Tom Bartel

I have found many passions in life, yet none more fulfilling than photography, fly-fishing, and the outdoors. These bring me close to nature, take me to places of breath-taking beauty, and give me the chance to capture moments worth sharing.

My faith is the foundation under all of it. I believe creation points back to a Creator, and I've never felt that more clearly than standing in the cold at golden hour waiting for light I didn't earn. What I'm really doing out there is paying attention. Photography is the practice, gratitude is the point.

The heavens declare the glory of God. I take that literally. I've watched enough sunrises over Colorado to stop calling it coincidence.

Most of what I love in a frame is the imperfect part... the broken ridgeline, the weathered face of a canyon, the storm that ruined the plan and made the shot. The blemish is usually where the beauty lives. That's true of landscapes and it's true of people.

Thank you for allowing me to share these moments with you. I wish you a safe and beautiful journey as you chase yours.