Hitting the road with a camera in one hand (okay, not legit—because safety first) and a coffee in the other. My sister and I packed our bags and set off for Colorado on December 9th, ready to explore, ate our way through the city, and captured some stock-worthy shots along the way.
Day One: Wildlife, Coffee, and the Art of Soaking
After settling in, we did what any respectable traveler would do—hunted down the best coffee shops and restaurants. Because let’s be real, a good trip is 50% adventure, 50% caffeine.
Our first big stop? The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge—a sprawling 15,988-acre haven just eight miles from downtown Denver. This place is a goldmine for wildlife photography. Bison? Check. Majestic birds? Check. That one prairie dog who insisted on being in every shot? Double check. I snapped away, while my sister admired the scenery (or maybe just watched me get way too excited about bison).
From there, we unwound in one of Colorado’s famous hot springs. Because nothing says “perfect day” like soaking in nature’s own heated pool while the mountain air reminds you that winter is, in fact, very real.
Day Two: Boots, Bulls, and the Legacy of Hard Work
The next morning, we threw on our best “I belong at a stock show” outfits and headed to the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo. Now, if you’ve never been, let me paint the picture: rows of cattle getting pampered like they’re about to walk a designer runway, families passing down generations of knowledge, and an energy that makes you appreciate the grit behind ranching life.
I spent the day capturing images of people grooming their cattle, the focused intensity before showtime, and the raw pride in their hard work. In between, we caught some live music, soaked in the atmosphere, and (obviously) ate something deep-fried.
That night? Rodeo time. The lights, the dust, the energy—it’s like a photographer’s dream. But not camera with me because respect the event photographers. Bulls bucking, cowboys flying, the crowd roaring.
Final Thoughts: Adventures Fuel Creativity
As a freelancer, trips like this are my creative fuel. Denver gave me the perfect mix of nature, culture, and chaos—everything a stock photographer thrives on. Plus, getting to share it with my sister made it even sweeter.
Moral of the story? Grab your camera, your best adventure buddy, and hit the road. You never know what moments you’ll capture—or what ridiculous situations you’ll find yourself in chasing the perfect shot.
Denver, you were a dream. Until next time!
THE ROCKY MOUTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky-mountain-arsenal
NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW: https://nationalwestern.com
