with the 1217 Charter of the Forest can be viewed in the castle vault. Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Lincoln Cathedral - Lincoln, Lincolnshire - United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/desert-light/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0699_NZ_Saguaro_Sillhouettes_WM.jpg Desert Light The fading summer sun streaks across a stand of saguaro cacti, silhouetting them in warm evening light. Even though they are only found naturally in the Sonoran Desert, in Mexico and southern Arizona, the saguaro cactus is a quintessential symbol of the American Southwest. These majestic beasts can be quite old, only growing their first arm after 70-100 years.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Saguaro Cactus - Saguaro National Park - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-white-house/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0698_the_White_House.jpg The White House A moody day in Scotland, with fresh snow on the peaks above the valley where there sits a little white house.  Scottish Highlands, Glencoe - Scotland https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dusky-leaf-monkey/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0697_NZ_Dusky_Leaf_Monkey.jpg Dusky Leaf Monkey The dusky leaf monkey (also called a dusky langur or spectacled langur) pauses for a moment to give me a quick glance. These are old world monkeys found in Malaysia as well as parts of Thailand and Myanmar. They spend most of their lives in trees in groups of 5-20 individuals. Dusky Langurs are listed as "near threatened" on the IUCN red list. Hunting for food is a major threat, along with  habitat loss due to palm oil plantations, other forms of agriculture and increasing urbanization.Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus) - Penang, Malaysia https://www.natezeman.com/photo/frenzied-skies/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0696_NZ_Petronas-Towers_WM.jpg Frenzied Skies On our very first night in Malaysia, we were lucky enough to have a severe electrical storm move over the city center at blue hour. The lightning was striking across the sky in rapid succession with thunder shaking the ground. My work is often focused on more natural scenes, but I've always found cityscapes beautiful and interesting in their own way. It's a  human landscape, but a landscape nonetheless. Kuala Lumpur in particular, is a city I've always wanted to see and photograph. The Petronas Towers dominate the skyline, rising almost 1500 ft into the sky. From 1998 until 2004 they were the tallest buildings in the world. Still, today, they are the tallest twin towers on the planet. I personally think they are one of the most beautiful skyscrapers in the world. Kuala Lumpur really comes alive at night. It's a beautiful spectacle when the lights come on, and the lightning really added something special to this scene.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Petronas Towers - Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia https://www.natezeman.com/photo/millennium-bridge/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0695_NZ_Millenium_Bridge_WM.jpg Bankside Millennium Bridge, a modern day pedestrian bridge spans the River Thames and connects in line directly to St. Pauls Cathedral in the City of London. Here at this iconic view, new meets old. The silky water and sky are due to a long exposure of about 13 minutes.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Millennium Bridge - St Pauls Cathedral - River Thames - London, UK https://www.natezeman.com/photo/silent-winter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0694_NZ_Silent_Winter.jpg Silent Winter In an aspen forest insulated from sound by heavy snowfall, the only noise I could hear was the pattering of snowflakes off of my jacket. I realized I wasn't alone when I spotted this lone mule deer buck standing perfectly still looking back at me. A few moments went by as we both remained equally motionless and silent. Then, presumably once the deer realized I wasn't a threat to him, he continued on his way silently and expertly camouflaged through the woods.Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-king/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0693_NZ_The_King_WM.jpg The King Kingfishers are incredibly fast birds. Generally you only get a quick look at them in the form of a bright blue streak flashing past. They are even faster when hunting, which makes getting an image like this so difficult. I was lucky enough to find a kingfisher who had been fishing in the same general area for a few weeks. I spent many many hours and many days waiting and attempting to get a shot of this magnificent bird coming out of the water with a fish. The common kingfisher is only about the size of a sparrow, and the entire process of diving from a perch and catching a fish takes less than a second. Attempting to judge where it will hit the water and capture the image before the moment is over is very tricky. I came away with hundreds of images of a blue blur, hundreds more where I misjudged the timing completely. This shot was taken in an entirely natural environment. There was no baiting tactics used, which is often the case with photos you see of kingfishers hunting. Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Eurasian Kingfisher (Albedo atthis) River Ver - United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/buachaille_etive_mor/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0692_Buachaille_Etive_Mr_WM.jpg Buachaille Etive Mòr The Pyramid-like shape of Buchaille Etive Mòr makes it one of Scotland's most recognizable mountains. I shot this image in black and white to really emphasize the moodiness of this stormy day in the Scottish Highlands. The river was running quite dry this day, but the incoming storm which was carrying heavy rain and snow was sure to replenish this beautiful series of cascades.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Buachaille Etive Mòr - Glen Etive - Scottish Highlands - Scotland, UK https://www.natezeman.com/photo/1894/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/A63A9432.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/1893/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/A63A9433.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/glen-coe/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0691_NZ_Glen_Coe.jpg The Three Sisters A fresh dusting of snow sits high above two of the famous Three Sisters of Glen Coe (Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh). Glen Coe is one of the most spectacularly beautiful areas in the Scottish Highlands. These mountains have volcanic origins dating back hundreds of millions of years. The area was carved by glaciers from the last ice age creating this stunning landscape.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art: Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Three Sisters (Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh) - Glen Coe - Scottish Highlands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/kingfisher/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0690_NZ_Kingfisher_WM.jpg Kingfisher The brilliantly colored Eurasian Kingfisher patiently surveys the river below, looking for his next meal. Isolated through my telephoto lens, the electric blue and orange bird stands out in stark contrast to its surroundings. In reality kingfishers blend in quite well, and their small size and speed of flight makes them a very difficult subject to find and photograph. Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Eurasian Kingfisher (Albedo atthis) River Ver - United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/corfe-castle/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0689_NZ_Corfe_Castle_WM.jpg Fortress in the Sky The ruins of a medieval fortress rise through thick fog at sunrise in the Purebeck Hills. Corfe Castle was built by William the Conquerer soon after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The hilltop site of the castle was a strategically important location, chosen to guard the gap, the only natural route through the Purebeck Hills in Southern England. Corfe Castle stood for centuries, but was finally destroyed in a siege during the English Civil War in 1645. There would have been countless amazing sunrises seen by these walls, which have stood for almost a thousand years. I'm happy to have seen one in my short lifetime.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Corfe Castle - Isle of Purebeck -Dorset - United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/wings/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0688_NZ_Calatrava_WM.jpg Wings milwaukee Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices Milwaukee Art Museum Calatrava - Milwaukee, Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/highlander/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0687_NZ_Highlander_wm.jpg Highlander The highland cattle originated in the Highlands of Scotland. With an unusually long coat of fur, these furry beasts are perfectly suited to overwinter in the harsh conditions of the Scottish Highlands. These unique animals are quintessentially Scottish and can often be seen dotting the countryside.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices Highland Cattle - Isle of Skye - Scotland https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-quiraing/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0686_NZ_The_Quiraing_WM.jpg The Quiraing Sunrise illuminates the stunning landscape of The Quiraing looking out towards the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices The Quiraing - Isle of Skye - Scotland https://www.natezeman.com/photo/precipice/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0685_NZ_Precipice_WM.jpg Precipice The dramatic outflow of the nearby Loch Mealt ends in a 55 meter (180 ft) drop to the rock laden seashore below. The vertical basalt columns of the appropriately named Kilt Rock lies in the background of this incredible scene on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye.  Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock - Isle of Skye - Scotland https://www.natezeman.com/photo/light-on-the-horizon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0684_NZ_Light_On_The_Horizon_WM.jpg The Light on the Horizon Atop a cliff edge of the westerly most point of the Isle of Skye sits the Neist Point Lighthouse. The picturesque beacon has been standing here since 1909. Expecting the worst but hoping for the best, I set up my tripod on the cliffside above in howling wind and rain. The weather in this part of the world is anything but predictable and conditions were changing from minute to minute. Just as the sun was ready to set, a small sliver of clear sky on the horizon allowed the warm sunset light to filter through the scene. A small band of heavy rain blew past me and directly over the tip of the point. For a brief moment the rain caught the sun and the whole scene exploded with color. It lasted only a matter of seconds, but it was some of the most amazing light I've been lucky enough to capture.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices Neist Point Lighthouse - Isle of Skye - Scotland https://www.natezeman.com/photo/red-hart/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0683_NZ_Red_Hart_WM.jpg Red Hart The heart of a major city is not the place one would imagine to have a run in with a massive red deer stag, but in London's Richmond Park you will find them in abundance. In fact, deer play a major part in the history of the Royal Park. Henry VIII had a palace here in the 1500's  where he hunted on the nearby land. A century later Charles I established the park as a royal hunting ground. Today the large herds of deer still roam the 2500 acre park. When you walk through the gates of Richmond Park you are immediately absorbed by the open grasslands and ancient trees, quickly forgetting you are surrounded on all sides by a major city. On this foggy autumn morning in the park a large male deer posed for me amongst the ferns.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices Red Deer Stag - Richmond Park - London - United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/on-the-range/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0682_NZ_On_The_Range_WM.jpg On The Range A herd of American Bison slowly move across the sagebrush flats below the Teton range. It's autumn and as the leaves drop from the trees the temperatures begin to plummet. Soon winter will arrive, bringing sub-zero temperatures and snow along with it.  Bison are perfectly adapted to survive the harsh conditions they will face. Their massive heads and necks are used to uncover grasses by sweeping away heavy snowpack.   Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices American Bison (Bison bison) Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/jewel-of-the-adriatic/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0681_NZ_Jewel_of_the_Adriatic_WM.jpg Jewel of the Adriatic The Dalmatian Coast is dotted with beautiful cities and villages whose red roofed buildings are met by the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. A drive along the Coast of Croatia culminates at the Old City of Dubrovnik. This city, so  rich in history and culture has been sitting like a jewel in the sea for many centuries. And if that doesn't interest you, this is also the filming location for King's Landing in Game of Thrones Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Dubrovnik Old City - Dubrovnik, Croatia https://www.natezeman.com/photo/old-city-of-dubrovnik/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0680_NZ_Old_City_of_Dubrovnik_WM.jpg Old City of Dubrovnik Seen from the city walls the famous red roofs of the old city of Dubrovnik stand in stark contrast to the shimmering blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. The Old City is situated within the thick defensive city walls which have fortified the inhabitants for many centuries. Dubrovnik is a city rich in history. Dubrovnik's prosperity originated in its early days through maritime trade. The city has seen many changes over the centuries including wars and natural disasters. A devastating earthquake in 1667 destroyed most of the city, killing more than 5,000 people. Hundreds of years later, in 1991 Dubrovnik was subjected to heavy artillery shelling from the Serbs. The siege of Dubrovnik lasted 7 months and destroyed much of the historic town once again. The city was quickly rebuilt and restored to its former glory. You can see the extent of the damage by looking at the red roofs in this photo. The brighter roofs are structures rebuilt after the shelling with the duller colored roofs being the original undamaged structures. Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options Sizes and Prices: Dubrovnik Old City - Dubrovnik, Croatia https://www.natezeman.com/photo/stair-most-twilight/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0679-NZ-Stari-Most-Mostar-BiH.jpg Bridge over the Neretva Blue hour arrives in one of the most amazing cities I've ever had the chance to photograph. Urbanization of Mostar, in Bosnia and Herzegovina began in 1468 when it came under Ottoman rule. A century later, In 1557, during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent, construction began on the Old Bridge (Stari Most) to replace its unstable wooden predecessor. Upon its completion it was the widest man made arch in the world. It is considered one of the most exemplary pieces of islamic architecture in the Balkans. The Stari Most stood for 427 years before being completely destroyed on November 9th, 1993 during the Bosnian War. Mostar was the most heavily bombed of any city during the war, and repeated shelling destroyed most of the old city. The Stari Most was rebuilt in 2004 using  the same materials and technologies as the original bridge with Ottoman construction techniques. Today Mostar is a vibrant and beautiful city. A vast difference from my childhood memories of newscasts from the war. Still,  when walking the city streets, the reminders of the bloody war are all around. Bullet riddled, and destroyed buildings are still intermixed with the restored structures. The scars from the war I'm sure are still fresh to the people of Mostar, but this is most certainly a city on the mend which has made an incredible comeback. It is truly one of the most beautiful cities I've been lucky enough to visit and photograph.  PURCHASE PRINTS and WALL ART  Print Options Sizes and Prices: Stari Most - Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://www.natezeman.com/photo/plitvice-cascades/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0678_NZ_Plitvice_Lakes_WM.jpg Plitvice Cascades Hidden in the mountainous karst area of central Croatia is a true natural wonder. A chain of sixteen impossibly blue lakes are formed through confluences of above ground and subterranean rivers. Natural travertine dams separate the crystal clear lakes with beautiful cascading waterfalls interconnecting them. Plitvice is also habitat for brown bears, wolves, lynx and many other rare and intriguing animals.  PURCHASE PRINTS and WALL ART  Print Options Sizes and Prices: Plitvice Lakes National Park - Croatia https://www.natezeman.com/photo/westminster/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0677_NZ_Westminster_Bridge_WM.jpg Westminster The Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster is unmistakably London.  The official name of the structure itself is "Elizabeth Tower" but is more commonly known as "Big Ben." Big ben is actually the name of the bell inside the clocktower. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options Sizes and Prices Houses of Parliament - Big Ben - Westminster Bridge - London, England, UK https://www.natezeman.com/photo/great-egret/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0678_NZ_Great_Egret_WM.jpg Great Egret I captured this portrait of a great egret as it walked along the waters edge. The aqua blue waters of the Florida Keys served as a perfect backdrop. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options Sizes and Prices: Great Egret (Ardea alba) - Key West, Florida https://www.natezeman.com/photo/antelope-canyon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0676_NZ_Sliver_of_Light_WM.jpg Sliver of Light If one ever needed convincing that mother nature is an artist, a trip to Upper Antelope Canyon would suffice.  It's hard to imagine that this slot canyon has been sculpted by only wind, water, sand and time. When experiencing this place in person, I thought to myself that a team of master sculptors with access to all the tools and artificial lighting they needed could not create something so beautiful. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options Sizes and Prices: Upper Antelope Canyon - Navajo Nation - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/white-sands/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0675_White_Sands.jpg White Sands White Sands is a photographers playground. At any time of day, in almost any light there is something interesting to point your camera at. The pure white gypsum dunes stretch to the horizon. It's a place that looks like nothing you've seen before. Sunset was especially beautiful on this evening. The sky was a deep inky blue and the clouds began to transform into brilliant fireballs of pink as the sun got lower on the horizon. I was drawn to this particular composition and really wanted to capture something quite minimalist and graphic, focusing on the  contrast of the pure white waves of sand and the colorful sky.  White Sands National Monument - New Mexico https://www.natezeman.com/photo/navajo-skies/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0674_Monument_Valley_Sunset.jpg Navajo Skies A passing storm leaves behind a colorful sunset over Monument Valley. Monument Valley - Navajo Nation - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/time-tested/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0673_NZ_Time_Tested_WM.jpg Time Tested A dilapidated iron skeleton is all that remains of Brighton's "West Pier". The West Pier thrived from its opening in 1866 through its closing in 1975. Millions walked the wooden promenades and enjoyed the fresh ocean air. The pier, which included a concert hall, fun fair and tearoom to name a few, was full of activity.  Since its eventual closing, the West Pier has slowly given way to the relentless elements of the seaside. Wind, water and fires have all contributed to the pier's demise. I find what remains to be quite beautiful, and thought a very long exposure would be suiting to this once great structure that has been tested by time.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Brighton West Pier - Brighton, East Sussex - England - UK https://www.natezeman.com/photo/kiva/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0672_Spruce_Tree_House_Kiva.jpg Sacred Light Ancestral Puebloans built Spruce Tree House around A.D. 1200.  It was re-discovered in 1888, and is the third largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park. This Cliff Dwelling housed somewhere around 60 to 80 people. This is a view from inside one of the 8 Kivas found at Spruce Tree House. Kivas are subterranean structures that were most likely used for spiritual ceremonies. Spruce Tree House Kiva - Mesa Verde National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/elephant-trunk/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0671_Elephant_Trunk.jpg Trunk The most distinguising feature of an elephant has to be its trunk. Thousands of muscles in this unique appendage make it incredibly versatile and an invaluable tool in the elephants day to day life. Breathing, smelling, drinking, grasping and sound making are just some of the tasks the trunk is capable of performing. They can lift an incredible amount of weight and just as easily perform delicate tasks with the precision of a surgeon. Here, an endangered Sri Lankan elephant plucks branches from tree and rolls it into its mouth.  Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) - Yala National Park - Sri Lanka https://www.natezeman.com/photo/white-tailed-deer-snow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0670_NZ_White_Tailed_Deer_in_Snow_WM.jpg White-Tailed Deer in Snow White Tailed Deer in SnowPurchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options Sizes and Prices: White - Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/aspen-abstract-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0669_Aspen_Abstract.jpg Aspen Abstract A slight movement of the camera combined with a slow shutter speed gives this photograph a painterly take on a grove of aspen trees in fall.  Aspen Trees - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/washington-monument/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0668_Washington_Monument.jpg Washington Monument I took this photo of the Washington Monument on a muggy summer evening. The sun had long since set and the sky was an amazing deep inky shade of blue. The Washington Monument is the tallest stone structure in the world. At the time of its completion it was the tallest structure in the world until it was surpassed by the Eiffel Tower. Washington Monument - Washington DC - USA https://www.natezeman.com/photo/0667_pier/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0667_NZ_Time_Goes_By_WM.jpg Time Goes By A super long exposure renders the surly winter seas around the remains of a victorian era pier flat and calm. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options Sizes and Prices: Swanage Old Pier - Swanage, Dorset, England - UK https://www.natezeman.com/photo/smoky-mountain-autumn/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0666_Smokies_Red_Trees.jpg Smoky Mountain Autumn Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States. The majority of the park is comprised of deciduous forest, much of which is old growth. Over 100 species of native trees can be found within the park's boundaries. Beyond the incredible variety of plant and tree life that can be found here, the Smoky Mountains are also home to many species of mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The smokies most famous inhabitants are the sizeable population of black bears, which are often spotted in the forest and meadows. The most spectacular time to visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park is in the fall when the huge swaths of forests show an amazing tapestry of autumn colors in their foliage. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tennessee https://www.natezeman.com/photo/arches-reflection/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0665_NZ_Arches_Reflection_WM.jpg Arches Reflection An overnight storm in Arches National Park leaves behind a rare oasis of water in the potholes below two of the parks most iconic landmarks.  The Three Gossips (left) and The Organ (right) rise high into the air as the first rays of sunlight transforms the red sandstone towers with a fiery orange glow.Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options, Sizes and Prices: Three Gossips and The Organ - Arches National Park - Moab - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sacred-skies/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0664_NZ_Monument_Valley_Light_WM.jpg Sacred Skies The "East Mitten" of Monument Valley is briefly bathed in a sunset spotlight as storm clouds roll over the desert. I've been to and photographed Monument Valley many times over the years, with varying degrees of success. Like most landscape photographs, success relies heavily on weather and light,  and this day was no exception. This day started out like most do in the desert... sunny and dry. To my delight a storm began to roll in just as the sun was setting. The strong winds overhead kept the clouds moving quickly, allowing the warm sunlight to peek in and out which created amazing light patterns across the valley. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options Prices and Sizes: Monument Valley - Navajo Nation - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/arlington-row/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0663_NZ_Arlington_Row_WM.jpg Arlington Row The Arlington Row cottages in the small rural village of Bibury, situated in the Gloucesterchire Cotswolds are some of the most idyllic homes you will ever lay eyes on. Built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, they were converted into weavers' cottages in the 17th century. The cottages which are still in use are among the oldest habitable buildings in all of Britain.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Arlington Row - Bibury - Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/blue-waters/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0662_NZ_Blue_Waters_WM.jpg Blue Waters  Water, wind and light stir a pallete of amazing blue of the Cornish coast. Shot from high above on a clifftop, I really enjoyed studying the backlit waves rolling in. Each one different from the next.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options Prices and Sizes: Porthtowan - Cornwall - United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/everglades-egret/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0661_NZ_Big_Cypress_Egret_WM.jpg Big Cypress Egret More than 700,000 acres of swamp bordering the Everglades are protected by the Big Cypress Preserve. This amazing ecosystem hosts an incredible variety of flora and fauna including alligators, snakes, a vast array of bird life, and the elusive florida panther. Here, on a foggy morning deep in the swamp a great egret perches atop a dwarf cypress tree.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options Sizes and Prices: Great Egret (Ardea alba) - Big Cypress National Preserve - Everglades - Florida https://www.natezeman.com/photo/wisconsin-wonderland/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0660_Wisconsin_Wonderland.jpg Wisconsin Wonderland A white-tailed deer bounds through an open field of deep fresh snow. The storm ended and a beautiful world covered in white was revealed. The scene was seemingly colorless as this color photograph which appears to be in black and white attests to.  White-Tailed Deer - Erin, Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/river-in-the-clouds/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0659_Rainforest_River.jpg River in the Clouds The verdant cloud forests surrounding Tenorio Volcano are home to a vast array of plant and animal life. Toucans, sloths, monkeys and so many other creatures that Costa Rica is famous for thrive in this rainforest habitat. If you're extremely lucky you may spot some of the very elusive animals of the jungle such as jaguars, ocelots, tapirs and pumas that call this place home.  Tenorio Volcano National Park - Guanacaste, Costa Rica https://www.natezeman.com/photo/jurassic-coast/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0658_Durdle_Door_NZ.jpg Jurassic Coast The magnificent limestone arch of Durdle Door on the southern coast of England as seen on an amazingly windy and stormy day. I decided to shoot in black and white and do A super long exposure (about 3 minutes), to really bring the mood out the in this scene.  Durdle Door - Dorset, Engand - UK https://www.natezeman.com/photo/waipoo-falls/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0657_Waimea_Canyon.jpg Waipo'o Falls Waipo'o Falls Cascades 800 ft into Waimea Canyon. Often Called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea was created by the extreme rainfall that occurs on the island of Kauai. Nearby Mt. Wai'ale'ale feeds into the Waimea River and is considered one of the wettest places on earth, averaging some 450 inches of rain per year.  Waipo'o Falls - Waimea Canyon - Kauai, Hawaii https://www.natezeman.com/photo/grand-moonset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0655_Grand_Teton_Moonset.jpg Grand Moonset The full super moon sets behind the 13,775 foot peak of Grand Teton in Grand Teton National Park Supermoon - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/american-bison-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0653_Bison_Autumn.jpg American Bison American Bison American Bison (Bison bison) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/lighting-over-deadhorse-point/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0652_Dead_Horse_Point_Lightning.jpg Canyon Thunder Lightning strikes as a strong autumn storm rolls over the Colorado River and the vast red canyonlands 2000 ft below Dead Horse Point. Water is the lifeblood of the desert and it is extremely scarce here. The plants and animals have all adapted to live in this harsh environment. Most, have unique ways to survive where most life cannot. Water in the desert doesnt just sustain life, but also is the dominant factor in the carving and shaping of this natural masterpiece over hundreds of millions of years.  Lightning Strike - Dead Horse Point State Park - Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/st-pauls/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0651_St_Pauls_Millenium_Bridge_London_NZ.jpg Millenium Bridge and St Paul's Millenium bridge, a modern day pedestrian bridge spans the river Thames. Perfectly framed on the other side is St. Paul's Cathedral, making a perfect contrast between the new and the old.  St Paul's Cathedral from Millennium Bridge - London, England https://www.natezeman.com/photo/clearing-fog/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0648_Dallas_Divide_Close_NZ.jpg Clearing Fog An overnight storm which left the high mountain peaks of the sneffels range covered in a fresh layer of snow burns off in the late morning sun, revealing a stunning pallete of autumn colors in the valley below.  Dallas Divide - Sneffels Range - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/iridescence/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0647_peacock_pano.jpg Iridescence Although the peacock has been introduced to many locations around the world, they are only native to to the Indian subcontinent and the island nation of Sri Lanka. Peacocks are one of the largest flying birds, and their large extravagant feathers, which are used in courtship are unmistakeable. Indian Peafowl - Peacock - Yala National Park - Sri Lanka https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-867/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Presentation_Options_Print.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/blue-moon-over-milwaukee/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Blue_Moon_NZ.jpg Blue Moon over Milwaukee The blue moon, illuminated red by the setting sun, rises over Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse.  Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse - Lake Michigan - Milwaukee Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sunset-kebler-pass/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0645_Kebler_Pass_NZ.jpg Beckwith Sunset The freshly snowcapped peaks of East Beckwith Mountain briefly reveal themselves amidst a stunning autumn sunset.  Kebler Pass - East Beckwith Mountain- West Elk Mountains - Gunnison ntl Forest https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mount-rushmore/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0645_Mt_Rusmore_NZ.jpg Mount Rushmore Mt Rushmore - Keystone, South Dakota https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dallas-divide-snow-nz/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0644_Dallas_Divide_Snow_NZ.jpg Colorful Colorado A fresh blanket of autumn snow makes a beautiful contrast to the stunning fall colors in the Colorado Rockies.  Dallas Divide - Sneffels Range - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cap-de-formentor-nz/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0643_NZ_Road_to_Formentor_WM.jpg The Road to Formentor A long winding road leads you to the very tip of the Cap De Formentor on the island of Mallorca. At the terminus, a beacon shines high on the sheer cliffs almost 700 feet above the Mediterranean Sea. This is the Formentor Lighthouse. Long after the sun has set, the sea, sky and land blend into various shades of blue. A lone warm streak of lights from a car slithers its way down the serpentine road, captured through a long exposure. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options, Sizes and Prices: Formentor Lighthouse - Cap De Formentor - Island of Mallorca, Spain https://www.natezeman.com/photo/kebler-pass-aspens/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0463_Kebler_Pass_Aspens.jpg Kebler Pass Aspens Kebler Pass - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/grand-prismatic-spring/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0641_Grand_Prismatic_Spring.jpg Grand Prismatic Grand Prismatic Grand Prismatic Spring - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/bear-in-fog/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0640_Bear_in_Fog.jpg Fog on the Flats A brown bear keeps its nose to the ground in search of a bounty of food. At low tide, bears make their way onto the tidal flats and gorge on clams hidden beneath the surface. The bear's incredible sense of smell easily locates the clams, and a swift swipe of its massive paw unearths it. Unbelievably these massive predators can then pry open the shell and extract the clam with surgical like precision. The protein from clams, and from the salmon that will run later in the summer are the primary reasons brown bears grow to be so large in this part of Alaska.  Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/bluebells/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0639_Dockey_Wood_Bluebells.jpg Bluebells This is a landscape that must be seen to be believed. In Spring, thick carpets of bluebells contrast with the vibrant greens of new leaves. This riot of color transforms this normally unassuming forest into something quite magical, like something out of a fairy tale.  Berkhamstead, England https://www.natezeman.com/photo/chestnut-mandibled-toucan/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0638_Chestnut_-Mandibled_-Toucan.jpg Chestnut Mandibled Toucan A chestnut mandibled toucan gently plucks a berry from a tree with its vivid oversized beak. Chestnut - mandibled toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) Arenal, Costa Rica https://www.natezeman.com/photo/willow-flats/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0631_Willow_Flats.jpg Willow Flats Long morning shadows stretch across willow flats below the mighty Teton Range. It's autumn in the Tetons and life is in a flurry of activity. The haunting sounds of bugling elk resonate through the valley. Trees are quickly changing colors. The willows have gone from vibrant shades of green to warm autumn reds and oranges. The jagged peaks of the Tetons will soon be coated in their first dusting of snow. Bears are foraging for food, getting ready for their long winters nap. In the blink of an eye this will be a quiet and frozen world, largely dormant for the winter months. Autumn comes and goes quickly in this part of the world, but for these few brief weeks, nature is at its most grand. Willow Flats - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/blue-smokies/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0630_Blue_Smokies.jpg Blue Smokies Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tennessee https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-827/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_2015_Bee_Eater.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-826/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_2015_Sand_Dunes.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-825/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_2015_Tunnel_View.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/barn-owl-in-flight/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0635_Barn_Owl_Flight.jpg Barn Owl in Flight The setting sun bathes a soaring barn owl in beautiful warm light, highlighting its intricate feather details as it silently surveys a large meadow.  Barn Owl (Tyto alba) Hertfordshire - England - United Kingdom https://www.natezeman.com/photo/kalalau-valley/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0634_Kalalau_Valley.jpg Kalalau Valley The view of the Kalalau valley from the Pu'u O Kila lookout is surely one of the most magnificent views in all of the Hawaiian Islands.  A steep dirt ridge drops quickly to the pristine blue waters of the Pacific ocean 4'000 feet below. This verdant landscape in northwest Kauai is part of the rugged and beautiful Na Pali Coast.  Kalaua Valley - Kauai - Hawaii https://www.natezeman.com/photo/trafalgar-square/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0624_Trafalgar_Square.jpg Trafalgar Square Big Ben from Trafalgar Square in London | Exclusive Limited Edition of 250 | Trafalgar Square - Westminster - London, England https://www.natezeman.com/photo/hawaiian-monk-seal/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0623_Monk_Seal_NZ.jpg Hawaiian Monk Seal A Hawaiian monk seal rests on the warm sand beaches on the north shore of Kauai. Hawaiian monk seals are one of the few seal species to inhabit tropical waters. I was lucky enough to spot this individual swimming in the shallow blue water on a beautiful late morning. I sat and watched it swim and the seal eventually hauled itself out onto the beach right in front of me. I was careful not to disturb it and grabbed my biggest lens to capture a few images of this incredibly rare creature and then I retreated to observe it from a distance. These warm water seals have inhabited the Hawaiian Islands for millions of years, but due to many factors these animals numbers are dwindling and this is a species on the brink. Classified as critically endangered, and down to only 1100 individuals in the wild, the Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered animals on earth. Conservation efforts for the monk seal are considerable but the population numbers are still on the decline. Things are not looking good for these amazing warm water mammals, but with more awareness, more scientific study and more conservation effort it's hopefully not too late for these beautiful animals. Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) - Kauai - Hawaii https://www.natezeman.com/photo/pinnacle/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0622_Wilson_Peak_Snow.jpg Pinnacle The summit of Wilson Peak briefly reveals itself as high clouds move across the San Miguel Range near Telluride Colorado. Wilson Peak, not to be mistaken with the nearby Mount Wilson, tops out at an elevation of 14,023 feet (4274m). A fresh blanket of fall snow coats the magnificent valley below.  Wilson Peak - San Juan Mountains - Telluride, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/collared-aracari/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0621_Collared_Aracari.jpg Collared Aracari The collared aracari is one of the most brilliantly colored birds in the toucan family. Their enormous serrated bill can be nearly half the length of the aracari's entire body. The large bill is unwieldy looking, but is actually made up of bone struts filled with a spongy keratin, making it very lightweight.    Collared Aracari - (Pteroglossus torquatus) - Tenorio Volcano - Costa Rica https://www.natezeman.com/photo/learning-the-ropes/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0620_Sloth_and_Baby_NZ.jpg Learning the Ropes A three toed sloth rests comfortably in a tree as her adventurous baby tests its climbing skills on a precariously small branch. Sloths are mysterious creatures. They sleep up to 20 hours a day, and even when awake they stay mainly motionless. Their bodies are designed for lazy life in the forest canopies of Central and South America. Long claws and strong arms give them the grip necessary for live upside down. Sloths are the slowest mammals on the planet, so slow that green algae grows on the wirey fur of the adults. The sloths life revolves around sleeping and eating, they also have what appears to be a permanent smile on their face, which is why I think many find this animal so endearing. I've been fascinated with sloths for a long time and on my trip to Costa Rica I was really hoping to capture an image of one in the wild. Photographing sloths offers a multitude of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is simply finding them. While they are quite common, they typically remain motionless high in the forest canopy, which can make spotting them extremely difficult. If you're lucky enough to spot one, photographing them is still very hard simply because they so rarely move. Mostly when you spot a sloth you see a ball of fur and that's about it. Another big challenge is having to shoot through dense jungle. Leaves, vines and branches more often than not block your line of sight. With all these challenges taken into consideration I feel very lucky to have had such a great moment in the forest with these wonderful creatures. I felt very privileged to be able to witness these intimate moments between a mother and her baby in the wild. Baby sloths typically stay attached to their mom at all times clinging to their bellies. Before I knew it this tenacious little one was clmbing out onto a very skinny branch completely seperated from the saftey of mom. She didn't seem too worried, though and spent much of the time sleeping. Soon the baby grew tired and climbed back into its mothers arms and she wrapped themselves into a ball and went back to sleep.  Brown-Throated Sloth and Baby (Bradypus variegatus) - Punta Quepos, Costa Rica https://www.natezeman.com/photo/black-bear-in-sage/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0619_Black_Bear_Sage_NZ.jpg Black Bear in Sage A large black bear moves with purpose through a rainy sage meadow in Grand Teton National Park.   American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-793/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Wild50_700_NZ.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-792/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Wild50_700_NZ_2.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rio-celeste/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0618_Rio_Celeste_Waterfall.jpg Blue Eden Deep inside the cloud forest of Tenorio Volcano National Park runs the Rio Celeste, one of Costa Rica's most impressive and curious natural wonders. The impossible blue color of the river is due to a simple chemical reaction. Sulphur emitted from volcanic activity below mixes with calcium carbonate, giving Rio Celeste this otherworldly look. The turqouise river twists and turns through emerald green rainforest, at one point dropping over an impressive waterfall.  Rio Celeste - Tenorio Volcano National Park - Costa Rica https://www.natezeman.com/photo/na-pali-coast/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0617_Na_Pali_Coast_NZ.jpg Nā Pali Coast The Na Pali Coast on the north shore of Kauai is a very special place. It is surely one of the most beautiful pieces of coastline on the planet. Emerald green volcanic mountains rise 4,000 feet above the turqouise blue water of the Pacific Ocean. Heavy rainfall runs from the mountain tops, carving the sharp ridges of this magic landscape. The pristine beaches are completely protected by sea caves which are formed by the constant surge of waves. This treacherous 15 miles of coast, cliffs, beaches and waterfalls is largley inaccessible. The best way to truely capture the grandeur of the Na Pali Coast is from the birds eye view, which in this case required a helicopter   Kauai, Hawaii https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-791/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Links_Twitter_Button.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-790/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Links_Instagram_Button.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-789/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Links_GooglePlus_Button.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-788/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Links_Facebook_Button.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-787/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Link_500px_Button.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-786/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0616_Smokies_River.jpg Autumn on the Little River Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects one of the largest old growth forests in North America. This is also one of the rainiest places in the contiguous United States outside of the Pacific Northwest. The combination of elevation, old growth forests and huge amounts of rainfall make the smokies an amazingly rich biological habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals, including the densest black bear population east of the Mississipi. In fall the landscape of the Smokies transforms into an amazing tapestry of autumn colors.  Little River - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Tennessee https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mcclure-pass-aspens/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0615_McClure_Pass_Aspens.jpg McClure Pass Aspens A grove of aspen trees show their impressive fall colors on a rainy late September day. McClure Pass - Gunnison National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-784/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_WSR_Awards_NZ_700_2.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-782/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Wilderness_Forever_Slideshow_2.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-781/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Wilderness_Forever_Slideshow_1.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/keel-billed-toucan/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0620_NZ_Keel_Billed_Toucan_WM.jpg Keel Billed Toucan The vibrant rainbow colorings of the keel billed toucan stand out against the lush Costa Rican rainforest. These toucans have one of the most colorfol and distinctive beaks in the world and while it may look cumbersome and awkward, the beak is actually very light and is suprisingly dexterous. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options, Sizes and Prices: Keel Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus) Arenal Volcano National Park - Costa https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-778/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Yahoo_Hompeage_NZ_700.jpg Publications: Outdoor Photographer Magazine Backpacker Magazine Yahoo.com Home Page Weather Channel.com Home Page Nature’s Best Magazine Digital Camera Magazine Nature Photographer Magazine National Geographic (website) “No Words” (Book) “Photographic Visions” (Book) Summit Daily Newspaper   read feature article Epic Life Magazine Vail Resorts (Website) Breckenridge Resort (Website) CNN.com Tree Free Greeting Cards     Awards: Nature’s Best Winland Smith Rice Awards and Smithsonian Exhibition - Highly Honored   more info Natures Best Wilderness Forever Photo Contest - Highly Honored Landscape    more info "Yellowstone Forever" Global Photo Contest - Honorable Mention Outdoor Photographer Magazine 3rd Annual Nature’s Colors Photo Contest - Honorable Mention more info Islands Magazine Annual Photo Contest - Honorable Mention   Television: Photo Featured on NBC Nightly News   Achievments: Photos on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-777/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Yahoo_Homepage_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-776/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Summit_Daily_Feature_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-775/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Photographic_Visions_Book_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-774/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Outdoor_Photographer_Magazine_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-773/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Outdoor_Photographer_3_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-772/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Outdoor_Photographer_2_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-771/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_No_Words_Book_NZ_700-copy.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-770/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Natures_Best_Magazine_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-769/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Nature_Photographer_Magazine_5_700NZ.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-768/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Nature_Photographer_Magazine_4_700NZ.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-767/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Nature_Photographer_Magazine_3_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-766/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Nature_Photographer_Magazine_2_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-765/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Nature_Photographer_Magazine_1_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-764/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_National_Geographic_2_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-763/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_National_Geographic_1_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-761/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Epic_Life_Magazine_NZ._700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-759/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Digital_Camera_Magazine_NZ.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-758/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/AP_Backpacker_Magazine_NZ_700.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/twin-peaks/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0613_Sopris_Pano_Nate_Zeman.jpg Twin Peaks With a summit elevation of 12,965 feet, Mt. Sopris is a fairly moderate mountain in the Colorado Rockies. However, what this mountain lacks in sheer elevation it makes up for in vertical prominence. In terms of local relief Mt. Sopris is one of the largest peaks in Colorado, rising 6,400 feet from the valley below in just over 2 miles. It stands alone, a northern sentinal of the mighty Elk Range, dominating the skyline above the roaring fork valley.  Sopris is a twin peaked mountain comprising of East Sopris and West Sopris. Both peaks have identical elevations. This striking mountain was particularly beautiful on this cold fall morning. A fresh blanket of snow on the high peaks contrasted beautifully with the color of the dawn sky and the peak autumn colors in the valley below.  Mt Sopris - Elk Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/along-the-lakeshore/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0612_Moose_Maroon_Bells.jpg Along the Lakeshore Every once in a while it all comes together. Nature photography at its essence is a waiting game. You spend countless hours waiting around in all kinds of weather at times when sane people are still at home in their beds. Being out there in nature is reward enough, but if you play this waiting game long enough every once and a while you get rewarded in big ways. That was the case this particular morning on the shoreline of Maroon Lake. On a typical morning at the Maroon Bells during the peak of fall you will find photographers lining the shores of the lake hoping to catch the iconic view of Colorado's most famous fourteeners reflected in the crystal lake below. It was only a few days past peak this particular morning and when I arrived at the lakeshore I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was the only person there. I waited on the sunrise, but thick clouds prevented any spectacular sunrise light from appearing. I decided to walk further down the lakeshore where the aspens were still extremely vibrant. It was then that I spotted this bull moose walking at the waters edge in the distance. He was coming my way and I had only a few seconds to pick a spot to set up my shot. I backtracked a few steps to where there was more of a clearing and framed my shot. After that I just had to wait and hope he would walk through the scene. Luckily for me the moose didn't change course and walked right through the shot I had set up. Almost immediately after I tripped the shutter, he went way up the mountainside and disappeared into some willows to eat.   Bull Moose (Alces alces) - Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/shrine-pass/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0607_Shrine_Pass_Nate_Zeman.jpg Shrine Pass Indian paintbrush adds a splash of red to an already vibrant scene. Late evening clouds lazily float over The Gore Range in the distance. The landscape you're looking at spends most of its year hidden by heavy snowpack. There isn't much time between the spring meltoff and the new autumn snows, but during that brief reprieve the mountains reveal themselves in spectacular fashion.  | Exclusive Limited Edition of 250 | Shrine Pass - White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/green-bee-eater/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0606_Green_Bee_Eater_Nate_Zeman.jpg Green Bee Eater A green bee eater perches on a branch in the thick Sri Lankan forest.  Green Bee Eater - (Merops orientalis) - Yala National Park - Sri Lanka https://www.natezeman.com/photo/summer/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0606_Summer.jpg Summer Summer is in full swing in the Rocky Mountains. Cotton candy clouds soak up the last rays of sunlight. Wildflowers are abundant this time of year. Small creeks are still running with snowmelt from the previous winter. Summer moves fast at this elevation. Blink and you might miss it.  | Exclusive Limited Edition of 250 | Loveland Pass - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/spirit-of-the-west-/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Mustangs_Nate_Zeman.jpg Spirit of the West Nothing embodies the spirit of the American West quite like the mustang. The ancestors of these wild horses were introduced here centuries ago by Spanish Conquistadors, and later used by Native Americans, cowboys, settlers, explorers and others. Many generations later, these  horses have become wild and roam the great expanses of the west. Debate rages though,  as to whether these majestic horses deserve a place in the wild at all. Today, free roaming mustangs are offered very little in the way of protection. Make no mistake, these are wild animals, but  they were introduced here and not native. Therefore they are not  given the same level of protection as a native wild animal. Mustangs must compete with free grazing livestock on the the same public land they were given as refuge.  The horses have been pushed into some of the most remote and inhospitable land in the country, but they are extremely hardy creatures and can survive here where most animals cannot. Sadly, the fate of wild horses in America remains in jeopardy. I for one wouldn't want to see an America where mustangs don't roam freely. Without these horses the west could have never been settled. Their contribution to American heritage has earned them their right to live and roam here freely. I hope they carry on the legend of their ancestors for many centuries to come.   Mustangs - Northwest Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/tapestry/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0604_Aspens_and_Snow.jpg Tapestry Fresh October snow highlights an exceptionally colorfol grove of aspen trees. Aspens typically turn from green to a golden yellow in autumn, but it's not entirely uncommon to see shades of orange and even deep reds.  | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/desert-bloom/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0603_Desert_Bloom_Nate_Zeman.jpg Desert Bloom When the desert world of Arches National Park experiences a wet spring, visitors are treated to beautiful flower blooms. Here, rough mule's ear flowers add another splash of color to this already magnificently colored landscape. The giant monolith in the background is known as "The Organ" in the Courthouse Towers area of the park, and is one of the most recognizeable features in Arches.  <p The Organ - Arches National Park - Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/great-grey-hunter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0602_Great-_Grey_Hunter.jpg Great Grey Hunter A great grey owl keeps its eyes trained on the ground below, prepared to stealthily swoop down at a moments notice on its unsuspecting prey. Great Grey Owl - (Strix nebulosa) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/kotiya/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0604_Sri_Lankan_Leopard_Nate_Zeman.jpg Kotiya On the last day of our safari in Yala National Park I finally spotted the animal I was after. The elusive and endangered Sri Lankan Leopard. The late morning sun was just finding its way into the dense trees. When I first spotted the leopard, she had her head down and I thought I might miss the photo I was so hoping to capture on this trip. Luckily for me, she raised her head. I could see the warm sun in her eyes beaming back at me and I got off a few images before she stood up, stretched and found herself a shadier area to rest. It was a fairly brief encounter, but one I feel privileged to have witnessed and won't ever forget.    Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) - Yala NP -Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mandarin/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0609_Mandarin_Duck_Nate_Zeman.jpg Mandarin With all colors of the rainbow accounted for, the mandarin is surely one of the most magnificent looking ducks in the world. Although native to east Asia, mandarins have established a large population in Great Britain. I spotted this mandarin in the heart of London, floating along the serpentine in Hyde Park on a beautiful spring day. Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) - Hyde Park - London, England https://www.natezeman.com/photo/steadfast/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0608_Sri_Lanka_Outrigger_NateZeman.jpg Steadfast An outrigger canoe rests peacefully on a golden beach as the sun goes down over the Indian Ocean. Fishing is a way of life for many people in Sri Lanka. This way of life was all but obliterated in 2004 when the single worst tsunami in history came crashing ashore. Sri Lanka was the 2nd hardest hit nation. All told, tens of thousands of lives were lost and millions more displaced. Because of their proximity to the ocean, those in the fishing industry took the brunt of the damage. Lives, homes and the the island's entire fishing infrastructure were taken in an instant. Thousands of boats were destroyed. Reefs were damaged so badly fish didn't return for years. Evidence of the tsunami is still everywhere you look. I don't think I spoke with a single person who's life hadn't been affected by it in a major way. Sri Lanka has seen more than its fair share of hardships in recent years. A violent civil war that lasted a quarter of a century ended here in just 2009, 5 Years after the Tsunami hit. Still, people are doing what they need to do to survive here. The fortitude I saw in the faces and words of the people was quite extaordinary. Real grit. When walking the streets we were almost always greeted with a friendly hello or at the very least a big smile. One man even invited us into his home which had been destroyed in 2004. A decade later and hardly anything had been repaired. He shared stories of the tsunami with us over tea that his wife made. Certainly nothing they owed to us as tourists. I made this image on a particularly beautiful evening almost 9 years to the day since the Tsunami on Boxing Day of 2004. Outriggers like this now line the beaches again thanks to a boat donation program set up by a number of countries. This particular canoe was donated from Belgium, and read so in large white letters on the side. A symbol of gratitude from these people who are slowly getting back to life as usual. A lot of work needs to be done and much help is still needed here, but for me this boat, pulled up onto the beach for the night served as a symbol of the determination and toughness of the resilient people of Sri Lanka. Mahawaskaduwa, Kalutara, Sri Lanka https://www.natezeman.com/photo/life_from_above/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0609_Stilt_Fisherman.jpg Life From Above Hidden away in a small community on the southernmost point of the island nation of Sri Lanka resides a group of a few hundred men with a highly specialized method for catching fish. They are called stilt (or stick) fishermen, and they have been perfecting this craft for generations. Stilt fishermen are some of the poorest people on the island. Even the simple bamboo sticks they use as fishing rods are handed down from father to son. They spend their days precariously perched above the ocean on a wooden pole that has been anchored into the reef. With one hand they dangle their bamboo rods over the water, with the other they hold themselves up. No bait is used, but they are quite adept at catching the surprisingly small reef fish they are after. Stick fishing arose from neccesity. An unobtrusive method for harvesting the reef, that would not cause the fish to flee the reef entirely was needed. So they float above, catching the fish as if it was were a bird plucking its prey from the sea. For hours on end he will sit with great agility on his stilt, catching small fish and placing them in his bag. An entires day catch will hopefully be enough to fill all the mouths that need feeding. Sri Lankan Stick fishermen face an uncertain future. Stilt fishing was almost cast to the history books after the 2004 tsunami decimated the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. A civil war raged here for decades, and ended in just 2009. Now the country can begin to rebuild. It remains to be seen if there will be a place for these unique people in the years to come. The innevitable development of coastline property may leave them with nowhere to continue their craft. I hope that won't be the case. I just feel very privileged to witness and capture this beautiful way of life.  Stilt Fisherman -Kogalla, Sri Lanka https://www.natezeman.com/photo/gold/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0607_Aspen_Leaf.jpg Gold A lone aspen leaf, fallen on a forest road, catches the last soft rays of sunlight.    | Exclusive Limited Edition of 250 |     Uncompahgre National Forest - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/kiss-from-the-sun/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0605_Wilson_Peak_Pano.jpg Kiss from the Sun The Wilson Mesa area of Telluride Colorado has some of the world's greatest mountain scenery no matter what the season. To witness it in all of its glory though, one must visit during a small window of time in early October. The aspens turn to gold and the fourteen thousand foot mountains recieve their first major dusting of snow, altering the views in the valley into indescribeable scenes of natural beauty.  It was an incredibly crisp and cold morning when I made this image. Waiting for the first rays of sun to kiss the summit of Wilson Peak was a chilly endeavor. Happily for me the air was clear, the aspens were golden and when the light finally broke on this perfect autumn morning I was able to make the image I was hoping for.  Wilson Peak - San Juan Mountains - Telluride, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/phantom/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0605_Great_Grey_Owl.jpg Phantom From its forest perch, a stealthy hunter is keeping a close watch on the floor below. Anything that moves is likely to be detected. The great grey owl relies on its exceptional hearing to locate prey. Their large unmistakeable facial disc focuses sound to the owls ears, allowing it to precisely zero in on its prey. Once it has located a target,  the owl's silent flight aids in the pursuit. I observed this great grey for quite some time. I watched in amazement as it swooped from tree to tree in absolute silence. In terms of length these are the largest owls in the world, but it is their keen senses and silent flight that makes the grey ghost such a succesful hunter. Owls have piqued the interest of the engineering community, who study their feathers and wings to better understand how they can move through the air so quietly, hoping to apply natures amazing technology to man made things like airplanes and submarines.    Great Grey Owl - (Strix nebulosa) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/coast-guard/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0604_Grey_Seals.jpg Coast Guard It was a great privilege to get such an up close look at an animal that spends most of its life out to sea. For just a few weeks in late fall, pregnant females come ashore by the thousands in Donna Nook. Here they will give birth, fatten their newborn pups with milk, mate again, and head back out to sea. I was fortunate enough this day to see five seals give birth right in front of me. Mother and pup must establish a bond immediately or the pup will be abandoned. This particular pup is a couple of weeks old and and has a silky white coat of dense fur to get it through it's first weeks of life. Soon it will shed its fur for an adult coat and will set out to sea to fend for itself.  Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) - Donna Nook - Lincolnshire - England https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-majesty/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0603_Maroon_Bells.jpg Autumn Majesty There isn't much to say about the Maroon Bells that can't be summed up in a photograph. It's simply one of the best mountain views there is. When you factor in the Bell's easy accessibilty it's not hard to see why this is one of the most photographed locations in North America. Photographers travel from all over the world to capture this stunning landscape. I'm lucky to live in Colorado, and have spent many sunrises behind my tripod at the shore of Maroon Lake. It's impossible to take a bad picture here, but surprisingly difficult to get all the elements to come together for the image you really want. On this late September morning, a fresh dusting of snow capped the high mountain peaks. The changing leaves of the aspens were as brilliant as I have ever seen them here. The winds cooperated and the mirror like waters of Maroon Lake reflected the landscape perfectly.  Every time I shoot here I come away with something completely different. I can't imagine I'll ever grow tired of shooting this location. </em The Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/hart/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0602_Red_Deer_Stag.jpg Golden Hart As the sun retreats, a red deer stag overlooks his harem on a perfect autumn evening in England. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) - Richmond Park - England https://www.natezeman.com/photo/teton-dawn/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0601_Oxbow_Bend.jpg Teton Dawn It's early autumn and sun kissed clouds appear in the sky as another morning begins in Grand Teton National Park. The Oxbow Bend is one of the most incredible views in the park and is home to abundant wildlife. Moose, elk, black bears, grizzlies, eagles and many other species of animals are sighted here often.  Oxbow Bend - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/tower-bridge/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0600_Tower_Bridge.jpg London Twilight Tower Bridge crosses the River Thames with The Shard dominating the skyline of London.  | Exclusive Limited Edition of 250 | Tower Bridge and The Shard - River Thames - London, England https://www.natezeman.com/photo/king-of-the-golden-season-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_MooseTetons_Nate_Zeman.jpg King of the Golden Season <p><em>A large bull moose crosses a small pond on a perfect autumn day. Two cow moose and a calf spent the morning feeding on the aquatic vegetation in the water. The male moose spent the morning pacing up and down the area where his harem was feeding, calling out to any potential competition that might be in his area. There's no time to slow down and eat for a bull moose this time of year. The rut is in full swing and maintaining his harem is a full time job.</em><br /> <br /> | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty |</p> https://www.natezeman.com/photo/free-to-roam-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_Free_To_Roam.jpg Free to Roam <p><em>One reason I love photographing and observing bears so much is because they all exhibit so much character. Take this small cinnamon black bear, for instance. I had heard that this particular bear had been spotted walking on top of an old fence to reach the higher berry bushes that it otherwise couldn't manage. I was really hoping to get a chance to photograph this. Luckily for me, I crossed paths with this very bear again and was able to capture this unique behavior. <br /> </em><br /> | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty |</p> https://www.natezeman.com/photo/towers-of-fire-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_fisher_Towers.jpg Towers of Fire <p><em>The Fisher Towers, just outside of Moab, Utah are ablaze with the low warm light of sunset. Further in the distance, the view of the snowcapped peaks of the La Sal Mountains add a great contrast to the scene. <br /> <br /> </em>| Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty |<em><br /> </em></p> https://www.natezeman.com/photo/enigmatic-eyes-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_Enigmatic-eyes.jpg Enigmatic Eyes <p><em>As a photographer and appreciator of nature, there are many reasons to love the aspen tree. Their quaking leaves start out a vibrant green in the spring, and change to amazing shades of gold in the fall. The stark white trunks are unmistakeable. The most curious feature of the aspen tree to me, though, are their hundreds of mysterious eyes staring back at you. Aspen trees are shade intolerant. Trees in a grove of aspens are in a constant race upwards, fighthing for the sunlight. Aspens self prune as they grow, cutting off the flow of sap to the branches that no longer recieve light. Once the branches fall, they leave behind a scar with an uncanny resemblance to an eye, making these trees all the more intriguing.<br /> <br /> </em>| Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty |<em><br /> <br /> <br /> </em></p> https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-753/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Untitled-1.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sgdghfg/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Blurred_Summer_13_9.jpg Title https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-at-owl-creek/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0599_Owl_Creek_Autumn_Nate_Zeman.jpg Autumn at Owl Creek A beautiful autumn tapestry blankets the mountains of Owl Creek Pass in Colorado.   Owl Creek Pass - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cliff-palace/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0594_Cliff_Palace_Nate_Zeman.jpg Cliff Palace This magnificent hand built rock metropolis is the Cliff Palace of Mesa Verde. Of the countelss cliff dwellings that occupy Mesa Verde National Park, Cliff Palace is the crown jewel. Built by Ancestral Puebloan people, Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in all of North America. The Ancestral Puebloans, who settled what is now the modern day Four Courners Region, lived here from approximately year AD 1 - 1300.  It's not entirely known what brought these people to the area or what made them abandon the mesa tops where they originally lived to construct homes in the cliffs below. Even less known is why the cliff homes were only occupied for a little over 100 years and then abandoned completely.  | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Cliff Palace - Mesa Verde National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/testament/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0593_Collared_Lizard_Nate_Zeman.jpg Testament A collared lizard warms itself in the sun on a piece of petrified wood. Petrified Forest National Park has some of the largest and most colorful examples of these fossilized trees. It is almost hard to imagine the time scale when it comes to petrified wood. Once upon a time, ancient trees fell into river channels and some were buried by sediment. When the sediment buried the trees fast enough, they were completely cut off from oxygen. This allowed minerals to take over the cells in the tree and eventually filled the mold of the tree. They are now fossils,  perfectly preserved in rock and showing the same shape as the original tree. The trees in Petrified Forest are around 225 million years old. To put that into perspective, this is just about the time dinosaurs started to show up, and many millions of years before they would rule the earth.    Collared Lizard and Petrified Wood - Petrified Forest National Park - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dominion/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0592_Elk_Nate_Zeman.jpg Dominion A bull elk keeps an eye on his harem from a sagebrush ridge in Grand Teton National Park.     Elk -(Cervus canadensis) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/passing-storm/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0591_Barn_Nate_Zeman.jpg Passing Storm Darkness gives way to light as a storm rolls through the majestic moutains of Grand Teton National Park. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-moose/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0590_Moose_Nate_Zeman.jpg Autumn Moose A mighty bull moose poses briefly on an autumn morning in Grand Teton National Park. Sticks and other debris lodged in a moose's antlers is not an uncommon sight at all.  In late summer, moose rub against trees to remove the velvet from their antlers. During the rut though, moose can frequently be seen thrashing their massive antlers against trees. They do this to intimidate other males in the area and to attract any cow moose that might be around. This is a behavior commonly seen with other deer species. Bull Moose (Alces alces) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/desert-sentinel/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0589_Saguaro_Cactus_Nate_Zeman.jpg Sonoran Sentinel A giant saguaro cactus against a blue Arizona sky...Saguaros can grow to a height of 60 ft. and live for 150 years.     Saguaro Cactus - Saguaro National Park - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/alabaster-and-blue/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0588_White_Sands_b_Nate_Zeman.jpg Alabaster and Blue Few places on earth provide the otherworldy feeling you get when hiking through these dunes of pure white sand. White Sands National Monument is located in the Tularosa Basin in the Chihuanan Desert in southern New Mexico. This basin is unique because it is completely enclosed, not allowing water to flow out of it. The pure white sand that makes up the dunes is pure gypsum. Gypsum is almost never seen in the form of sand because it's water soluble. Usually it will disolve in the rain and be carried out to sea. But in the Tularosa Basin, the gypsum that comes from the surrounding mountains flows into the basin with the water where it gets trapped and eventually sinks into the ground or evaporates, leaving behind large gypsum crystals called selenite. Eventually weather and erosion breaks up the selenite crystals in the basin and the prevailing winds transport the gypsum sand to the dune field. It is this rare combination of ingredients that result in this amazingly beautiful and rare place. White Sands is the largest gypsum dune field in the world.    White Sands National Monument - New Mexico https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cliff-dwellers/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0587_Cliff_Dweller_Owls_Nate_Zeman.jpg Cliff Dwellers Four great horned owls sit atop a high cliff ledge-the spring and early summer home from which these male and female owls raised their young. The owls living on the cliff gave me the unique opportunity to photograph all four of them in one image, which would have been almost impossible had they been in a more typical nest in a tree. Owls hunt at night and sleep during the day, so getting an image where all four were near the nest was quite tricky. It took five days of waiting before I captured them all with their eyes open and in a position that worked well for a photo. The owlets pictured here were growing wary of their cliffside home and were already flapping their wings restlessly. About a week after I made this image, the young ones fledged and went off on their own.  Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) - Estes Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/three-kings/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0586_Three_Kings_Elk_Nate_Zeman.jpg Three Kings Three large bull elk take a moment to scan their surroundings in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the peak of the mating season, these three would be mortal enemies, fighting for the right to mate. But after fall, elk typically separate into groups of cows and bulls. In the winter, the bachelor groups can often be seen sparring with each other. Soon their antlers will fall off, spring will come, and the whole process will start over again. Elk -(Cervus canadensis) - Rocky mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/innocence/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0585_Coyote_Pup_Nate_Zeman.jpg Innocence A newborn coyote pup soaks up the last rays of sun on a warm spring evening. I happened upon three of these tiny animals all cuddled together near the entrance to their den. Once the sun broke through the trees, this pup was hardly able to keep his head up without falling over and slowly moved into the warm path of light.    Coyote Pup (Canis latrans) - Estes Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/earth-dance/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0584_NZ_Unveiled_WM.jpg Unveiled This is one of my favorite vantage points in all of Colorado. Even though this view is seen directly from the road leading into Great Sand Dunes National Park, it is a shot that has eluded me for many years. I've spent many sunsets at this exact spot, but have never come away with exactly what I wanted. What I love about this scene is the contrast between the jagged peaks of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and the soft lines and warm colors of the dunes below. On this particular spring evening, I wasn't even expecting to get a photo from this location because the mountains were completely socked in with clouds. As always, I decided to stick around and see what happened, because you never know when mother nature is going to give you a gift. After a bit of waiting, the weather started to move eastward past the dunes. The mountains were first to appear and I was delighted to see a fresh dusting of snow capping the high peaks. A heavy rain storm moved across the dunefield, and like a curtain, unveiled the entire scene. Finally I got the image I've wanted of one of my favorite views.Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options, Sizes and Prices: Great Sand Dunes National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/resolute/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0582_Shiprock.jpg Resolute Rising over 1,500 feet above the desert floor stands the magnificent Shiprock.  Shiprock is the most famous landmark in the Four Corners Region of New Mexico.  Located on the Navajo Nation, Shiprock plays a significant role in Navajo religion and mythology.  Locally known as "Tsé Bitʼaʼí" (rock with wings), the rock is mentioned in many Navajo legends. The amazing beauty of this place has brought many film and television productions out to New Mexico to use Shiprock as their backdrop.  <em Shiprock - Navajo Nation - New Mexico https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sunset-saguaros/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0581_Sunset_Saguaros.jpg Enchantment The shapes silhouetted against the fiery skies are unmistakable.  Saguaro Cactuses live in the Sonoran Desert which makes up only a small portion of desert land in the United States, occupying a small part of Southeast California, South and Southwest Arizona and parts of Mexico. Yet you have no doubt seen these colossal plants in tv shows, movies, logos and anywhere else the desert is being depicted. Saguaros have come to serve as the universal symbol of the Desert Southwest. I would credit this to their conspicuous nature and their almost human like attributes. Saguaros grow in all different shapes and sizes, but for this image I spent a lot of time searching for a scene that would be dominated by a very classic looking two armed cactus. Luckily, I was also awarded an absoultely amazing sunset which allowed me to create this timeless image.  Saguaro National Park - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/night-of-the-snow-moon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0580_Night_of-The_Snow_Moon_For_Web.jpg Night of the Snow Moon A clear winter's night during a full moon is a rare treat in the mountains. The snowcapped peaks reflect enough light from The aptly named "Snow Moon" that it is possible to see for great distances with your naked eye. Breckenridge is a beautiful sight at any time of the year, but there is an extra special quality on nights like these.    | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Breckenridge Ski Resort - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1464/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/2013_Breckenridge_Snow_Sculptures_Nate_Zeman_20.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1463/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/2013_Breckenridge_Snow_Sculptures_Nate_Zeman_19.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1462/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/2013_Breckenridge_Snow_Sculptures_Nate_Zeman_18.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1461/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/2013_Breckenridge_Snow_Sculptures_Nate_Zeman_17.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1460/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/2013_Breckenridge_Snow_Sculptures_Nate_Zeman_16.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1459/ 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https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/USWNT_USA_VS_AUSTRALIA_DENVER_NATE_ZEMAN_005.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1306/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/USWNT_USA_VS_AUSTRALIA_DENVER_NATE_ZEMAN_004.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1305/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/USWNT_USA_VS_AUSTRALIA_DENVER_NATE_ZEMAN_003.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1304/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/USWNT_USA_VS_AUSTRALIA_DENVER_NATE_ZEMAN_002.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1303/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/USWNT_USA_VS_AUSTRALIA_DENVER_NATE_ZEMAN_001.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/onyx/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0568_Silver_Fox_Profile_Nate_Zeman.jpg Onyx A rare and beautiful silver fox keeps a steadfast eye for any potential threats to her newborn kits who are now old enough to wander outside the safety of the den.   Red Fox - Silver Phase (Vulpes vulpes) Silverthorne - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/enigmatic-eyes/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0567_Aspen_Eyes_Nate_Zeman.jpg Enigmatic Eyes As a photographer and appreciator of nature, there are many reasons to love the aspen tree. Their quaking leaves start out a vibrant green in the spring, and change to amazing shades of gold in the fall. The stark white trunks are unmistakeable. The most curious feature of the aspen tree to me, though, are their hundreds of mysterious eyes staring back at you. Aspen trees are shade intolerant. Trees in a grove of aspens are in a constant race upwards, fighthing for the sunlight. Aspens self prune as they grow, cutting off the flow of sap to the branches that no longer recieve light. Once the branches fall, they leave behind a scar with an uncanny resemblance to an eye, making these trees all the more intriguing. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness - Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/towers-of-fire/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0566_Fisher_Towers_Nate_Zeman.jpg Towers of Fire The Fisher Towers, just outside of Moab, Utah are ablaze with the low warm light of sunset. Further in the distance, the view of the snowcapped peaks of the La Sal Mountains add a great contrast to the scene.  </em Fisher Towers - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/along-the-katmai-coast/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0567_Brown_Bear_Pano_Nate_Zeman.jpg Along the Katmai Coast On a rainy, foggy morning far in the wilderness of the Alaska peninsula, a coastal Alaskan brown bear scours the coastline  searching for clams at low tide. Before the salmon start running, clams are one of the main staples for these massive land predators.   Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/tufted-titmouse-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0565_Tufted_Titmouse_Nate_Zeman.jpg Tufted Titmouse A tufted titmouse, a year round resident in Wisconsin, seems to pay no mind to a heavy December snowstorm.  Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/embark/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0564_Great_Horned_Owlet_Nate_Zeman.jpg Embark  A fledgling great horned owlet is alert with curiosity, watching everything going on around it. This owl is almost ready to leave the nest, and you can see the anticipation in its movements. I observed the two owlets in their nest for hours. These rambunctious birds would have me holding my breath as they awkwardly jumped from limb to limb flapping their wings helplessly when they would lose their balance 30 feet above the ground. These activities are all in preporation for their first flight. In the coming days this brave bird will set out on its own and discover a much larger world than it had known up until now.  Great Horned Owlet (Bubo virginianus) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/closing-act/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0563_Aspen_Branch_Nate_Zeman.jpg Closing Act In its final show of the season, an aspen tree's leaves turn a unique shade of orange. Soon they will fall to the ground, and come spring, the cycle will start over anew. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/oxbow-with-fog/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0561_Oxbow_Bend_Fog_Nate_Zeman.jpg September's Best A thick layer of fog drifts through the Jackson Hole valley on a perfect autumn morning. Two great blue herons stand in the glassy water below Mt. Moran hoping to catch a morning meal. The aspens that complete this scene are adorned in their September's best.  Oxbow Bend - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/wintry-blue/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/05650_Hoarfrost_Pines_Nate_Zeman.jpg Wintry Blue Pine trees are covered in hoarfrost on one of the coldest days in Colorado I can remember. These trees, on a north-facing slope, were still in the blue light of shade when I took this photo. These brutally cold days make shooting difficult, but the air is always so crisp and fresh. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Front Range - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/free-to-roam/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0559_Bear_Walking_Fence_Tetons.jpg Free to Roam One reason I love photographing and observing bears so much is because they all exhibit so much character. Take this small cinnamon black bear, for instance. I had heard that this particular bear had been spotted walking on top of an old fence to reach the higher berry bushes that it otherwise couldn't manage. I was really hoping to get a chance to photograph this. Luckily for me, I crossed paths with this very bear again and was able to capture this unique behavior.  Black Bear (Ursus americanus) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/king-of-the-golden-season/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0558_Moose_Wate_Tetons_Nate_Zeman.jpg King of the Golden Season A large bull moose crosses a small pond on a perfect autumn day. Two cow moose and a calf spent the morning feeding on the aquatic vegetation in the water. The male moose spent the morning pacing up and down the area where his harem was feeding, calling out to any potential competition that might be in his area. There's no time to slow down and eat for a bull moose this time of year. The rut is in full swing and maintaining his harem is a full time job. Bull Moose (Alces alces) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/towers-of-silence/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0557_White_Hoodoos_Nate_Zeman.jpg Towers of Silence In an alcove far into a remote area of Utah desert is where the Wahweap Hoodoos stand. These impossibly white towers are formed out of a uniquely colored entrada sandstone. A harder layer of dakota sandstone has protected the softer rock from erosion and can still be seen as the brown caps of stone atop the towers. The older, softer entrada sandstone is 160 million years old. Over these millions of years erosion and weathering have created these amazing white pillars. The towers are the most dominating element of this landscape, but my eyes were soon drawn to the ground. The rock in some areas appears to flow like a river, cascading down the slope and around the hoodoos in a liquid like motion. This place is ancient, but at the same time so mysteriously alive. The sandstone rock appears to be in movement. A direct contradiction to the age and lifelessness of this quiet fragile place.  </em Wahweap Hoodoos Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/walk-of-light/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0556_Antelope_Canyon_2_Nate_Zeman.jpg Walk of Light If one ever needed convincing that mother nature is an artist, a trip to Upper Antelope Canyon would suffice.  It's hard to imagine that this slot canyon has been sculpted by only wind, water, sand and time. When experiencing this place in person, I thought to myself that a team of master sculptors with access to all the tools and artificial lighting they needed could not create something so beautiful.  Upper Antelope Canyon - Navajo Nation - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/desert-hideaway/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0555_Capitol_Reef_Barn_Nate_Zeman_For_Web.jpg Desert Hideaway A farm, originally built in the early 1900's sits nestled in the lush and fertile Fruita Valley in Capitol Reef National Park. For many decades this was a working farm which provided the family that lived here everything they needed to survive. Today the National Park Service maintains the farm land as a working historical farm. It's not hard to believe the mormon settlers who homesteaded this lush green valley in the middle of the harsh desert weren't the first people to make use of this land. Just a few paces from this barn, the mesa walls are adorned with beautiful petroglyphs left behind by ancient native americans. Most of this rock art is attributed to the Fremont People who inhabited this area of Utah from AD 600 - 1300. The Fremont people were contemporaries of the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) of the four corners area. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Gifford Homestead - Capitol Reef National Park - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/end-of-the-gold-rush/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0554_Capitol_Peak_2_Nate_Zeman.jpg End of the Gold Rush There is fresh snow on the high mountain peaks, a cold bite to the air, the last of the golden leaves cling to the thousands of aspens below Capitol peak. A sure sign that the short but beautiful Autumn season in the Rockies is coming to an end. Winter is on its way. High above the normally lush green valley is one of Colorado's 54 "fourteeners", Capitol Peak". Part of the staggering Elk Mountains, Capitol Peak is the 30th highest mountain in the state, and surely one of the most impressive.  </em Capitol Peak - Elk Mountains - White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-ancients/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0553_The_Ancients_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Ancients Sitting at the foot of Colorado's 22nd highest peak, Mt. Bross, The gnarled, wind twisted branches of a bristlecone pine reaches towards the heavens. Bristlecone pines are one of the worlds oldest living organisms. Some of the oldest are approaching 5,000 years in age. Meaning they were already somewhere around 1,400 years old before the Egyptians built the great pyramids. I've always admired the bristlecone pine for their toughness. The trees themselves are a paradox. Their age goes up with the harshness of their conditions. Bristlecones that grow where water and soil are abundant, grow too fast and die young. Trees with the most stressed conditions grow stubbornly, extremely slow and very hard. This is why most groves of bristlecone pines lie in very undesireable locations. The trees here on  aptly named Windy Ridge are a modest 1,000 years old. While making this image I marveled at the thought of how old this tree was, and how different the world must have been 1,000 years ago when it first started to grow.  Bristlecone Pine - Windy Ridge - Mosquito Range - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/silver-vixen/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0552_Silver_Vixen_For_Web.jpg Silver Vixen Even in an area with a rich population of red foxes, it's a rare treat to see a silver fox. Their pelts are so drastically different than their red furred counterparts that they seem too fantastical to be real. In actuality, silver foxes are just a rare color phase of the red fox. Historically, the pelt of a silver fox was among the most valuable of furs, and were worn by nobles and others with the means to afford such a highly  esteemed pelt.  Today captive bred silver foxes are mated exclusively with same colored individuals, but this is not the case in the wild. This beautiful black vixen, and her red colored mate have a litter of three small red kits.  Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) ( Silver Phase ) - Silverthorne, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sunset-and-the-watchman/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0551_zion_Watchman_Nate_Zeman.jpg Sunset and the Watchman The fleeting sun sets an evening storm ablaze over The Watchman and the Virgin River in Zion National Park.  Virgin River and The Watchman - Zion National Park - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/horseshoe-bend/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0550_Horseshoe_Bend_Nate_Zeman.jpg Horseshoe Bend My tripod sits with one leg precariously perched on a piece of rock overhanging a 1000 foot cliff. Below, the Colorado River meanders around giant cliffs of sandstone. Over millions of years the Colorado River has cut numerous natural wonders throughout the Colorado Plateau. Not far downstream from Horseshoe Bend is the Colorado River's greatest masterpiece. The Grand Canyon.  Horseshoe Bend - Colorado River - Page, Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cathedral/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0549_Antelope_Canyon_Nate_Zeman.jpg Cathedral The Navajo people call Upper Antelope Canyon Tsé bighánílíní, "the place where water runs through rocks". This amazing slot canyon has been predominately formed through flash flooding. Over time, the rainwaters have carved and smoothed these sandstone walls into a true work of art. It's very easy to let your eyes get lost in this place. Imagination takes over and you soon are transported into some other world where every wave of sandstone seems less like reality and more like an oil painting with endless shapes, colors and characters . The most spectacular feature of the canyon is the light. The shadows move with the sun. The ambient light gives life to the fiery red walls. From late spring through early fall, the sun is high enough in the sky that for a few moments each day direct sunlight makes its way way deep into Antelope Canyon, creating surreal beams of light that extend to the canyon floor.  Upper Antelope Canyon - Navajo Nation - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/spring-comfort/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0548_fox_nuzzle_Nate_Zeman.jpg Spring Comfort While exploring the terrain outside of its den, a red fox kit has a conflicting look in its eyes. The young fox's natural curiosity is at odds with its instincts to be cautious. At only a few weeks old, this baby fox is new to the outside world, away from the comfort and safety of the den. At times a little re-assurance is needed. A gentle nuzzle from mom is all it takes to give this kit the courage to go bouncing off with its four siblings.  Red Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/house-on-fire/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0547_House_on_Fire_Ruin_Nate_Zeman.jpg House on Fire The Four Corners region of the United States is well known for its wealth of cultural treasures. Ancient people had made use of this area for thousands of years before the common era. Ancestral Puebloans are the best known of these inhabitants largely due to their impressive architectural skills, which can be seen in areas all around the Four Corners region. Probably the most famous example are the spectacular cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park. A remote canyon area of Southeast Utah, far removed from the more famous National Parks like Arches, Canyonlands and Mesa Verde, is littered with these cultural treasures. If you keep a keen eye while hiking along these canyon bottoms you will see many signs of  life from long ago. Cliff dwellings, graneries, pottery and rock art adorn the canyon walls. One of the most intriquing to me, is the ruin often reffered to as "House on Fire" or "Firehouse Ruins." Every morning when there is sunshine, a unique set of circumstances transforms these ruins into an optical illusion that is hard to beieve with your own eyes. An interesting pattern in the sandstone roof above the ruin is responsible for creating the illusion of fire. However, in late morning, when the sunlight is being reflected into the ruins from the surrounding canyon walls, House on Fire takes on a whole new life. The fiery orange rocks come to life, creating  an uncanny resemblance to a raging inferno pouring from the roofs of this spectacular ruin.  House on Fire Ruin - Bears Ears National Monument - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1177/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_12.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1176/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_11.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1175/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_10.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1174/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_09.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1172/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_07.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1171/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_06.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1170/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_05.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1169/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_04.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1168/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_03.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1167/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_02.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-1166/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Slideshow_01.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/breckenridge-at-dawn/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0546_Breck_Peak_8_Nate_Zeman.jpg Breckenridge at Dawn Breckenridge was formally created over 100 years ago in 1859 during the Pikes Peak gold rush. At this time Breckenridge was Part of the Utah Territory, many years before it was admitted into statedhood. Like most of the mid 1800s mining boom towns of the West, gold mining in Breckenridge mostly came to a hault at the end of the century. To this day, many of the original buildings, mines, dredges, and dredge trailings are scattered about the county. On December 16, 1961 Breckenridge Ski Resort was founded on Peak 8 of the Ten Mile Range, almost exactly 50 years before I took this photo.  Since then Breckenridge has experienced another boom, this time drawing people from all over the world for snow instead of gold. The resort now operates on four peaks of the Ten Mile Range. Peak Ten, Nine, Eight and Seven, and is one of the most visited ski resorts in all of North America. If you look closely at the top of the mountain you can make out the Imperial Express Super Chair. Added in 2005, the Imperial lift officially became the highest lift in North America at 12.840 feet, only 100 feet short of the summit. Although development is a growing concern, Breck has managed to keep their quaint sleepy mountain town feel. In this photo, Peak 8, looms over town in the early morning light. Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/glacier-point-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0545_Glacier_Point_Nate_Zeman.jpg Glacier Point Sunset The Yosemite Valley is quicky transitioning to night. There is almost no wind this evening. The sound of roaring water crashing over Nevada and Vernal Falls far below is the only significant noise to speak of.  Rising high above the valley, Half Dome, perhaps Yosemites most famous icon is momentarily transformed into a fiery beacon of light. The sun quickly slips below the horizon and the light fades just as quickly as it had appeared. These are the fleeting moments that I'm constantly chasing. Glacier Point - Yosemite National Park - California https://www.natezeman.com/photo/forest-titans/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0544_Forest_Titans_Nate_Zeman.jpg Forest Titans Simply put, In terms of sheer volume, Giant Sequoias are the largest trees on the planet. These titans of the Western Sierras live to be thousands of years old, and grow to sizes that need to be seen to be believed. Mature Sequoias have bark that can grow to be as thick as three feet. The red armor allows these trees to survive forest fires, insect infestation and fungi. Surprisingly, Sequoias don't die from old age. They have an extensive, but extremely shallow root system, which means the majority of mature giant sequoias die simply from falling. Pictured here, four giant seqoias burn bright with the setting sun. These particular trees are part of the General Grant Grove, Just a stones throw away from the General Grant tree... the second largest tree in the world. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Giant Sequoias - General Grant Grove - Kings Canyon National Park - California https://www.natezeman.com/photo/snow-ghost/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0543_Snowy_Owl_Nate_Zeman.jpg Snow Ghost Perched at the top of a small dead tree overlooking the vast expanse of the frozen Horicon Marsh, a snowy owl scans the ground looking for prey. The biting January wind is of no matter to the well equipped bird, who is much further south than usual. The winter of 2011 / 2012 has been an invasion year for these owls. A shortage of prey farther north has forced many of these arctic birds into the lower 48.  Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) - Horicon Marsh - Horicon, Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/half-dome-by-moonlight/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0542_half_dome_moonlight_Nate_Zeman.jpg Half Dome by Moonlight The light of a full moon illuminates the magnificent Yosemite Valley, and its most famous icon, Half Dome. Standing here on Glacier Point, alone and in the dark, was a much different experience than any other time I have been here. Not a soul around, and all was silent aside from the distant roaring of falling water from Nevada and Vernal Falls. I spent about 2 hours at this spot taking the occasional photograph, but mostly just enjoying the beautiful moonlit scene. Glacier Point - Yosemite National Park - California https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-valley-view/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0551_NZ_Sky_Dance_WM.jpg Sky Dance It's not hard to see why the Yosemite Valley has inspired so many artists. Legendary landscape photographer Ansel Adams traveled all over the United States  capturing the majesty of the National Parks. Yosemite though, was always closest to his heart. The late Galen Rowell, also one of the all time great lanscape photographers called the area in and around Yosemite his home, both as a photographer and an adventurer. Tunnel view, one of the parks more iconic lookouts, is a photographer's dream. Looking straight down the glacially carved valley, many of the parks most famous icons are in view. In the distance is the unmistakable monolith, Half Dome. Dominating the foreground to the left, is the giant, El Capitan. To the right is Bridalveil Falls, a 617 foot waterfall that comes from one of Yosemite's many hanging valleys. Typically, Bridalveil will fall from top to bottom, but on this evening the wind was blowing, causing the falls to scatter into the rocks of the cliff. This was truly a light show to remember. 10 or so minutes after the sun had gone below the horizon I was ready to pack up my gear and head back. Sunset had been decent and now the sky was dull and flat. Then, high altitude clouds began to catch the sunset light. The clouds  danced in the light for a few minutes, changing from different shades of blue, pink and purple before my eyes. The light on the clouds was so intense that they were casting their own secondary light on the valley below, creating the illusion of direct sunset light. The light faded as quickly as it appeared, leaving me just enough time to capture a few images of this unforgetable evening. Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Tunnel View - Yosemite National Park - California https://www.natezeman.com/photo/timeless-telluride/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0540_Timeless_Telluride_Nate_Zeman.jpg Timeless Telluride Telluride, Colorado is mostly noted for its ski resort, Tourism, giant homes and celebrity residents. Anyone who visits though, will surely see that they are gazing upon some of the most beautiful mountain landscape in the country. Located in the heart of the mighty San Juan Mountains, Telluride sits in a valley surrounded by dramatic peaks and forests, that are particularly amazing in autumn. Like most mountain towns in Colorado, Telluride's roots can be traced back to the gold rush days of the late 1800's. Relics of the past still dot the mountainsides. One doesn't have to wander far outside of town before they stumble upon scenes like this old barn, still sitting in a meadow, with a beautiful autumn backdrop. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Telluride - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-monarch/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0539_The_Monarch_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Monarch El Capitan is the world's largest granite monolith. A sheer vertical cliff, carved by glaciers, rises almost 3,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley. Climbers from all over the world travel to Yosemite with hopes of conquering the great wall of El Cap. In terms of sheer size, I'm not sure there are many natural formations more impressive. For more information about this particular image click here. El Capitan - Yosemite National Park - California https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-winds/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0538_Autumn_Winds_Nate_Zeman.jpg Autumn Winds Wind moving through a mountainside forest stirs up fresh October snow. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/first-snow-at-the-cabin/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0537_Snowy_Cabin_Nate_Zeman.jpg First Snow At The Cabin A lone cabin, sorrounded by amazingly vibrant fall color is revealed as a major fall snow storm begins to clear. As the clouds lose their grip on the Cimarron Ridge, the warm rays of the sun take over, melting most of this snow in just a matter of minutes. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/morning-breaks/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0536_Sneffels_Pano_Nate_Zeman.jpg Morning Breaks The sun has not yet broken the horizon to the east, but already the sky above the Sneffels Range is aglow with color. A major fall storm moved through overnight, leaving these stunning peaks with their first major snow of the year. The valleys far below Mt. Sneffels, one of Colorado's 54 "Fourteeners, and the namesake of this sub-range of the San Juan Mountains are still exploding with the colors of autumn, and the sounds of bugling elk. Sneffels Range - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/turning-seasons/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0535_Turning_Seasons_Nate_Zeman.jpg Turning Seasons An early October snowstorm adds subtle drama to an already beautiful scene. These aspens, which grow beneath the towering peaks of the San Juan mountains immediately caught my eye. Typically, in autumn,  aspens  turn a deep shade of yellow or gold. Every now and again though, you will find aspens in many different shades of greens, yellows, oranges and even deep reds. Fall snowstorms are not at all uncommon, and while the contrasts of white snow on the brilliant autumn foliage are a photographers dream, it is also a double edged sword. Any amount of snow will typically speed up the leaf decay process, resulting in a shortened leaf season. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Aspen Trees - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/aspen-abstract/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0534_Aspen_Abstract_Nate_Zeman.jpg Aspen Abstract I made this image by using a half second exposure, during which I zoomed out, creating an abstract take on this multicolored aspen tree. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/paradox/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0533_Mobius_Arch_Nate_Zeman.jpg Paradox Time and the elements have turned what used to be a large granite boulder into an amazing natural stone arch. The arche's shape inspired its name, "Mobius"  Mobius Arch is located in the Alabama Hills, below the awe inspiring peaks of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Although beautiful in almost every direction you look, the most famous view of this arch is the one shown here. Looking west, Mobius is positioned perfectly to provide a natural frame for the highest mountain peak in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney. I was first made aware of this scene's existence from an image made by the late, legendary adventure photographer, Galen Rowell. I remember thinking how other-worldly this landscape seemed. When I finally got my chance to see this place with my own eyes I was amazed. Large granite boulders filled the valley. High wispy cirrus clouds moved over the freshly dusted peaks of the Eastern Sierras. This was one of the quietest places I've been in quite some time. This location is only a short hike from the road, but there were definitely moments where I felt as if I was on another planet. Mobius Arch and Mt Whitney - Alabama Hills - Eastern Sierras - California https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-gift/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0533_Rainbow_Barn_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Gift Having spent the better part of my life living in the midwest, I'm no stranger to severe weather. So it means something when I say that this storm rolling over the Eastern Plains of Colorado was the worst I've ever been caught  in. After dodging funnel clouds, 70mph winds, possible tornadoes, extreme flash flooding, lightning strikes and a road that washed clear away as I drove over it, I still found myself wondering what the light would do after the storm passed. I drove back  to a spot that had caught my eye when I passed it earlier. The storm finally cleared me to the east, leaving the most intense double rainbow i've ever witnessed in its wake. </em Eastern Plains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/silverheels-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0531_Silverheels_Sunset_Nate_Zeman.jpg Golden Memories Golden sunset light kisses the peak of Mount Silverheels, as seen from Boreas Mountain. Legend has it this massive mountain was  named after a dance hall girl, who was the only woman to stay behind to take care of ailing gold miners when a smallpox epidemic broke out. Interestingly enough, the rainbow in this image seems to end directly over South Park, which was founded as a mining town during the gold rush in the mid 1800's. This entire area is rich in Gold Rush history. Boreas Pass  was an early route constructed in the 1860's to connect the two mining towns of South Park and Breckenridge, Colorado. In the 1880's narrow guage rails were laid to accomodate a train which would run gold from the high mountain gold camps back to Denver. Today Boreas Pass is a dirt road enjoyed by motorists looking for stunning mountain scenery, but on this particular evening it seemed the ghosts of a time long since passed, were stirring. Pike National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/alpine-bouquet/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0530_Columbines_Nate_Zeman.jpg Alpine Bouquet From a distance, the alpine zone of the Rocky Mountains looks like a lifeless, barren place. A cold and un-inviting realm.Those willing to make the effort will find this assumption far from reality. A closer inspection reveals that even in such a harsh enviroment, life thrives. High above treeline on an extremely steep talus slope, a cluster of Colorado Blue Columbines are in full bloom. Pikas dart about the rocks collecting tundra grasses to store away for the long winter. A marmot calls out with a shrill whistle from a large boulder above. This is the alpine life. Take a closer look and you'll see it.  | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Colorado Blue Columbines - White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rebirth/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0529_Rebirth_Nate_Zeman.jpg Rebirth After almost a full year of lying dormant, the mountainsides are now alive with color and new life. Indian paintbrush, lupine and many other wildflowers now carpet the ridge that overlooks the Northern Sawatch Range. Shrine Ridge is named for it's incredible views of  Mt. of the Holy Cross. Holy Cross, the highest peak in the center, is one of Colorado's most famous "fourteeners." it rises just a few miles outside of Vail, Colorado, and is known for its cross shaped couloir, which in summer is the last part of the mountain filled with snow, leaving a large cross on the east face of the summit. </em Shrine Ridge - White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/paintbrush-pass/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0528_Boreas_Paintbrush_Nate_Zeman.jpg Paintbrush Pass It's late July and the mountainsides are covered in colorful wildflowers. A cluster of indian paintbrush fills the foreground as the sun disappears over the Ten Mile Range in Breckenridge, Colorado. Wildflower season in the mountains comes and goes very quicky. It won't be long before these flowers are just a memory. For now, though, these hardy plants make for a beautiful, albeit temoporary, mountainside tapestry. </em White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-sun-worshippers/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0527_Sun_Worshippers_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Sun Worshippers The life-giving sun has set behind the majestic peaks of the southern Ten Mile Range in Breckenridge, Colorado. All but the tallest of flowers have bowed down for the night. They all face east, awaiting the new sun that is soon to rise. </em White River National Forest - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/spirit-of-the-sands/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0525_Sand_Spirits_Nate_Zeman.jpg Spirit of the Sands To step over the edge and into the main dune field of the Great Sand Dunes is to step into another world. No artificial light was needed as I made my trek into the dunes by moonlight. Eerie shadows and shapes as far as I could see, and not another soul around. A normally windy place, but not tonight. The silence was deafening. There are no paths out here. Every step you take is quickly erased by the wind. Great Sand Dunes National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-run-off/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0523_Run_Off-Nate_Zeman.jpg The Run Off A winter with double the average amount of snow, equates to a summer with incredible amounts of snowmelt  coming off the mountains. It's mid July and these little run off areas, which typically hold just a trickle of water, are filled with melting snow water,  raging down the mountains towards the flooding rivers below. The extra water made it possible to make an image of an area I've always loved, but lacked a good foreground for an interesting photograph. White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/eyes-of-the-prairie/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0521_Burrowing_Owl_Post_NateZeman.jpg Eyes of the Prairie On an extremely foggy morning, long before the sun is due to come up, this tiny owl is out of its burrow and on the lookout for prey. The fog enshrouding the prairie gave the whole scene an un-earthly feel. With all the subdued landscape around me, the piercing yellow eyes of the little predator were all the more impressive.  Burrowing Owl - (Athene cunicularia) - Pawnee Grasslands - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/last-stand/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0520_Last_Stand_Nate_Zeman.jpg Last Stand A cold and gloomy summer evening is briefly interrupted by an intense ribbon of red sunset light. This evening was another lesson in never leaving too soon. I made the hike up to Mayflower Gulch as dark storm clouds loomed overhead. I suspected the sun had made its last appearance of the day. Just as I was contemplating packing up my gear and hiking back down, this beautiful red ribbon of light appeared across the mountain range. It only lasted a matter of minutes, but was one of the most unique light shows I've witnessed. Mayflower Gulch - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/broad-tailed-hummingbird/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0519_Hummingbird_Nate_Zeman.jpg Broad-Tailed Hummingbird The shrill sound created by the wings of this broad-tailed hummingbird is silenced for a few moments as he perches in a tree. This tiny bird was keeping a sharp eye out for other males, running them out of his area whenever one got close. These birds take off and fly so fast that it's extremely hard to keep track of them. Luckily for me, this particular bird would return to this same branch after almost every flight, allowing me a few minutes to photograph him. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird (Selaphorus platycercus) - Estes Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/golden-ghosts/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0518_Bison_Panpo_Nate_Zeman.jpg Golden Ghosts The soft glow of first light reveals the silhouette of a bison herd grazing in a foggy meadow.  These magnificent beasts, which once roamed the plains of North America by the millions, are now represented by only a few thousand animals. Due to a mass slaughter in the late 19th century, bison were killed by the millions, mostly for their skins, and as a tactical move to decimate the main food source of Native Americans.  The majority of wild buffalo live in and around Yellowstone National Park. Unbelievably, they are still being harassed and slaughtered over unfounded beliefs that they will spread disease to commercial animals.  American Bison (Bison bison) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/stare-of-a-vixen/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0517_Fox_Face_Nate_Zeman.jpg Stare of a Vixen Staring into the eyes of a fox. Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sneak-attack/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0516_Sneak_Attack_Nate_Zeman.jpg Sneak Attack An opportunistic  fox kit leaps into the air in an attempt to tackle its unsuspecting sibling. These energetic little critters are just now leaving the den for the first time since birth. With all this new room to roam , they waste no time, and are soon up to their playful antics. This behavior of wrestling and playing with their siblings plays a critical role in their development. These tiny kits will be adult sized in only 6 months, and will  be sent off into the world to fend for themselves. Red Foxes - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/white-out/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/5015_Vixen_on_Rock_Nate_Zeman.jpg White Out With her eyes forward and ears back, this alert red fox vixen keeps a lookout over two of her newborn kits, who are playing in the snow below. A large snowbank serves as the perfect white background for this "high key" image.   Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/oasis/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0514_Oasis_Reflection_Nate_Zeman.jpg Oasis A tiny puddle, all that is left of last night's rainfall, reflects one of America's most famous natural Icons, Delicate Arch.  Delicate Arch - Arches National Park - Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/navigating-individual-image-pages/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/link_Instruction_Page.jpg Navigating Individual Image Pages When you click on any thumbnail within the collection you will be taken to an individual image page that looks like this. Under the image will be the title, the description of the photo and also some link options. One important link is under the description, which allows you to view what each image would look like matted. Under that link, on the left is where you will find the "purchase" link, where you can choose your sizing and presentation options should you choose to purchase a print. Next to the purchase link you will also see a place to request any information you may need about any individual image.  https://www.natezeman.com/photo/navigating-the-image-page/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/matinstructionspage.jpg Navigating the Image Page Underneath the descriptions on the individual image page, you will see a link that will take you to a page that shows an example of what each print will look like matted. Click HERE to see what that page will look like. https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dream-lake-in-winter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0512_Dream_Lake_Winter_Nate_Zeman.jpg Dream Lake in Winter The rocks at the eastern end of Dream Lake are the first objects to catch the snow that comes off the mountains and blows over this icy alpine wonder. Sitting between the bases of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain, Dream Lake can be a wind tunnel in any season. In winter it's almost a guarantee. This is one of the most famous views in the park, but few get to see during the harsh winter months. For a comparison of the two seasons click this link. Dream Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/kindred-spirit/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0468_Palm_Tree_Nate_Zeman.jpg Kindred Spirit This lone palm tree appeared to be stretching over the beach to get a better view of the setting sun. A tree after my own heart to be sure. R https://www.natezeman.com/photo/waters-of-white-bay/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0467_Carib_Nate_Zeman.jpg Waters of White Bay The crystal clear waters of White Bay on the Island of Jost Van Dyke as seen from the deck of a sailboat. The perfect Caribbean water and immaculate white sand lures thirsty sailors from all over. Just jump overboard, and swim to shore and you will find yourself at the world Famous Soggy Dollar Bar, which got its name for obvious reasons. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | White Bay - Jost Van Dyke - British Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/blue-paradise/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0466_Blue_Paradise_Nate_Zeman.jpg Blue Paradise Standing ankle deep in the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea, looking out at otherworldly colors of the ocean, there is no doubt in my mind that this is paradise. </em Long Bay - Tortola - British Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/castillo-san-felipe-del-morro/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0465_Fort_Pano_Nate_Zeman.jpg Castillo San Felipe del Morro Fort San Felipe del Morro, and its iconic garitas, have been standing proudly over the shores of Old San Juan since the 16th Century. Puerto Rico was the first large Island in this part of the world with food, supplies, fresh water and shelter. San Juan was also a mid way point between Europe and the New World. It's course on the Eastern Trade Winds and it's easily defended harbor made this the most important strategical place in the history of the Western Hemishphere. To have control of San Juan meant control of all the riches of the New World. El Morro, and San Juan, which were under Spanish Occupation from the 1500's until the late 1800's, Survived many serious attacks from foreign powers, who desperately wanted to control San Juan Harbor. Sir Francis Drake attacked the fort from the sea with his British fleet, but was unsuccessful after taking canon fire from the Spanish. England attacked once again, this time from land, but were once again unsuccessful at breaching the walls of El Morro. Other serious attacks came from the Dutch, who sacked the city but were forced off the island by the cannons of El Morro. It wasn't until 1898 during the Spanish - American War when a naval bombardment by the United States Navy, caused San Juan and the island of Puerto Rico to fall out of Spanish hands. The fort played a role in both World War 1 and and World War 2 for the United States. In 1961 the fortress was retired from service and became part of the National Park Service. In 1983 El Morro was delcared a  UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Old San Juan - Puerto Rico https://www.natezeman.com/photo/a-crabs-world/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0464_Ghost_Crab_Tortola_Nate_Zeman.jpg A Crab's World In wildlife photography, it is a rare occasion when you can conceptualize and carry out a specific image you have in your mind. This is obviously due to the fact that wild animals do what they want. A wildlife photographer usually has no control over a particular shot. Animal photos  come down to making the best of what nature, and the particular creature being photographed gives you. Every now and again though, you find a perfect scene where all the pieces fall together that enable you to truly compose a photo exactly the way you see it in your head. Such was the case with this little ghost crab I found on a beautiful day in Tortola. While relaxing on the beach one afternoon this tiny crab popped out of the sand about 20 feet in front of me. It was incredibly shy and shot back down into its hole any time I tried to stand up and look at it. As I lay there and watched this little sand crab excavating, I started to conjure up an image in my head. If I could get my fisheye lens close enough to the hole at sand level, while still keeping the beautiful landscape, sky  and ocean in the frame, then I could get an image that conveyed what the world might look like through this little crabs eye. I didn't have a tripod with me so I dug a small pit a few inches away from the crab's hole, so that I could sink my camera lens to the beach level. I then stuck a towel in the hole to attempt to prevent getting any sand on my equipment. I laid on my stomach and looked through the viewfinder and lined up everything just how I wanted. In my dreams the crab would come out of its hole and I would capture this image I had in my head. I really had no hopes that it would work after seeing how shy the crab was, but hey, I was just laying on the beach as it was, so what did I have to lose. Once I had my shot set up just how I wanted I attached my shutter release cord and moved back as far away from my camera as the cord would allow. In only a matter of moments the crab peaked out of the hole, but disappeared before even his legs made it onto the beach. This went on for a matter of minutes, but to my surprise after a bit of sitting still, the brave little crab came all the way out of its hole and went about its business of excavating. I shot off a few frames and then removed my camera so that I wouldn't disturb the crab any longer. I still wasnt sure if I got the image I wanted but when I reviewed my shots later I was delighted to see this photo that I had conjured up in my head had been perfectly realized through my camera.  Ghost Crab - Long Bay - Tortola- British Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/caribbean-fire/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0463_Tortola_Sunset_Nate_Zeman.jpg Caribbean Fire The  sun sets over the mountainous peaks of the Virgin Islands, lighting the clouds with an orange blaze. Many different Islands can be seen looking out at the Sir Francis Drake Channel from the shores of the West End of Tortola. Frenchman's Cay, and a few other parts  of the British Virgin Islands are visible, as well as the Island of St. John, on the left, which is part of the United States Virgin Islands. </em Tortola - British Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/san-pedrito/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0463_Puerto_Rican_Tody_Nate_Zeman.jpg San Pedrito Known locally as "San Pedrito" (Little Saint Peter), The Puerto Rican Tody is a beautiful little bird endemic to the island of its name. These tiny birds fly around the forest in pairs, calling to each other and feeding on insects. Their bright coloring and small size lead many to believe that they are looking at  a hummingbird, but the tody is actually closest related to a kingfisher. The Puerto Rican Tody is an especially small bird, with an average weight of around 5 grams. In thick forest, it is much easier to hear these birds than it is to see them. They don't sit still for long, which makes them especially difficult to photograph.  Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus) - El Yunque Rainforest - Puerto Rico https://www.natezeman.com/photo/time-has-forgotten/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0462_Steamboar_Barn_NateZeman.jpg Time has Forgotten Once upon a time there were but a few of these small barns in the Yampa Valley. Determined homesteaders used this land for grazing and other agriculture endeavors. Like most towns in the west, these relics of a time gone by have been replaced by parking lots and subdivisions. The More Barn, better known as the Steamboat Barn, which was built to store hay, now sits on a small parcel of land surrounded by development. Most will find themselves passing by the many rows of large mountain homes, failing to notice this small piece of history in this beautiful town. Sitting on prime real estate, close to the Steamboat ski resort, the fate of this barn remains unknown. For now though, isolated through the lens of a camera, the Steamboat Barn looks much as it must have when this valley was nothing more than a few buildings surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | More Barn - Steamboat Springs, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fly/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0461_To_Fly_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fly A bald eagle soars through the crisp blue winter sky.  Bald Eagle - (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Middle Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/deep-freeze/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0460_Flatirons_Nate_Zeman.jpg Deep Freeze The magnificent Flatirons, the universal symbol of the city of Boulder, jut out of Green Mountain like giant Icebergs on on this frigid February morning. This iconic scene is part of the Fountain Formation. Fountain Formation rocks can be seen in many areas along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Other notable locations include Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. Chautauqua Park - Boulder, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/shattered-dream/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0459_Dream_Lake_Ice_Nate_Zeman.jpg Shattered Dream Dream Lake sits just east of the Continental Divide, high in Rocky Mountain National Park. This high alpine lake becomes a virtual wind tunnel in the winter months. The high winds moving through keep most of the lake free of the heavy snow that is constantly being dropped from storms moving over the divide. Here an intimate close up of the ice shows many fractures and air bubbles that make for a great abstract image. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Dream Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/winter-morning---breckenridge-colorado/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0458_Breckenridge_Colorado_Nate_Zeman.jpg Winter Morning - Breckenridge Colorado A quick winter storm moved over Breckenridge, Colorado, leaving behind 30 + inches of snow in its path. Soon the streets will be busy, with eager tourists and locals alike, heading for the lifts to get their first runs in the fresh powder. While making this image, a pair of beautiful red foxes came by to see what I was up. They quickly moved on, probably anticipating the flood of people that will soon fill these streets. For now though, this sleepy little street is perfectly silent on this amazing winter morning. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/main-street-breckenridge-colorado/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0457_Main_Street_Breckenridge_Nate_Zeman.jpg Main Street Breckenridge Colorado A heavy January snowstorm blankets historic downtown Breckenridge. Founded in 1859, Breckenridge was established to house the many miners that made their way to the mountains during the gold rush. Today, over 150 years later, mining relics can be found all over the county. Many of the original historic buildings in Breckenridge are still being occupied on Main Street. The gold mines in and around Breckenridge are no longer in use, but snow, the new highly sought after treasure, keeps people flocking to this beautiful mountain town. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/forest-cathedral/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0456_Forest_Cathedral_Nate_Zeman.jpg Forest Cathedral This image was made while snowshoeing through the forest, where the temperature was hitting somewhere around minus 30 degrees. Snow and ice particles danced in the crisp air, catching the early morning light that filtered through the dense pine forest. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/winter-blue/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0454_Winter_Blue_Nate_Zeman.jpg Winter Blue A blue jay perches on a snow covered branch on a snowy day in Wisconsin.  Blue Jay - Cyanocitta cristata - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/snowy-perch-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0454_Cardinal_Nate_Zeman.jpg Snowy Perch A windy, wet blizzard moved over the midwest leaving everything covered in a beautiful coat of white. Even the smallest branches have surrendered to the blanket of heavy snow.  A male northern cardinal perches on a branch in this other-worldly scene.  Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/photo-497/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Art_Card_Framed.jpg https://www.natezeman.com/photo/art-card-wildlife-collection/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Art_Card_Wildlife.jpg Art Card Wildlife Collection                10 different wildlife images make up this art card box.  For a list of cards included in this set please click.  https://www.natezeman.com/photo/art-card-landscape-collection/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Art_Card_Lanscapes.jpg Art Card Landscape Collection                  10 different landscape images make up this art card box. For a list of cards included in this set please click. https://www.natezeman.com/photo/shadows-of-september/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0452_Capitol_Peak_Light_Nate_Zeman.jpg Shadows of September Late afternoon clouds retreat from the high peaks of the Elk Mountains, leaving a fresh dusting of snow on Capitol Peak. In the valley below, aspen trees begin their transformation from a deep shade of green to the vibrant gold they are so famous for. Capitol Peak - White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/a-fleeting-glance/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4914_Bear_Autumn_Nate_Zemaw.jpg A Fleeting Glance A black bear foraging amongst the autumn leaves, pauses for just a moment to look up and scan its sorroundings.  American Black Bear - (Ursus americanus) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/silent/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4911_Winter_Aspens_Pano_NateZeman.jpg Silent Deep in the heart of a wintery forest, snowflakes fall from the sky. Quiet is a relative term here, in this place, so silent, the gentle sound of snow hitting the trees could  arguably be described as loud. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/thunderbeast/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4910_Thunderbeast_Nate_Zeman.jpg Thunderbeast On a chilly fall morning, this massive bull bison lets out a loud bellow. Although this intimidating call is no doubt directed at another bison in the vicinity, it serves as a strong reminder that these animals are not the gentle, easy going creatures that many perceive them to be. Bison often seem tame and unconcerned. To conserve energy, they generally move at a gentle, slow and deliberate pace, giving off the impression that they are harmless. Make no mistake. This perception is far from reality. The biggest bulls can weigh in at over a ton. They can run more than twice as fast as you, and those horns are not for show. Although bison pose no threat to humans unless provoked, their calm demeanor will often put unsuspecting tourists, eager for a close up snapshot, in very dangerous situations. These beautiful symbols of the American West should always be viewed from a respectable distance.  American Bison (Bison bison) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/first-flakes/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4909_First_Flakes_Fox_Nate_Zeman.jpg First Flakes The first big winter storm rolls through the Rockies, leaving a blanket of white snow in its path. Winters are vicious in this part of the park. Nestled between the Never Summer Mountains and the Continental Divide, storms usually drop most of their precipitation here, in the Kawuneeche Valley, before moving eastward over the rest of the park. While most animals are heading for lower ground, there are a few holdouts. The red fox is perfectly adapted to harsh winter conditions, and wasted no time getting out in the snow to hunt. Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Kawuneeche Valley - Rocky Mountain NP - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/teton-rays/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4908_Teton_Rays_Nate_Zeman.jpg Teton Rays In 1942 Ansel Adams created his masterpiece "Tetons and the Snake River." Since then, countless photographers have tried their hand at capturing the beauty of this iconic overlook, though I'm not sure any other photo will capture the magic of the Tetons as well. Many would be surprised to hear that this sunset image was captured on a completely cloudless autumn evening. Wildfires burning in and around the park sent large plumes of smoke over the mountains. The smoke made for extremely hazy days, but as the sun set behind the range,  amazing rays of light began to beam up from the high peaks. These unique conditions resulted in one of the most amazing and unique sunsets I've seen in a while.  Snake River - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-dry-meadow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4907_Coyote_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Dry Meadow                                       A coyote pauses in a dry meadow on an unseasonably warm October day.                                                                 | Item # 4907 |   | Edition of 250 | Coyote (Canis latrans) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/wading-moose/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4906_Cow_Moose__Nate_Zeman.jpg Wading Moose A cow moose stands in a pond feeding on aquatic vegetation. These animals are very at home in the water and are surprisingly adept swimmers. Moose, the largest member of the deer family have extremely long legs, which aid them in their natural habitats. Aside from water, moose are often found in areas with deep snow and tall grass.  Cow Moose (Alces alces) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/forest-for-the-trees/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4905_Trees_Yellowstone_Nate_Zeman.jpg Forest for the Trees It's early October in Yellowstone National Park. My focus was on a beautiful black bear and her two cubs. We spotted her every sunrise and sunset for three days. However, we experienced the rule of wildlife photography and not the exception, meaning the bears didn't cooperate, and never came close enough for useable images. I became very familiar with this mountainside over the course of those days. One of the first things I noticed while waiting out the elusive bears, was this beautiful row of aspen trees, growing on the edge of a dark pine forest. On the last day of my trip these trees were almost glowing with their vibrant shades of orange. I never did get the shot of the bears that I was looking for, but this image was a great consolation prize, reminding me that out in nature, when things aren't going your way, you must  remember to see the forest for the trees. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dawn-of-winter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0502_NZ_Dawn_of_Winter_WM.jpg Dawn of Winter It's only the middle of October, but the wind on the high alpine tundra carries winter on its breath. A bull elk and his harem spend the morning grazing on whats left of the grasses of an extremely short summer. Longs Peak, one of Colorado's most famous "fourteeners" is already covered in a blanket of snow. Low lying clouds, caused by temperature inversion, are stuck in the lower valleys, completing as perfect a scene as I can imagine. Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/grand-pastures/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4903_Horses_Tetons_Nate_Zeman.jpg Grand Pastures Horses graze in the early morning autumn light in Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton, at a height of 13,775 ft and a prominence of of over 6,500 feet, dominates the landscape. The Teton Range, while not nearly the highest mountains in the Rockies, are arguably the most impressive, largely because of the drastic rise they have made from the flat valley floor of Jackson Hole. There are no foothills in sight.  Horses - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumns-offer/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4902_Cedar_Waxwing_Nate_Zeman.jpg Autumn's Offer A fall bounty of hawthorn berries brings the low lying areas of Grand Teton National Park to life. Bears are the crowd favorite, as one can imagine. They clumsily climb among the small branches, which can barely support their weight. A bear though, can pack on many pounds in the fall when a food source like this is abundant. Upon closer inspection you can see many other animals feeding on these little morsels. Birds, like the Robin and the Waxwing, for example. Here, a Cedar Waxwing perches on a branch after being handed a berry from another member of the flock. Berries play a large role in the life of a Cedar Waxwing. It is not uncommon to see a group of them lined up on a branch passing berries down the line so that they all can eat. Waxwing pairs will also pass items such as berries back and forth between each other as an act of courtship.  Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/peak-of-the-season/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4901_Teton_Fire_Nate_Zeman.jpg Peak of the Season It's high noon in the northern Tetons. Mt Moran looms over the most spectacular stand of autumn aspens that I've laid my eyes on. The first clouds appear over the mountains after a couple weeks of indian summer. This is October at its best in Wyoming. In just a day these leaves will be gone. Not long after that, these mountains will be capped in a fresh coat of white snow. The valley will soon surrender to the brutal wyoming winter. In this moment though, I can't Imagine a more beautiful day. Mt Moran - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mighty/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0439Mighty_For_Nate_Zeman.jpg Mighty A massive bull elk stands proudly overlooking his harem.  Bull Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/coming-to-light/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4900_Black_Bear_Nate_Zeman.jpg Coming to Light Although most may tend to picture a jet-black animal when thinking about the black bear, they may be surprised to hear that these bears come in many different colors, ranging from blonde to dark black, and evrywhere in-between. Here, in Grand Teton National Park, on a beautiful October day, this beautiful dark brown black bear emerges from the forest and into the light.  American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/little-fisherman/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4899_Mink_Nate_Zeman.jpg Little Fisherman With short legs and partially webbed feet, the mink is just as at home in the water as it is on land. These little creatures, which are related to weasels and otters are often found along streams where they hunt for fish. These animals are widely distributed throughout North America, but are not often seen, due to their mostly nocturnal activities. Unfortunately, these beautiful animals are probably known to most people because of their highly sought after fur, which is used to make coats and other luxury goods.  American Mink (Neovison vison) - White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/platinum-skies/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0496_NZ_Platinum_Skies_WM.jpg Platinum Skies Mt. Moran rises through stormy skies over the Oxbow Bend of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park on a beautiful October Morning. This mountain was named after famous western American landscape painter, Thomas Moran. Moran's sketches and paintings from his days with the Hayden Geological Survey were crucial to the creation of Yellowstone National Park, and helped congress develop the National Park System. It's fitting that this beautiful mountain in the Northern Teton range was named for such a man. The view of Mt. Moran from the Oxbow Bend continues to inspire photographers and painters to this day, serving as a great reminder of how the power of art can affect conservation. ** Outdoor Photographer Magazine's 3rd Annual Nature's Colors Contest: Honorable Mention ** Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Prices and Sizes Mt Moran and The Oxbow Bend - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-valley-of-transition/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4897_Capitol_Peak_Nate_Zeman.jpg Valley of Transition Looking up the valley towards 14,130 ft Capitol Peak, it's evident that this landscape is in transition. It's late September in the Elk Mountains. Lush, green aspens are beginning to turn their famous shade of gold. The summit of this fourteener has just received its first dusting of snow. Day turns to night.  </em Capitol Peak - White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/white-lace/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/4895_Ramona_Falls_Nate_Zeman.jpg White Lace Silky water drapes over the columnar basalt cliff of Ramona Falls in the Mt. Hood Wilderness. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Ramona Falls - Mt. Hood Wilderness - Mt. Hood National Forest - Oregon https://www.natezeman.com/photo/encounter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0490_Oregon_Coast_Nate_Zeman.jpg Encounter As the tides begin to rise, mighty waves from the Pacific Ocean crash into the rugged rock shores of the Oregon coast. A long exposure creates an abstract pattern of water amongst the rocks. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Central Oregon Coast - Oregon https://www.natezeman.com/photo/beacon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0489_Beacon_Heceta_Head_Nate_Zeman.jpg Beacon At well over 100 years old, the Heceta Head Lighthouse still stands proudly on the rugged rock cliffs of the Oregon Coast. I took somewhere around 500 photos trying to get this exact scene. I was  hoping to get the waves crashing in the foreground and on the point, while at the same time getting the light in the image as it came around during its rotation. To my surprise I actually captured all three in one frame. I can't complain about how long it took me to get the exact shot I wanted though. It was a warm breezy gorgeous night. The entire time I was shooting, sea lions surfed and barked in the waves far below. Heceta Head Lighthouse - Central Oregon Coast https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fairy-falls/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0488_Fairy_Falls_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fairy Falls Fairy Falls, at only 20 ft, Is often overlooked for its much larger neighbors like the 620 foot Multnomah Falls, which is only a half mile to the east. However, the way the waters of Wahkeena Creek cascade and fan out over the many basalt columns of Fairy Falls makes it just as impressive to me. When visiting Fairy Falls you won't find a large visitors center and there is no large freeway exit to lure you in, but For those willing to step away from their cars and make the short hike through this lush green forest will find their extra efforts rewarding. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Fairy Falls - Columbia River Gorge - Oregon https://www.natezeman.com/photo/wyeast/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0487_Mt_Hood_Nate_Zeman.jpg Wy'east Mt. Hood, The highest peak in Oregon, and the Fourth highest peak in the Cascade Range is reflected in the pristine waters of Trillium lake. Mt. Hood is not the largest mountain, by any means. Its prominence is what makes it so special. This massive volcano dominates the skyline of portland, fifty miles to the east. Rising to 11,249 ft, with a prominence of almost 8,000 ft, it's no wonder so many have been inspired by the majesty of this mountain. </em Trillium Lake - Mount Hood - Oregon https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cave-point-sunrise/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0485_Nate_Zeman_Cave_Point_Sunrise.jpg Cave Point Sunrise On a windy day, you will actually hear Cave Point before you see it. Constant battering from Lake Michigan's powerful waves has hollowed out large underwater caves. When conditions are right, one can observe waves crashing high into the air with incredible force. Standing on this limestone shelf, I could feel each wave crash deep into the rocks beneath my feet. These ancient shelves of limestone are actually part of the Niagara Escarpment, which runs westward from New York state to Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. The most famous portion of this escarpment is the point where the Niagara River Plunges over Niagara Falls, for which it got its name. Cave Point - Door County - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rise/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Rise_Up_Long_Peak_Nate_Zeman.jpg Rise Like a ship in the fog, Longs Peak reveals itself after being hidden in thick storm clouds. Just after the sun had dipped below the horizon for the day, the massive mountain emerged. It was a quick show. Moments later, the thick clouds veiled the mountain once again. Longs Peak is Rocky Mountain National Park's only fourteen foot thousand peak. Making it one of the most popular of Colorado's "fourteeners" to climb. The sheer cliff of the east face and its flat top make Longs unmistakeable. It can be viewed from almost anywhere along the front range. I hope there were climbers at the summit this particular evening. The few minutes the mountain peeked from the clouds would have made for an incredible view. Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/wary-wanderer/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Wary_Wanderer_Pika_Nate_Zeman.jpg Wary Wanderer Pikas are one of my favorite animals to observe and photograph. This small animal, a relative of rabbits is only  about six inches long and weighs only a few ounces. What they lack in size they definitely make up for in character. Always on the move and aways making plenty of noise to let you know that you're in their territory. One of the things I find most endearing about pikas is that they always have this comical, terrified look on their face. This is due, in large part, to the fact that there are an assortment of animals on the tundra that would love to make a snack out of these little fur-balls. I cringe at using the word "cute" to describe an animal, but its hard to deny it with these little guys.  American Pika - (Ochotona princeps) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/forest-canyon-blaze/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Forest_Canyon_Blaze_Nate-Zeman.jpg Forest Canyon Blaze Looking from the Rock Cut area of Trail Ridge Road, past Forest Canyon and towards some of Rocky Mountain National Park's most recognizable mountains, an amazing display of sunset light lingers in the Colorado sky. Starting from left to right, Terra Tomah Mountain, Mount Julian, Cracktop Mountain, Chief Cheley Peak and Mount Ida can all be seen. These mountains surround  the spectacular Gorge Lakes Basin, a dramatic area with numerous high alpine lakes, some of which can be seen in this photo. This was a rare sunset. The kind photographers dream of. This image was made well after the sun had set behind the Never Summer Mountains, but indirect light reflecting off the clouds overhead was intense enough that it was creating its own light that you can see cast on the foreground rocks. Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/blue-dusk/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Blue_Dusk_For_Web_Nate_Zeman.jpg Blue Dusk Long after the sun has set, a thick cloud bank rolls over the tundra, creating an eerie blue scene of silhouetted trees. The peaks of the Ten Mile Range of Breckenridge, Colorado are barely visible in the distance. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Pike National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/gift-of-light/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/bforweb.jpg Gift of Light Wildflowers covering a high mountain slope soak up the final rays of light as the sun sets over Peak 8 and Breckenridge, Colorado. The sun, a crucial life giver to these flowers will retreat as it does every night, but they will be waiting again in the morning to take in its energy giving light. Boreas Pass - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/twisted-sunset-ii/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Boreas_Pass_For_Web.jpg Twisted Sunset II Stormy skies above Baldy Mountain are illuminated from the last rays of light of the setting sun disappearing behind the ten mile range to the west. Boreas pass, named for the Greek God of the north wind, is littered with tree stumps that were used to construct the railroad that connected Breckenridge and Denver during the gold rush days. Some of these stumps are quite beautiful and make for a perfect foreground to a photo. In late july these mountainsides are dotted with indian paintbrush and many other species of wildflower.  White River National Forest - Near Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/secret-garden/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/secretgardenforweb.jpg Secret Garden Deep in the heart of a large aspen grove, a July explosion of Colorado Blue Columbines decorate the forest floor with their many shades of purples, blues and yellows. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/tundra-ghosts/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/elkforweb.jpg Tundra Ghosts A small herd of bull elk appear in and out of the incredibly thick fog as a summer storm rolls over the high alpine tundra. Elk often head to higher ground in the summer to graze and enjoy the lazy days of summer. As always, though, the mountains have the final word on the weather, and snowstorms, like this one are fairly common at this altitude, even in the middle of July.  Bull Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-fragile-season/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/columbineforweb.jpg The Fragile Season After a summer rain storm moved over the Rockies, a lone Columbine stands out against the wet green grass. The Colorado Blue Columbine is the state flower, and one of the most recognizable wildflowers in the state. In July and August these beautiful flowers pop up in alpine and sub-alpine areas of the mountains, a sure reminder that its finally summer. Although, summer is a term used loosely around here. An hour or so after taking this photo I found myself photographing a herd of elk in a mid-July snowstorm. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Colorado Blue Columbine - Rocky Mountain National Park - CO https://www.natezeman.com/photo/alpine-comfort/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/oatsforweb.jpg Alpine Comfort A nanny mountain goat and her kid bed down for the evening as the last rays of the day slip behind a large mountain.  Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus) - Mt. Evans - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/out-of-the-darkness/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/FORWEB.jpg Out of the Darkness A fox kit peeks its head from its den as the very final rays of the day fall upon the abandoned building this family of foxes calls home.  Red Fox Kit - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dead-horse-sunrise/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0469_Dead_Horse_Point_Nate_Zeman.jpg Dead Horse Sunrise Standing on a mesa top 2,000 feet above the Colorado River gives you a perfect vantage point of one of its countless sculptures it has carved on its way to the sea. This is the view from the tip of Dead Horse Point on probably the windiest morning I've ever experienced. Mustang herds used to run wild all over these mesa tops. This promontory served as a perfect natural corral for cowboys to drive these wild horses. A ways back from the tip of this point is a narrow 30 yard neck of land which was controlled by a fence to keep the mustangs in. They were then roped and broken and either used for personal use, or sold. The unwanted horses were left behind to find their way off the point. As legend has it, a group of these unwanted horses were left on the point with the left open so they could find their way back to the open range. For unknown reasons the mustangs never left the area, eventually succumbing to thirst and, giving this spot the name "Dead Horse Point" Dead Horse Point - Southeast Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/first-light-dream-lake/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/First_Light_Dream_Lake_For_Web.jpg First Light: Dream Lake First light strikes Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain on a perfectly calm summer morning. </em Dream Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sacred-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0468_Sacred_Sunset_False_Kiva_Nate_Zeman.jpg Sacred Sunset Although not really a kiva (archeologists believe this stone circle was actually used for sleeping or storage) false kiva is still a place that evokes a lot of emotion. It's hard not to feel spiritual in this alcove, looking out at the sunset. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | False Kiva - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/foxs-first-snow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0467_Foxs_First_Snow_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fox's First Snow Most foxes won't experience their first snow until they are fully grown, but an early may dusting was cause for exploration for this tiny kit.  Red Fox Kit - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mothers-comfort/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0466_Mothers_Comfort_Fox_Nate_Zeman.jpg Mother's Comfort Naturally curious, but still too young to muster the courage to leave their mother's side, two fox kits explore their snowy new world.   Red Foxes - (Vulpes vulpes) Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/yellowstone-grey-wolf/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0465_Yellowstone_Grey_Wolf_Nate_Zeman.jpg Yellowstone Grey Wolf A grey wolf pauses to give me a look on the sagebrush flats of Yellowstone National Park. Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/wolf-sage/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0464_Wolf_Sage_Nate_Zeman.jpg Wolf Sage Perfectly adapted to its environment, this grey wolf blends into her surroundings almost perfectly. If it weren't for my telephoto lens separating her from the background its hard to tell where the sage brush ends and the wolf begins. Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/spy-game/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0463_Spy_Game_Otters_Nate_Zeman.jpg Spy Game When we first came upon this family of river otters they were very leery of us. For a while we could only hear them growling from inside their burrow. After a bit, their curiosity got the best of them and they began peeking at us from underneath the grassy river bank. Before long they were out of the water and posing. American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/three-otters/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Three_Otters_Nate_Zeman.jpg Three Otters A family of otters pose for my camera outside of their burrow in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park.  American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/otter-kiss/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0460_Otter_Kiss_Nate_Zeman.jpg Otter Kiss A family of otters pose for my camera outside of their burrow in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park.  American River Otters (Lontra canadensis) Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/pronghorn/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0459-Pronghorn_Yellowstone_Nate_Zeman.jpg Pronghorn The pronghorn antelope is the fastest land mammal in North America, and is considered to be the second fastest land mammal on earth. The only animal faster is the cheetah. The pronghorn's speed is greatly higher than any current North American predators, leading scientists to believe that they evolved their running ability to escape from extinct predators like the American cheetah.   Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/american-bison/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Bison_Profile_Yellowstone_Nate_Zeman.jpg American Bison With its massive head and forequarters the American bison is a truly formidable beast. Bison are capable of withstanding some of the harshest winters on earth, but have suffered greatly at the hands of man. Now, Yellowstone is home to one of the few last places where bison herds roam freely in the wild. This animal, which was once almost wiped completely off the earth is still persecuted when they leave the boundaries of the park in winter in search of lower ground.  American Bison (Bison bison) Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/shadow-hunter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/shadowhunterforweb72.jpg Shadow Hunter A tricolored heron lurks in the shadows waiting for unsuspecting prey. Formerly known as the Louisiana Heron, the tri colored prefers to stalk its prey in shallow waters.  Tri Colored Heron - (Egretta tricolor) - Ding Darling NWR - Sanibel IS, Florida https://www.natezeman.com/photo/little-blue/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Little_Blue_Heron_Nate_Zeman.jpg Little Blue Little Blue herons are one of my favorite birds to photograph. This particular one really caught my eye with its vibrant colors while preening its feathers.  Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) Ding Darling NWR - Sanibel IS, Florida https://www.natezeman.com/photo/white-ibis-reflection/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/White_Ibis_Reflection_Nate_Zeman.jpg White Ibis Reflection A White Ibis is nearly perfectly reflected in the calm waters of Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge at sunrise. The white ibis feeds by probing the ground with its long downcurved beak. Looking for anything from fish to insects.  American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) - Ding Darling NWR - Sanibel IS, Florida https://www.natezeman.com/photo/roseate-spoonbill/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0454_Spoonbill_Nate_Zeman.jpg Roseate Spoonbill A Beautiful Roseate Spoonbill takes off from the mangrove it had spent most of the day sleeping in. The bizzare bill that gives this bird its name is used to strain small food items out of the water.  Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) Ding Darling NWR - Sanibel Island, Florida https://www.natezeman.com/photo/red-memories/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0451_Red_Memories_Nate_Zeman.jpg Red Memories  When I was growing up in Wisconsin red barns like this were abundant. I've always loved the way they look especially against a fresh blanket of snow. Unfortunately now, every time I visit home it seems there are less and less of these beautiful rural landscapes. Farm fields are giving way to development. These scenes have always held a special place in my heart so I had a lot of fun making this image. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/winter-slumber/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0449_Winter_Slumber_Nate_Zeman.jpg Winter Slumber Red foxes are perfectly adapted to living in the harshest of winter environments. That fact is evident in this photo, as a fox sleeps soundly out in the open during a night time snow storm. Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-meadow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0448_The_Meadow_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Meadow As the late evening light filters through the fog, a beautiful brown bear emerges out of the tall grass and into the meadow.  Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/midnight-vigil/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0447_Midnight_Vigil_Nate_Zeman.jpg Midnight Vigil Sitting atop a large boulder at low tide overlooking Kachemak bay, a bald eagle stares off towards the setting sun. One of the great things about summer in Alaska is that you can take photos late into the night. This image was taken somewhere around midnight.   Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Kachemak Bay - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/refresh/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0446_Refresh_Nate_Zeman.jpg Refresh Waves crash around a large rock, half submerged on Second Beach on the Olympic Peninsula. The sky is still bright with twilight light, long after the sun has set behind a large sea stack. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Second Beach - Olympic National Park - La Push, Washington https://www.natezeman.com/photo/bear-bath/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0445_Bear_Bath_Nate_Zeman.jpg Bear Bath A small stream serves as a cool bath for an alaskan brown bear on an unseasonably warm day on the Alaska Peninsula.  Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/second-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0444_Second_Sunset_Nate_Zeman.jpg Second Sunset The day comes to a close on Second Beach in Olympic National Park as the sun retreats behind a sea stack. Second Beach - Olympic National Park - La Push, Washington https://www.natezeman.com/photo/second-beach-sunrise-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0438_Second_Beach_Sunrise_Nate_Zeman.jpg Second Beach Sunrise Waves crash onto second beach on the Olympic Peninsula. A slow exposure shows the water rushing back into the sea. Peaking my head out of tent, it was still dark, but I could tell there were clouds. Hoping for a good sunrise I set out for the beach with my gear. Standing knee deep in freezing ocean water is the perfect way to get a morning started. As I waited for the sun to come up a family of river otters surfed in the waves right in front of me. Mornings like this are the reason I love doing what I do. Second Beach - Olympic National Park - La Push, Washington https://www.natezeman.com/photo/olympic-twilight/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0435_Olympic_Twilight_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg Olympic Twilight Dark ocean waves crash ashore and swirl around a sunken rock, long after the sun has sunk below the horizon. The light of the day refuses to give way to darkness. Second Beach - Olympic National Park - La Push, Washington https://www.natezeman.com/photo/battle-at-katmai-iv/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0434_Battle_At_Katmai_IV_Nate_Zeman.jpg Battle at Katmai IV A large female brown bear engages in serious combat with a much smaller male. The prize these two were battling over was a sea otter that had washed ashore. Getting to witness the raw power exhibited by these two massive predators at such a close range sent chills down my spine. It was a moment I will never forget. To see the rest of the images in this series click HERE.  Alaskan Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/battle-at-katmai-iii/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0433_Battle_At_Katmai_III_Nate_Zeman.jpg Battle at Katmai III A large female brown bear engages in serious combat with a much smaller male. The prize these two were battling over was a sea otter that had washed ashore. Getting to witness the raw power exhibited by these two massive predators at such a close range sent chills down my spine. It was a moment I will never forget. To see the rest of the images in this series  click HERE.  Alaskan Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/battle-at-katmai-ii/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0432_Battle_At_Katmai_II_Nate_Zeman.jpg Battle at Katmai II A large female brown bear engages in serious combat with a much smaller male. The prize these two were battling over was a sea otter that had washed ashore. Getting to witness the raw power exhibited by these two massive predators at such a close range sent chills down my spine. It was a moment I will never forget. To see the rest of the images in this series click HERE. Alaskan Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/battle-at-katmai-i/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0431_Battle_At_Katmai_I_Nate_Zeman.jpg Battle at Katmai I A large female brown bear engages in serious combat with a much smaller male. The prize these two were battling over was a sea otter that had washed ashore.  Getting to witness the raw power exhibited by these two massive predators at such a close range sent chills down my spine. It was a moment I will never forget. To see the rest of the images in this series click HERE.  Alaskan Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-heavens-erupt/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0430_The_Heavens_Erupt_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Heavens Erupt While camping on the Olympic Peninsula I looked to the sky and saw the milky way the clearest I have ever seen. I quickly grabbed my camera to capture this incredible sight. I moved slightly down the beach from my campsite and composed the image so that the milky way was directly behind a large sea stack, giving it the illusion of an eruption. Second Beach - Olympic National Park - La Push, Washington https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sunset-watch/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0428_Sunset_Watch_Nate_Zeman.jpg Sunset Watch A bald eagle gazes off towards the setting sun.  Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Kachemak Bay - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/katmai-coast/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0427_Katmai_Coast_Nate_Zeman.jpg Katmai Coast The breath taking Katmai Coast of the Alaska Peninsula as seen from the window of our bush plane on our way out of Katmai. Massive volcanos and glaciers make this one of the most rugged places on earth. Off in the distance poking through the clouds is Mt. Augustine. Alaska Peninsula - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/horned-puffin-takeoff/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0425_Horned_Puffin_Takeoff_Nate_Zeman.jpg Horned Puffin Takeoff Looking it's running on water, a horned puffin takes off on a wavy day on Kachemak bay.  Horned puffins are counter-shaded, being black on the top helps them blend in with the dark water from predators above, while their white undersides makes it difficult for predators below to spot them underwater.  Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) Kachemak Bay - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/beach-bear/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0424_Beach_Bear_Nate_Zeman.jpg Beach Bear A young alaskan brown bear sits in the mud at low tide playfully digging around. This bear was very curious of us. It came to investigate our goings on a few different times throughout the trip. He had the most character out of all the bears we encountered. Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/in-the-meadow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0422_In_The_Meadow_Nate_Zeman.jpg In the Meadow During the days of early summer, before the salmon run, brown bears spend a lot of their time in the meadows grazing on the grasses and plants.  Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/grizzly-profile/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0421_Grizzly_Profile_Nate_Zeman.jpg Grizzly Profile A coastal Alaskan brown bear keeps its eyes and nose to the ground on its search for clams, its nose covered in mud from digging. Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/out-of-the-fog/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0420_Out_Of_The_Fog_Nate_Zeman.jpg Out of the Fog We spent the better part of this morning searching for bears with no success. The fog was so thick, we knew the bears were all around us, but visibility was so low we couldn't locate one. At lunch we climbed to the top of a large cliff peninsula to eat lunch. While we were up there the fog cleared for just a matter of seconds, but from our high vantage point we were able to spot this bear off on the tidal flats. We quickly packed up our gear and went off in search of this beautiful brown bear. I love shooting in unique weather like this, it always adds a little more atmosphere to the image.  Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cool-blue/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0419_Cool_Blue_Nate_Zeman.jpg Cool Blue A bald eagle sits atop a rock on a beautiful blue sky day in Alaska  Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Kachemak Bay - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-chase/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0418_Fox_And_Bear_Chase_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Chase An Alaskan brown bear chases a red fox across the mud at low tide. The bear was in a very playful mood and seemed intent on harassing the fox, who wanted nothing to do with it.  Alaskan Brown Bear and Red Fox - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/lost-world/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0417_Lost_World_Nate_Zeman.jpg Lost World   Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fireweed-and-glaciers/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0415_Fireweed_And_Glaciers_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fireweed and Glaciers Looking across Kachemak bay towards the Kenai mountains and their massive glaciers a field of fireweed is in full bloom. In early summer the fireweed begins to bloom from the middle of the stalk. As summer goes on each successive flower blooms just above the previous one. Working its way up. As the bloom reaches the top of the stalk the earliest blooms begin to seed and turn to cotton. Once the entire plant turns to cotton Alaskans say there are about six week until winter begins. Kenai Peninsula - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/juvenile-bald-eagle/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0414_Juvenile_Bald_Eagle_Nate_Zeman.jpg Juvenile Bald Eagle A juvenile bald eagle walks along the muddy flats at low tide. Bald eagles don't get their famous white head and black body until they have reached maturity at 4-5 years of age.  Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Kachemak Bay - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-fox-and-the-bear/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0413_The_Fox_And_The_Bear_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Fox and the Bear We spent the morning photographing this red fox. It was busy clamming on the tidal flats, as seen by the dark spots in the mud in this photo. After some time this young brown bear came out of the woods, apparently in a very playful mood. It chased the fox around in circles for a few seconds but the fox was having none of it. They ended up in this priceless staring contest before the fox got tired of the bear and moved off to another part of the bay.  Alaskan Brown Bear and Red Fox - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/brown-bear/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0411_Brown_Bear_Nate_Zeman.jpg Brown Bear A curious young male brown bear walks across the tidal flats to check on the activities of a red fox who was out digging for clams. When out photographing brown bears, it's usually the younger "bears that tend to get a little closer than you'd like. They are very curious and have no problem approaching at close range to inspect what's going on. Usually though, speaking in a firm voice when they get too close will keep them moving on their way. Alaskan Brown Bear - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cloud-walker/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0409_Couldwalker_Nate_Zeman.jpg Cloud Walker A foggy day in Yellowstone National Park serves as the backdrop as a grizzly bear wanders across a snow covered meadow. The conditions on this day were very surreal, with the low hanging fog and blue skies above.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/hanging-out/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0407_Hanging_Out_Nate_Zeman.jpg Hanging Out Unlike the other bears of North America, the black bear is right at home in trees. They are extremely agile and show no fear when it comes to heights. This bear spent a few hours in the tree, tearing bark off of branches and sleeping before it finally came down after nightfall.  American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/new-world/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0405_New_World_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg New World A fox is a curious animal by nature, but when they are newborn babies they want to inspect everything. This little fox will spend the next weeks playing with its siblings and learning from its parents, but it will have to learn fast because before long he will be fending for himself in this brand new world.  Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/balance/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0404_Balance_Nate_Zeman.jpg Balance Wolves serve a critical role in maintaining a healthy  ecosystem. One of the many roles they play in keeping the balance is in hunting and ultimately killing. This cow elk they took down the night before will not only feed the pack, but also, many other species of animal that will feed on the kill. Coyotes, bears, ravens, eagles and foxes are just a few of the many animals that will benefit from the hard work of these beautiful predators.                                                                 | Item # 0404 |   | Edition of 250 | Grey Wolves (Canis lupus) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/firehole-river/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Firehole_River_For_Web0402_Firehole_River_Nate_zeman.jpg Firehole River The geothermally heated waters of the Firehole River steam in the cool early morning in Yellowstone National Park. A great blue heron perches on a sunken log, patiently hunting.   Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/grizzly-in-the-mist/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0401_Grizzly_In_The_Mist_Nate_Zeman.jpg Grizzly in the Mist A grizzly bear, fresh out of hibernation, slowly ambles along a foggy snow covered meadow in Yellowstone National Park.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/proud-father/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0400_Proud_Father_Nate_Zeman.jpg Proud Father A small red fox pup shares a tender moment with its father before running off to play with the rest of its tiny siblings. Red foxes typically form monogamous pairs while raising their young. In this image the father stayed back with the kits as the mother was out hunting. Red Foxes - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/noble/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0399_Noble_One_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Warrior A beautiful grey wolf stands on a hill surveying her surroundings while the rest of the pack feeds below. Wolves are the subject of great controversy. Many would like to see this amazing animal erased from the earth, but the role they play on the ecosystem is critical.  Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/a-walk-in-the-clouds/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0397_A_Walk_In_The_Clouds_Nate_Zeman.jpg A Walk in the Clouds This was one of those scenes I came upon that was just too perfect. Conditions where you find yourself wishing an animal, any animal, would walk through it. This was also one of those days where that wish came true. Every once in a while in nature photography all the things you need to make a compelling photo come together at just the right time. This was one of those days.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/where-sand-meets-the-sangres/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0396_Where_Sand_Meets_The_Sangres_Nate_Zeman.jpg Where Sand Meets the Sangres The Great Sand Dunes, the tallest dunes in North America, are seen from a high vantage point at sunset. The dunes were formed from sand deposits of the Rio Grande River and its tributaries that flowed through the San Luis Valley. Westerly winds picked up this sand from the flood plains and dropped them at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, over time forming these massive dunes. To this day the dunes are still in a constant state of change, the major catalysts being wind and water. Streams that flow along the perimeter carry the sand downstream and deposit them west of the dunes. The wind will then pick the same sand back up and return it to the dune field. The Great Sand Dunes - Great Sand Dunes National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/canyonlands/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0392_Canyonlands_Nate_Zeman.jpg Canyonlands I set up my tripod on this bitter cold day in Canyonlands not expecting much. The cloud cover to the east was thick and chances of a good sunrise were bleak. Still, from experience I've learned to never give up on days like this. You never know what will happen with the weather. The sun came up and nothing happened, but about 5 minutes later it broke through the cloud cover, hitting only the mesas in the distance. The light lasted for about 15 seconds. The rest of the day was cloudy. </em Canyonlands National Park - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/crimson-watch/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0384_Crimson_Watch_Nate_Zeman.jpg Crimson Watch A male northern cardinal's bright red plumage is a beautiful contrast to the otherwise colorless forest during a snowfall in Wisconsin.  Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/september-shadows/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0383_September_Shadows_Nate_Zeman.jpg September Shadows A grove of aspen trees dressed in their autumn best is the subject of this image. Anyone who has ever been to Colorado in fall knows that there is only one color to see... gold. Although only one color may seem underwhelming to some, the beautiful gold aspen trees make these mountains come alive. I look forward to photographing the few short weeks in fall more than any other time of year. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/blue-sky-morning/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0382_Blue_Sky_Morning_Nate_Zeman.jpg Blue Sky Morning The Maroon Bells reflected in Maroon Lake on a perfect autumn morning The Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/frosty/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0381_Frosty_Nate_Zeman.jpg Frosty Having succumbed to the winter like weather, aspen leaves lay on the ground coated in a layer of frost. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/making-way-for-blue-skies/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0380_Making_Way_For_Blue_Skies_Nate_Zeman.jpg Making Way for Blue Skies A clearing overnight storm reveals  a fresh dusting of snow on the Sneffels Range of the San Juan Mountains. Mt Sneffels, seen in the distance, is one of Colorado's most famous fourteeners. Sneffels Range - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fading-fall/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0379_Fading_Fall_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fading Fall The last leaves of autumn struggle to hold on. These aspen leaves turn a brilliant gold this time of year, putting on one final show before disappearing until spring.  Soon fall will give way to winter and this whole area will be covered in a blanket of white. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | | Pricing | Sizes | Purchase | Print Info | San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/san-juan-bobcat/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0375_San_Juan_Bobcat_Nate_Zeman.jpg San Juan Bobcat A rarity to see in the wild, a bobcat peeks out from underneath a large branch in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Often mistaken for a lynx, the bobcat is much more common, but like most wild cats, are extremely secretive and reclusive. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/last-of-september/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0374_Last_Of_September_Nate_Zeman.jpg Last of September A stand of aspens at their fall peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/looking-up/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0373_looking_Up_Nate_Zeman.jpg Looking Up Looking up at a towering grove of aspen trees gives you a different perspective. The golden autumn leaves contrast beautifully with the blue Colorado sky. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Boreas Pass - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/since-1893/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0371_Since_1893_Nate_Zeman.jpg Since 1893 The now ghost town of Crystal, Colorado was founded in 1880. Numerous silver mines were in operation here in the late 1800s. The building in this picture was actually used to power a mechanical air compressor for ore processing. Historically, the building was called the Sheep Mountain Power House, but is now simply known as the Crystal Mill, due to its precarious position hanging over the Crystal River. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | The Crystal Mill - Marble, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-hotel-view/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0369_The_Hotel_View_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg The Hotel View Ashcroft's history is a brief one. It began with promising silver finds by prospectors from Leadville in 1879. Quickly pioneers began to settle here. By 1885 the population of Ashcroft was nearing 2,500. However, nearby Aspen was also experiencing a boom of its own. Residents began abandoning Ashcroft as quickly as they had settled it. By 1890 most of the businesses had closed. The devaluation of silver in 1893 was the fatal blow. The post office closed in November of 1912, and only a few hardy men were left. Jack Leahy, the towns last resident died in 1939, officially rendering Ashcroft a ghost town. Many of the original buildings exist yet today. This is the Hotel View. Still standing proudly among a grove of aspens. Not yet forgotten. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | The Hotel View - Ashcroft, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fall-perfection/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0368_Fall_Perfection_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fall Perfection Under the right conditions, the reflection of the Maroon Bells in Maroon Lake is about as perfect of a scene as you could ever hope for. It's a photographers dream. On any given fall morning you will find a hundred or more people lined up along the shore well before sunrise to stake their claim. The Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-reflections/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0367_Autumn_Reflections_Nate_Zeman.jpg Autumn Reflections An aspen grove ranging in color from green to orange is reflected in the still evening waters of Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bear Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/king-of-the-rut/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0364_King_Of_The_Rut_Nate_Zeman.jpg King of the Rut Aspen leaves begin to change color, the air gets colder, the high mountain peaks start getting their first dusting of snow and the mountain valleys are now filled with the haunting sound of the bugling elk. These massive bull elk, which just a few weeks ago were calm and relaxed high up in the mountains, are now crazed hulking beasts, ready to fight anything in its path. They are all looking for cows to add to their harem, but only the biggest bulls will win the right to mate.  Bull Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/spring-thaw-mormon-row/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0363_Spring_Thaw_Mormon_Row_Nate_Zeman.jpg Spring Thaw Mormon Row The structures that make up Mormon Row have withstood the elements for over a century. The farmland was homesteaded by predominantly Mormon Settlers in the early 1900's. The park service has since taken measures to preserve them for future visitors. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Mormon Row - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/perspective/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0362_Perspective_Nate_Zeman.jpg Perspective Dwarfed by the massive Teton mountains, grizzly bear 399 and her 3 cubs cross a snowy valley. I feel extremely privileged that I had the chance to view and photograph this amazing bear family. Spring of 2008 was her third spring with her cubs, and they only stayed with her another couple weeks after I took this photograph. Bear 399 became somewhat of a celebrity in recent years, due to the fact that she was often spotted with her offspring close enough to the road for good viewing.  Grizzly Bears (Ursus Arctos) - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fourteener-framed/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0357_Fourteener_Framed_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fourteener Framed Dramatic evening skies form over Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a classic view of this famous fourteener. Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/summer-silhouette-2/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0356_Summer_Silhouette_Nate_Zeman.jpg Summer Silhouette   Bull Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/summer-silhouette/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0356_Summer_Silhouette_Nate_Zeman.jpg Summer Silhouette The final light of day gives way to the blackness of night. Just a think cloud bank is all thats left of an amazing sunset. A bull elk beds down for the night on the alpine tundra.  Bull Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/pastel-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0354_Pastel_Sunset_Nate_Zeman.jpg Pastel Sunset Nothing says its finally summer in Colorado Like a field of Blue Columbines high in the mountains. Just after the sun set behind some dark storm clouds to the west, the soft pink filtered glow of the sun peeked out for just long enough for me to capture this image. Mayflower Gulch - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/twilight-reflections/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0351_Twilight_Reflection_Nate_Zeman.jpg Twilight Reflections Long after the sun had set, the sky still burned red with light. The unique conditions of the long lasting twilight and the shallow crystal clear waters of the lake made it possible to make an exposure that showed both the bright sky and the rocks in the water.  Pass Lake - Loveland Pass - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/forest-fox/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0349_Forest_Fox_Nate_Zeman.jpg Forest Fox A red fox peeks around a tree on Boreas Pass in Colorado. Foxes can be very curious animals and this one was just that. I spent around an hour photographing him as he would dart about from tree to tree trying to figure out what I was up to.   Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/shrine/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0348_NZ_Shrine_Ridge_WM.jpg Shrine Shrine Ridge gets its name from, its view of Mount of The Holy Cross (the tallest peak in the center of the frame)  Mt. of The Holy Cross has two intersecting couloirs that form a cross shape. By late summer the rest of the snow on the peaks are gone, leaving a large white cross of snow on the peak of this 14,000 foot mountain. Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Prices and Sizes: Shrine Ridge- White River National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/twisted-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0344_Twisted_Sunset_nate_Zeman.jpg Twisted Sunset The twisted remains of an old tree are surrounded by new life as the sun sets behind the Ten Mile Range near Breckenridge, Colorado. Boreas Pass - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rocky-mountain-summer/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0341_Rocky_Mountain_Summer_Nate_Zeman.jpg Rocky Mountain Summer   Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/longs-peak/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0339_Longs_Peak_Nate_Zeman.jpg Longs Peak   Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-curious-kit/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0332_The_Curious_Kits_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Curious Kit Only having seen the outside world for a few days, this tiny fox kit was curious about everything, including me. While the rest of its siblings were wrestling and chasing each other around, this pup was transfixed on me and my camera.  Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/geyser-grizzly/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0326_Geyser_Grizzly_Nate_Zeman.jpg Geyser Grizzly A grizzly bear walks through a geothermal area in Yellowstone National Park.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mountain-bluebird/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0325_Mountain_Bluebird_Nate_Zeman.jpg Mountain Bluebird A gorgeous mountain bluebird perches atop a downed tree in Yellowstone National Park.  Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/bear-stretch/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0321_Bear_Stretch_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg Bear Stretch Looking like its getting ready for its morning workout, a grizzly bear in Yellowstone National Park sits down and plays with its foot.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-vixen/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0315_The_Vixen_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg The Vixen A red fox vixen pauses for a moment en route back to her den. She has 8 hungry kits awaiting who will no doubt be disappointed that she was unsuccessful with her hunt. Not to worry though, the male and female will take turns hunting and providing for their young almost non-stop during the spring and early summer months. Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fox-kit/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0313_Fox_Kit_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fox Kit Spring is one of my favorite times of the year. The snow melts, plants come back to life and baby animals begin to explore their new world. Fox pups are one of the best animals to photograph. They are so full of life, always playful and curious. This particular family of foxes lives under an abandoned building with a lot of old farm equipment laying around. This is a spot I've been going back to for years to photograph and observe spring kits, and this wooden tube is always a favorite play area.   Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/two-druids/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0312_Two_Druids_Wolves_Nate_Zeman.jpg Two Druids Two members of the legendary druid peak pack climb a snowy hillside in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. The druids are the most famous pack in the park. Over the years they have boasted some of the largest numbers of any known wolf  packs. Unfortunately, the winter of 2009 took a heavy toll on the Druids. A case of mange broke out in the pack. As I write this, they are down to just 2 members. It remains to be seen if these wolves will make a comeback or if they will slip away, only existing in our memories and history books.|  Grey Wolves (Canis lupus) - Lamar Valley - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/pals/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0308_Pals_Nate_Zeman.jpg Pals These two grizzly bears found this patch of snow to play on. We watched them for hours as they rolled up and down the hill and wrestled with each other. Bears always show so much character, and that is the reason they are one of my favorite animals to photograph.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/silvertip/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0301_Silvertip_Bear_Nate_Zeman.jpg Silvertip Grizzly bears are sometimes referred to as "silvertip" because of their silver tipped fur. This is one feature that easily distinguishes grizzlies from the smaller black bears that they share territory with. I've photographed many grizzlies in Yellowstone, but this one was, in my opinion, the most beautiful.  Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/king-of-the-mountain/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0300_King_Of_The_Mountain_Nate_Zeman.jpg King of the Mountain A majestic bighorn sheep ram stands proudly on a mountainside in Colorado.  Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) - Silver Plume, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fox-stare/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0293_Fox_Stare_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fox Stare A red fox emerges from its snowy den to soak up the rays of sun on one of the first warm days of late winter. Foxes are incredible creatures that are adapted perfectly to live in the harshest of winters, but there was little doubt in my mind watching this fox that it was pleased to feel the warm sun on its back.  Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Keystone, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/first-rays/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0292_First_Rays_Nate_Zeman.jpg First Rays   Mesa Arch - Island in the Sky - Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/last-light-in-arches/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0291_Last_Light_In_Arches_Nate_Zeman.jpg Last Light in Arches   Delicate Arch - Arches National Park - Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/first-track/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0289_First_Tracks_Nate_Zeman.jpg First Track   Island In the Sky - Canyonlands National Park - Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/trail-ridge-rainbow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0285_Trail_Ridge_Rainbow_Nate_Zeman.jpg Trail Ridge Rainbow A vertical rainbow forms next to Longs Peak after a brief summer rainfall in Rocky Mountain National Park | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/reclaimed/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0283_Reclaimed_Nate_Zeman.jpg Reclaimed The Danish West India and Guinea company settled St. John. in 1718. The Danish crown took full control of the colony in 1754, and was quick to establish a number of sugar plantations. The island has an ugly history of slave labor. Slaves from Africa were used, along with the indigenous Carib and Arawak indians. Today remnants of the islands plantation history are all over. The most famous of those being the Annaberg sugar mill ruins. To me though there are many more interesting structures around the island that have begun to be reclaimed by nature. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | St. John - Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/poise/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0278_Poise_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg Poise   Great Egret (Ardea alba) - St. John - Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/iguana/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0276_Iguana_Nate_Zeman.jpg Iguana  An iguana displays a beautiful array of colors and textures.  Iguana - St. John - Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/little-blue-hunter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0274_Little_Blue_Hunter_Nate_Zeman.jpg Little Blue Hunter A little blue heron, not to be mistaken with the much larger great blue heron, plucks a shrimp out of a small pond on the island of St. John.  Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) - St. John - Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/jewel-of-winter/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0270_Jewel_Of_Winter_Nate_Zeman.jpg Jewel of Winter Cardinals are known for their striking red feathers, against a snowy backdrop the red becomes even more vibrant.  Northern Cardinal - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/georgetown-rams/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0263_Georgetown_Rams_Nate_Zeman.jpg Georgetown Rams A group of bighorn sheep rams relax atop a small hill. For now things are peaceful, but in just a few weeks these male sheep will engage each other in epic battles for mating rights. Aside from their huge horns, bighorn sheep are also equipped with a double layered skull to protect the brain from the massive impacts sustained during these head butting clashes.  Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) - Georgetown, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/color-of-fall/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0257_Color_Of_Fall_Nate_Zeman.jpg Color of Fall   San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/looking-out/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0252_Looking_Out_Nate_Zeman.jpg Looking Out Sunrise light reflects off the canyon walls below and casts a brilliant red glow on the underside of Mesa Arch. Mesa Arch - Island in the Sky - Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/golden/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0248_Golden_Elk_Nate_Zeman.jpg Golden   Bull Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-herd/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0247_The_Herd_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Herd   Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/aspen-forest/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0245_Aspen_Forest_Nate_Zeman.jpg Aspen Forest Fog rolls through an Aspen forest on a moody autumn morning. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/arches/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0241_Arches_Nate_Zeman.jpg Arches First light of day gives life to the sandstone formations of Arches National Park. Turret Arch, in the distance, is framed by the North Window Arch. Arches was  made a national park in 1971 and preserves over 2000 natural stone arches. Turret Arch as seen through the North Window Arch - Arches National Park, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/after-the-storm/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0237_After_The_Storm_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg After the Storm   Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/morning-gold/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/Morning_Gold_Nate_Zeman.jpg Morning Gold   The Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/watchful-eye/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0225_Watchful_Eye_Coyote_Nate_Zeman.jpg Watchful Eye A coyote on the high alpine tundra keeps a steady on its target below, a yellow bellied marmot. Coyotes are highly adaptable creatures and can thrive almost anywhere. This particular coyote was hunting high up a mountain at almost 14,000 feet.  Coyote (Canis latrans) - Mt. Evans - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/liquid/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0224_Liquid_Nate_Zeman.jpg Liquid A beautiful waterfall near Ouray, Colorado | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Ouray, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-grand-canyon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0218_The_Grand_Canyon_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Grand Canyon A Tree grows on the edge of one of America's greatest treasures. The vastness and sheer size of the Grand Canyon could never be captured by a camera. It's a place that must be seen in person to truly gain a sense of scale.   The Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona https://www.natezeman.com/photo/a-bear-and-a-tree/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0214_A_Bear_And_A_Tree_Nate_Zeman.jpg A Bear and a Tree An American black bear sits below a tree at the edge of a forest protecting a kill it had found.  American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) - Colorado State Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-great-divide/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0211_The_Great_Divide_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Divide   Pass Lake - Loveland Pass - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/evening-stroll/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/00207_Evening_Stroll_Moose_Nate_Zeman.jpg Evening Stroll On a beautiful summer night in the Kawuneeche Valley of Rocky Mountain National Park, a bull moose wanders slowly by. These are the days of summer, where everything seems to be moving at a relaxed pace.   Bull Moose (Alces alces) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/land-of-giants/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0206_Land_Of_Giants_Nate_Zeman.jpg Land of Giants A bull moose walks along the banks of the Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Bull Moose (Alces alces) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/moose-calf/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0195_Moose_Calf_Nate_zeman.jpg Moose Calf A young moose calf, born just a few months ago, has  grown enough that it feels comfortable leaving the side of its mother to explore its new world. Mom always keeps a sharp on her calf though,  never letting it get far from her.  Moose (Alces alces) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/little-moose/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0194_Little_Moose_Nate_Zeman.jpg Little Moose   Moose (Alces alces) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/summer-kid/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0189_Summer_Kid_Mountain_Goat_Nate_Zeman.jpg Summer Kid   Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) Mt Evans - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/lunch/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0184_Lunch_Deer_Nate_Zeman.jpg Lunch A mule deer, piqued by the sound of another deer in the area, lifts her head while feeding on grasses and plants.  Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) -San Luis Valley - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/window-to-the-past/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0173_Window_To_The_Past_Nate_Zeman.jpg Window to the Past Looking through the window of the Old Boston Mine ruins in a high mountain meadow, its not hard to picture what life must have been like here for the miners in the late 1800's. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Old Boston Mine - Mayflower Gulch - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/hanging-lake/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0167_Hanging_Lake_Nate_Zeman.jpg Hanging Lake Beautiful cascading waterfalls spill into the crystal clear turquoise water of hanging lake. This travertine lake is a truly unique place. The oasis is not something you would expect to find high in a canyon in Colorado. This small body of water also creates a unique ecosystem that is a host to a variety of rare flora and fauna. The mossy rock under the waterfalls are home to nesting black swifts. This is one of the few places in Colorado where these rare birds can be found. Trout are abundant in this tiny body of water, and amazingly easy to spot in the perfectly clear water. Also found here is the extremely rare Oil Shale Columbine. Hanging Lake is only one of two places in the world where this flower grows in the wild. These yellow beauties thrive in the highly alkaline waters and soils. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Hanging Lake - Deadhorse Creek Canyon - Glenwood Springs, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/two/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0163_Two_Fox_Nate_Zeman.jpg Two Two red foxes, a mother and a pup, share a moment together outside of their den. Foxes are highly social creatures and are extremely interesting to observe.  Red Foxes - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/roadblock/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0157_Road_Block_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg Roadblock A chipmunk stops on the roadway to eat a snack.  Chipmunk - Mt. Evans - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/whites-of-their-eyes/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0145_Whites_Of_Their_Eyes_Nate_Zeman.jpg Whites of their Eyes   American Bison (Bison bison) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sagebrush-coyote/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0128_Sagebrush_Coyote_Nate_Zeman.jpg Sagebrush Coyote A coyote, bathed in morning light,  pauses momentarily while crossing the sagebrush flats of Grand Teton National Park.  Coyote (Canis latrans) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/oxbow-bend-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0126_Oxbow_Bend_Sunset_Nate_Zeman.jpg Oxbow Bend Sunset A famous scene at sunrise, but not necessarily sunset, is that of the Oxbow Bend and its amazing view of Mt. Moran. I actually wasn't planning on shooting this scene at sunset, but was in the area when the skies got extremely dramatic. I set up my tripod just in case, and to my great surprise the sun broke through and made for one of the most incredible sunsets I've seen. The Oxbow Bend - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cold-world/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0122_Cold_World_Bison_Nate_Zeman.jpg Cold World A bison calf quickly learns about the harshness of life as a spring snow storm moves through the Tetons.  American Bison (Bison bison) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/coyote-profile/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0119_Coyote_Profile_Nate_Zeman.jpg Coyote Profile A coyote gazes towards a meadow in Yellowstone National Park. Coyote (Canis latrans) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/jackson-lake/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0118_Jackson_Lake_Nate_zemanjpg.jpg Jackson Lake   Jackson Lake - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/in-the-willows/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0116_In_The_Willows_Moose_Nate_Zeman.jpg In The Willows   Moose (Alces alces) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/sunrise-stroll/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0115_Sunrise_Stroll_Bison_Nate_Zeman.jpg Sunrise Stroll   American Bison (Bison bison) - Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/desert-deer/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0111_Desert_Deer_Nate_Zeman.jpg Desert Deer Two mule deer are highlighted by the first rays of sunrise in Arches National Park. Mule deer get their name from their large ears, which help to keep them cool in this hot desert heat. Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) - Arches National Park - Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/pink/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0110_Pink_Flamingo_Nate_Zeman.jpg Pink | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | | Pricing | Sizes | Purchase | Print Info | Flamingo - Dominican Republic https://www.natezeman.com/photo/courtship/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0097_Courtship_Peacock_Nate_Zeman.jpg Many Eyes Implementing one of the most dramatic courtship displays of any animal, the male peacock fans out his iridescent feathers in hopes of attracting a mate.  Peacock - Dominican Republic https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rough-legged-hawk/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0096_Rough_Legged_Hawk_Nate_Zeman.jpg Rough Legged Hawk   Rough Legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) - North Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/in-like-a-lion/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0095_In_Like_A_Lion_Nate_Zeman.jpg In Like a Lion Spring weather is always unpredictable in the Rockies. A spring snow storm rolls over the mountains along the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/jewel-of-spring/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0094_Jewel_Of_Spring_Bluebird_Nate_Zemanjpg.jpg Jewel of Spring Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) - Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/taking-flight/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0093_Taking_Flight_Sandhill_Cranes_Nate_Zeman.jpg Taking Flight Every spring and fall for just a few weeks the San Luis Valley is taken over by thousands of migrating sandhill cranes. This is one of their major stopping points where they rest and eat before heading north for the summer.   Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) - San Luis Valley - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/red-winged-blackbird/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0092_Red_Winged_Blackbird_Nate_Zeman.jpg Red-Winged Blackbird The throaty call of a red-winged blackbird is a sound I've always associated with summer. These beautiful birds, although common, are one of my favorites.  Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/locked-up/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0090_Locked_Up_Elk_Nate_Zeman.jpg Locked Up The fall rut is a distant memory to these bull elk, but they pass their time this evening practicing their sparring routine. This practice will come in handy when these elk are battling for real.  Bull Elk (Cervus canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/great-horned-owl/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0086_Great_Horned_Owl_Nate_Zeman.jpg Great Horned Owl A great horned owl perches on top of a post in the late evening scanning the meadow for prey.  Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) - San Luis Valley - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/king-of-the-hill/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0078_King_Of_The_Hill_Bighorn_Sheep_Nate_Zeman.jpg King of the Hill A bighorn sheep ram stands out against a stormy sky high on the alpine tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park. These high elevation rocky environments are where these creatures thrive.  Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park, Color https://www.natezeman.com/photo/lightning-over-water/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0072_Lightning_Over_Water_Nate_Zeman.jpg Lightning Over Water An incredible lightning storm viewed from above a lake in southeast Wisconsin. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Southeast Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/chipmunk/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0054_Chipmunk_Nate_Zeman.jpg Chipmunk A chipmunk grabs a snack on a rock in Horicon Marsh.  Chipmunk - Horicon Marsh - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/yellow-bellied-marmot/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0048_Marmot_Nate_Zeman.jpg Yellow Bellied Marmot Marmots make their homes under rocks to protect themselves from predators. They are often seen standing on their hind legs keeping an eye out for any danger that may be lurking nearby. When a predator is spotted it whistles to warn other marmots of the danger. Because of this marmots have gained the nickname "whistle pig"  Yellow Bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris) - Rocky Mountain National Park, CO https://www.natezeman.com/photo/seahawk/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0038_Seahawk_Osprey_Nate_Zeman.jpg Osprey An osprey brings a stick back to its nest. Ospreys are one of the most widespread birds in all of the world, found on all continents except Antarctica. Their diet is made up of almost exclusively fish.  Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/bad-intentions/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0033_Bad_Intentions_Coyote_Nate_Zeman.jpg Bad Intentions A coyote crosses a meadow at dusk looking for prey. Coyotes are highly skilled stealthy hunters that use their senses to find their prey. With wolves long killed off from Rocky Mountain National Park, the elk essentially have no natural predators, so there is far less opportunity for them to scavenge kills like they would in a place such as Yellowstone, making their hunting skills that much more important.   Coyote (Canis latrans) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/bull-moose/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0032_Bull_Moose_Nate_Zeman.jpg Bull Moose   Moose (Alces alces) - Grand Lake, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/soar/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0028_Soar_Osprey_Nate_Zeman.jpg Soar | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | | Pricing | Sizes | Purchase | Print Info | Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/motherly-love/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0016_Motherly_Love_Mountain_Goats_Nate_zemanjpg.jpg Motherly Love A nanny mountain goat and her kid stand atop a boulder on Mt. Evans. These incredible creatures exist in extremely harsh and rugged conditions. The small babies are able climb areas that would intimidate the most seasoned rock climber.  Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) Mt Evans - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rising-sun/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0014_Rising_Sun_Nate_Zeman.jpg Rising Sun Seen from a high mountain peak, the sun breaks through the clouds on a spectacular morning in the Rocky Mountains. Front Range - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/399/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/399_Grizzlies_Nate_Zeman.jpg 399 This is a very special photo to me. The four grizzlies in this image are bear # 399 and her 3 cubs crossing the sagebrush flats in Grand Teton National Park. I feel extremely privileged that I had the chance to view and photograph this amazing bear family. Spring of 2008 was her third spring with her cubs, and they only stayed with her another couple weeks after I took this photograph. Bear 399 became somewhat of a celebrity in recent years, due to the fact that she was often spotted with her offspring close enough to the road for good viewing. In Wildlife photography, It's unusual to "know" one animal from another, but in the case of bear 399 it is hard to deny that she is special.   Grizzly Bears (Ursus Arctos) - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/rocky-mountain-bighorn-sheep/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/00001_Bighorn_Sheep_Nate_Zeman.jpg Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep is the quintessential animal of the mountains, and the state animal of Colorado. These animals are quite obviously named for the large curled horns. These horns, which can grow to weigh up to thirty pounds are used in epic battles for dominance and mating rights. These animals are also known for their amazing agility and near perfect balance. Bighorns typically live high in the mountains in extremely rugged terrain.  Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park, Color https://www.natezeman.com/photo/jewel-of-the-san-juans/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0254_Jewel_of_the_San_Juans_Sneffels_Nate_Zeman.jpg Jewel of the San Juans With a fresh dusting of autumn snow, the fourteen thousand foot peak of Mt. Sneffels serves as the backdrop for this beautiful scene. I waited for about an hour after sunrise for the light to work its way down the hillside, highlighting the grove of golden yellow aspen trees at their peak fall colors. Mt. Sneffels - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/protector/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0134_Protector_Bison_Nate_Zeman.jpg Protector A bison stands in the snow keeping an alert eye on anything she might deem a threat to her curious newborn calf. Buffalo, for the most part tend to appear very passive and sluggish. This is usually simply because they are conserving their energy, however, when necessary these massive creatures can reach speeds of 30-40 mph, and those horns aren't just for show.  American Bison (Bison bison) - Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/glow/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0378_Glow_Nate_Zeman.jpg Glow This October night, overlooking Chimney Rock, I was fortunate enough to witness  the most awesome display of color I've ever seen. The alpenglow on the ridge was almost unreal, seeming to glow from within. Combined with the light dusting of snow on the peaks, the dramatic sky and the aspen trees dressed in their autumn best, this scene was as close to perfect as I could imagine. </em Chimney Rock - Owl Creek Pass - Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/last-dollar-dawn/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0376_Last_Dollar_Dawn_Nate_Zeman.jpg Last Dollar Dawn 14,017 foot Wilson Peak towers over the golden valley below. Wilson Peak, Part of the San Miguel Range, which is a sub range of the stunning San Juans, is one of the more recognizable fourteeners in Colorado, serving as the backdrop for the town of Telluride. This image was captured about 30 minutes before sunrise as the dawn light tinted the sky with beautiful shades of pink and blue. The scale of this scene was overwhelming in person. </em Wilson Peak - Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mesa-arch-sunrise/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0240_Mesa_Arch_Sunrise_Nate_Zeman.jpg Mesa Arch Sunrise The sun rises over the La Sal mountains awakening Canyonlands and Mesa Arch with a beautiful warm orange glow. Mesa Arch - Island in the Sky - Canyonlands National Park, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/one/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0410_NZ_One_WM.jpg One A lone bald eagle perches atop a large rock at low tide.  Purchase Prints and Wall Art Print Options, Sizes and Prices: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) - Kachemak Bay - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/point-vicente-sunset/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0387_Point_Vicente_Sunset_Nate_Zeman.jpg Point Vicente Sunset The day comes to an end as the last rays of light strike the Palos Verdes peninsula and the Point Vicente Lighthouse. This famous landmark was built in 1926 to help mariners plot their course and guide them away from the rocky shores. Point Vicente Lighthouse - Palos Verdes, California https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-golden-road/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0443_Golden_Road_Aspens_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Golden Road On a very windy october day in the San Juan Mountains, I stumbled upon this amazing little road that had been blown clear of its fallen aspen leaves. The remaining leaves were trapped in the voids of the tire tracks, creating this magical scene. Uncompahgre National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/days-end-great-sand-dunes/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0298_Days_End_Great_Sand_Dunes_Nate_Zeman.jpg Day's End: Great Sand Dunes The last rays of the day emphasize the windblown patterns of the Great Sand Dunes, while the Mt. Herard massif looms in the distance. The Great Sand Dunes (the highest dunes in North America) are nestled up against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado. The Sangre de Cristo (blood of christ) mountains are said to be named for the deep red alpenglow they show at sunrise and sunset. The Sangres also hold a handful of Colorado's 53 "fourteeners" The Great Sand Dunes - Great Sand Dunes National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/searching-the-flats/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0416_Searching_The_Flats_Brown_Bear_Nate_Zeman.jpg Searching the Flats An Alaskan brown bear scours the bay at low tide in search of clams. The bears look for tiny holes and use their super heightened sense of smell to locate these small morsels under the sand. Clams are one of the main components of an Alaskan brown bear's diet, especially in early summer before the salmon arrive.  Alaskan Brown Bear - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/dressed-in-white/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0287_NZ_Dressed_in_White_WM.jpg Dressed in White There are few scenes in America more recognizable than that of Delicate Arch. This image was captured after a rare winter snow storm moved through the area. I drove to Utah with one photo in my head... Delicate Arch in snow. On my third day in the park, the skies began to clear. We started the hike up, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. The snow was mostly melted at the lower elevations of the trail, but it was impossible to tell what the conditions would be like up higher. To my elation, we rounded the last corner and saw a scene that was better than anything I could have conjured up in my head. It was one of those magical moments in nature photography where everything seemed to come together perfectly. We spent a few hours up there completely alone. Anyone who's ever visited this spot knows that's an incredible rarity in itself. The hike back down was extremely icy and treacherous, but I was content that I had captured a unique image of this often photographed landscape. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options, Prices and Sizes: Delicate Arch - Arches National Park - Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-bells/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0441_Autumn_Bells_Nate_Zeman.jpg Autumn Bells The awe inspiring twin peaks of the Maroon Bells are mirrored in a high alpine lake on a perfect late september morning. The most famous mountains in the Elk range, the Bells consist of two peaks, both towering over fourteen thousand feet. These mountains,  surrounded by pristine national forest land and mirrored in the crystal clear waters of Maroon Lake are one of the most photographed in all of North America. </em The Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/first-light-in-the-desert/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0216_First_Light_In_Arches_Nate_Zeman.jpg First Light in the Desert The first rays of light bring Arches amazing sandstone formations  life. In this photograph you can see the "Three Gossips" (left of center) "The Organ" (right)  and the Courthouse Towers (behind The Organ). These formations are beautiful at any time of the day, but at sunrise and sunset they seem to glow red from within. Arches National Park - Moab, Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/caribbean-light/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0275_Trunk_Bay_Nate_Zeman.jpg Caribbean Light Recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in any light, Trunk Bay seemed especially enchanting this particular evening as the sun set. Trunk Bay - St. John - Virgin Islands https://www.natezeman.com/photo/stretch/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0162_Stretch_Fox_Nate_Zeman.jpg Stretch Looking like your typical household pet, a red fox emerges from its den and takes a moment to stretch before heading on its way.  Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/mothers-day/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0311_Mothers_Day_Fox_Nate_Zeman.jpg Mother's Day A red fox vixen spends her spring days hunting to feed her hungry kits, only to come home and get mobbed by her 8 pups who are all vying for  attention and curious to see if she brought anything home to eat. This is obviously something moms of all species can relate to. What makes this photo special to me is that it was actually taken on Mother's Day.    Red Foxes - (Vulpes vulpes) Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/fox-on-a-rock/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0403_Fox_On_A_Rock_Nate_Zeman.jpg Fox on a Rock While the female of this family group was out hunting, the adult male red fox sits atop a large boulder keeping a watchful eye on his young kits playing in the grass below. Usually, red foxes will form monogamous pairs for the winter, working together to raise their young pups. Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Breckenridge, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/seasons-changing/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0440_Seasons_Changing_Nate_Zeman.jpg Seasons Changing It is a great treat when the first snowflakes fall at the peak of fall color. The contrast of the yellow aspen leaves against the snowy pines is such a beautiful sight. Autumn is an amazing time of year in the mountains, but no matter what time of year, the Rockies will always remind you that winter is just around the corner. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Pike National Forest - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/hanging-lake-cascades/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0168_Hanging_Lake_Cascades_Nate_Zeman.jpg Hanging Lake Cascades Beautiful cascading waterfalls spill into the crystal clear turquoise water of hanging lake. This travertine lake is a truly unique place. The oasis is not something you would expect to find high in a canyon in Colorado. This small body of water also creates a unique ecosystem that is a host to a variety of rare flora and fauna. The mossy rock under the waterfalls are home to nesting black swifts. This is one of the few places in Colorado where these rare birds can be found. Trout are abundant in this tiny body of water, and amazingly easy to spot in the perfectly clear water. Also found here is the extremely rare Oil Shale Columbine. Hanging Lake is only one of two places in the world where this flower grows in the wild. These yellow beauties thrive in the highly alkaline waters and soils. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Hanging Lake - Deadhorse Creek Canyon - Glenwood Springs, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the-crystal-mill/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0242_The_Crystal_Mill_Colorado_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Crystal Mill The now ghost town of Crystal, Colorado was founded in 1880. Numerous silver mines were in operation here in the late 1800s. The building in this picture was actually used to power a mechanical air compressor for ore processing. Historically, the building was called the Sheep Mountain Power House, but is now simply known as the Crystal Mill, due to its precarious position hanging over the Crystal River. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | The Crystal Mill - Marble, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/the_haymaker/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0355_The_Haymaker_American_Pika_Nate_Zeman.jpg The Haymaker A pikas work is never done. They live high on the alpine tundra and do not hibernate. They spend the short summer months constantly harvesting grasses. They use these grasses to turn into hay and live off of during the long brutal winter. It's pretty astonishing to watch these little creatures working literally all day. They run  from the rocks to the grass, taking  bundles of grass to their winter storage spot. Sadly the numbers of Pika populations are on the decline. They are very sensitive to high temperatures and are considered to be one of the best detection systems for global warming. They can die in a matter of hours if exposed to temperatures of more than 80 degrees.  American Pika (Ochotona princeps) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/cold_shoulder/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0452_Cold_Shoulder_Cardinal_Nate_Zeman.jpg Cold Shoulder  A beautiful female cardinal perches proudly on a tree limb, seemingly oblivious to the harsh winter winds ruffling her feathers.  Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) - Wisconsin https://www.natezeman.com/photo/walking_in_the_rain/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0026_Walking_in_the-_Rain_Elk_Nate_Zeman.jpg Walking in the Rain Summers in the Rockies, although extremely short, are a time of plenty for the many animals that call these mountains home. The elk head up to the alpine tundra where they spend the few short weeks  grazing and bulking up for the fall rut. In just a matter of weeks this elk will be completely transformed. His antlers will no longer be velvet. They will grow larger still, sharpened into weapons. Their bodies will be lean and muscular. The valleys will echo with the beautifully haunting sounds of bugling elk. The lazy days of summer will be a distant memory, but for now, life is good for this wandering bull.  Bull Elk (Cervus Canadensis) - Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/in_the_mist/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0398-In_The_Mist_Bison_Nate_Zeman.jpg In The Mist Steam rises up from the ground as geothermally heated water meets the cold morning air. It is not uncommon, especially in winter, for bison to stand in these geothermal areas. These hardy animals are built to withstand the harshest conditions imaginable, but they are also opportunists. They seek out these hot spots throughout the park,  looking for warmth, and the grass that would normally be buried under a winters worth of snow.  American Bison (Bison bison) Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming https://www.natezeman.com/photo/king-of-the-canyon/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0394_King_Of_The_Canyons_Bighorn_Sheep_Nate_Zeman.jpg King of the Canyons The desert bighorn sheep exhibits most of the same characteristics and behaviors of other sub-species of bighorns, but are unique for their adaptations for the heat and cold of the desert. Unlike most mammals, the desert bighorns body temperatures can safely fluctuate several degrees. They are also capable of going without water for extended periods of time.  Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) - Canyonlands National Park- Utah https://www.natezeman.com/photo/beneath-the-surface/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0412_Beneath_The_Surface_Bear_Nate_Zeman_2009.jpg Beneath the Surface In early summer, before the salmon run, coastal brown bears will spend their days in the meadows eating sedge grasses, and twice a day at low tide you will  find bears gorging themselves on clams. Watching these massive thousand pound plus animals locate and dig up clams buried deep in the mud is impressive in itself, but the truly amazing act is when they use their massive paws and long claws to peel the clam apart with the precision of a surgeon.  Alaskan Brown Bear - (Ursus arctos) - Katmai National Park - Alaska https://www.natezeman.com/photo/winter-fox/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0296_NZ_Fire_And_Ice_WM.jpg Fire and Ice A red fox emerges from its snowy den to soak up the rays of sun on one of the first warm days of late winter. Foxes are incredible creatures that are adapted perfectly to live in the harshest of winters, but there was little doubt in my mind watching this fox that it was pleased to feel the warm sun on its back. Purchase Prints and Wall ArtPrint Options, Sizes and Prices: Red Fox - (Vulpes vulpes) - Keystone, Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/photo/autumn-fire/ https://www.natezeman.com/images/xl/0442_Autumn_Fire_Mt_Sneffels_Nate_Zeman_2009.jpg Autumn Fire The 14,150 ft.  Mount Sneffels rises above an amazing display of autumn color in the valley below. Red isn't a color typically seen in Colorado's fall palette. The aspen tree's golden yellow leaves are what most of us are used to seeing, but this scrub oak added a beautiful touch of fire to the landscape. | Exclusive Limited Edition of Two Hundred and Fifty | Mt. Sneffels - San Juan Mountains - Colorado https://www.natezeman.com/news/ https://www.natezeman.com/contact/