For what it’s worth: Over the past few years, post-processing software has advanced to a point where “sky replacement” has become easy to do. With that noted, it has become commonplace for some photographers. I often use the healing tools for removing distractions, but not totally creating a scene that I did not see in the field. Sky replacement and AI generated scenes are not high on my list of goals. 

Types of Clouds (outforia.com)

As a photograper, I seldom get too bogged down learning the names of the many types of clouds. Instead, I am more concerned about photographing what I see. Fortunately, it takes only a few clouds to help “any scene”. The link above will give you a detailed overview of the many cloud types if you are so inclined.

The photos on this page were taken during the last 10 days of July.  It’s HOT this time of the year along Colorado’s front range, so afternoon clouds and storms are fairly common. All of the photos on this page were taken within roughly 10-20 miles from the base of the mountain range. Rolling hills near the mountains give way to almost perfectly flat prairie lands as you move east. 

Summer Subjects

By late July, farmers are actively harvesting their crops.  Golden waves of grain and hay fields are systematically harvested across the eastern half of the state. I let the various kinds of clouds draw your eyes to the highest contrast areas of the scene. 

This shot features a few low bands of clouds blocking the afternoon sun. I like the moody nature of this kind of capture.

The layers of clouds in this shot help balance this simple composition. IThe rolled hay will feed a lot of livestock over the winter months.

Variety

Farmers routinely “checkerboard” their fields with combinations of corn, wheat, barley, hops, and hay. Clouds in the west blocked the sun somewhat, allowing the sliver of low clouds to silhouette against the impressive clouds behind it. The make great “watercolor” skies.

We lived in Jackson Hole in 1988 when the massive fires burned through Yellowstone. The fires created their own cloud ecosystem as the hot smoke and ash boiled upwards. To be honest, as I was driving towards the activity, I started wondering if a large prairie fire was causing these clouds. Déjà Vu?

Sweet corn is a popular crop in the Loveland area. It will not be long before the “Corn Festival” here in Loveland⏤complete with a parade and festivities at the old downtown fairgrounds. While there are plenty of big box stores and chain stores along the major thoroughfares, downtown Loveland clings to its hometown look and spirit. Click Here to see photos of the 2023 Corn Roast Festival Parade.

Most crops require water. Sprinkler sysetms like this one are common creating large green circles when viewed from a plane. . 45. I looked out the window of my home as nightime approached. These clouds were “lightning machines” internal bolts lighting them up. Maybe I can chase some of these clouds next time for some dramatic blue hour photos. 

Ever Changing

This photo was taken only a mile or so east of State Highway 287 that runs through Longmont, Loveland, and Ft. Collins. I was literally only a few miles from downtown Loveland when I took this photo. A group of Canada Geese flew through the scene as if I had planned for them. 

We recently celebrated our 3rd anniversary of moving to Colorado. Over that period of time, I’ve ventured out to the high plains to “see what’s there”. There are many small towns in the primarily farming region. Many of the towns are tied to each other via many backcountry roads and railroad lines. Check out “Where the Pavement Ends, Colorado Begins”. The page contains a gallery of black and white photos taken on many of my short range outings. 

While there are not as many as I had hoped, there are still a lot of vintage, classic old barns in the area. Many are still active and thriving, even if Mother Nature has been working her “aging” magic on them. I hope to venture farther out as I can find the  time.

Drive west on Highway 34 or Highway 36 and you’ll soon find yourself in the heart of the Rockies. Long’s Peak, located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, can be seen can be seen behind the stack of newly harvested hay. I love the soft layers of mountin ridges and the soft clouds for my watercolor paintings. 

Most of the photos on this page were taken during the afternoon hours, but I am fairly confident you will love this older page full of early morning captures. The gallery is loaded with eye popping color!

Dont miss “Colorado Sunrises“