Avoiding the Crowds

Maroon Bells, Colorado is one of those iconic landscape scenes that is hard to escape NOT photographing it. Over the years I have learned to avoid the masses in order to maintain my sanity, but this is not always that easy. Maroon Bells in Fall is one of those situations. I know there will be way too many people there, but I can’t help but want to try to capture something unique.

Sunrise over Maroon Bells, Colorado
Behind the Lens: Maroon Bells, Colorado

As I woke up at 5:45am this morning, after sleeping in my car, I pulled into the parking lot for Maroon Bells, only to be treated to what seemed like 100 photographers. As I got my gear ready, I tried to prepare myself for what was around the corner. Sure enough, EVERYONE was already lined up…however they were all bundled in the same spot. Shaking my head I moved past them all and continued to walk along the shore line. Eventually the lake takes a small bend and provides some privacy and seclusion. Not only can I almost ALWAYS find solitude in this spot, but the reflections in the water are usually 10x greater then at the foot of the lake, with the masses of other photographers.

Long story short, don’t be afraid to explore. There are many beautiful places out there in the world that other people will want to document as well. Don’t let that dissuade you, but instead consider it a challenge to overcome 🙂

About the Author

Upcoming Photo Workshop Adventures...

Wildlife Photography Workshop in Brazil Jaguars of the Pantanal

August 30th – Sept. 6th, 2023
 
The Pantanal region of Brazil is known as the land of the Jaguar. Nowhere else on Earth is there a higher concentration of these elusive big cats than this remote region of Southern Brazil, close to the Southern Amazon Basin. In addition to Jaguars, you will see Caimen, Capybara and a wide assortment of birds.

Silverback Gorilla Eating in Uganda Photo Safari

Uganda Photo Safari – A Trip of a Lifetime

July 30th – August 5th, 2023
 
Uganda is one of the most unique wildlife destinations on the planet. Here you can find the endangered Silverback Gorilla along with amazing troops of Chimpanzees and the world-famous tree-climbing lions, which are found in a single area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Join us on an adventure of a lifetime that offers some of the most intimate and incredible wildlife experiences on the planet.

A cheetah image captured in the wild in Namibia by Colby Brown during a Photography Workshop

Namibia Photography Workshop

October 12th – 24th, 2022
 
Namibia is home to some of the most incredible desert landscapes and wildlife on the planet. From the great sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the remote Himba tribes of Northern Namibia to the amazing mixture of wildlife found in the country, Namibia is a photographers paradise. Here you will find large populations of cheetahs, lions, rhino, elephants, buffalo and much more!

Patagonia Photo Workshop – Argentina Edition

April 14th – 23rd, 2024
 
Patagonia is one of the most wild, beautiful & dramatic mountain ranges on the planet. We split our time between the incredible Torres del Paine National Park in Southern Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, home to both Cerro Torre and Mt. Fitz Roy.

Leave a comment

Don't Miss out!

Join 34k other photographers who have signed up for my monthly Newsletter full of gear reviews, workshops announcements, giveaways & MORE!