Spring fling

Spring in Colorado can be downright delightful! But when it isn't like this year, then you just have to run south like a snowbird in the Winter. However in my case I planned this desert soire because a little birdie told me that the Southwest was having an amazingly lush intro to Summer. With all the snow the closed Colorado ski areas were getting this Spring now was the perfect time to run for the border and beyond!

Lights of Grand Junction, Colorado

GJ is a somewhat new phrase I believe I started several years ago but none the less it is well understood in the skiing/biking communities throughout Colorado. Grand Junction Colorado has some crafty mountain biking on the Lunchloops just on the outskirts of the Colorado National Monument. So with my wife Amy and brother Kevin both meeting me there for some quick rides, school was out. The weather made for a great start to this two week journey and the riding was just right, no rain, no snow.

Mountainbiking the Lunchloops in Grand Junction, Colorado

Moab was next on my agenda and the weather was equally enjoyable in the high 60's to low 70's. I may have started a new movement out there too literally "running photographer". People must think I'm a bit freaky running by them on some sketchy trail with a large backpack and a tripod in hand? How you say Ultra-photog-a-run-er! Well I don't run ultramarathons but I can be a little impatient when hiking into a special spot to photograph so it makes sense to pick up
the pace a little to allow for more shooting. Dead Horse Point overlook is pretty amazing but getting down into Shafer Canyon just below is the way to go. The options are rent a Jeep, go with a tour company, ride a bike or drive your own vehicle. The road is bumpy and higher clearance is preferred but I ran into two other photographers in a Suburban doing just fine. My trusty 98 Taco loves this terrain and it was my bedroom for the duration.

The rare Kokopelli trifecta at gooseneck point on the Colorado river.











The evaporation ponds are pretty cool too. This one was about ten inches deep and yes the white stuff is salt. As you can see by the fence I don't think I would have been invited over to salt the rim of my margarita anytime soon.

Most people only see this from above but the colors down low are nuclear! I chose to turn around at this point and make my way to Monument Valley by sunset.


Moon over Monument Valley




There wasn't a cloud for miles and the moons rise was perfect with the alpenglow. I found a cozy spot in the camping area (dirt parking lot) and just waited for things to unfold. P-togers were everywhere from the german and the japanese tourists to the seasoned americans perched from the View Hotels viewing platforms. I met a neat pair from Ouray Colorado and they agreed to be in some of my shots on purpose.

Monument Valley mittens and moonrise with campers.

This photo was done with a full moon just out of view to the right which can create the illusion of daylight when done long enough, the bonus is you still have the star streaks in the sky.
These guys had it dialed they were retired and traveled often to many of my favorites desert dwellings and he still shot film. The View Hotel is the only hotel in the Monument and is worth staying at if you're in the area without your camping gear because every room has the same view towards the mittens. Make sure you drive the loop inside the park too, this is where you get to see everything up close. And don't forget the mittens are equally impressive in the morning.Monument Valley sunrise with camper






Don't always want the same photo everyone else is doing, back up, look around and frame accordingly. This RV and photographer made my shot, Thank you! And I don't need a model release because he is unrecognizable.

The Myth of Shooting at Mid Day

The 'Golden' hour of shooting, right before sunset or right after sunrise; the time when outdoor light is said to be at it's best; the only time you may have been told by an instructor that you will want to shoot landscapes or even portraits outdoors, right? Do not get me wrong, that light is great but it doesn't last very long and it can get the kaibash instantly with just one cloud. You really have to be exactly where you want to be and ready to shoot. The fact of the matter is that you can shoot your subjects outdoors all day long – even while the sun is shining high above. Don't forget too that clouds are also great and bring a unique character that cannot be replicated naturally.

Skinning around Aspen Colorado

As for portrait work try placing your subjects in shaded natural structures (silhouette) like in between cliff walls, near water, under trees or even man-made objects like between buildings, in or around automobiles or near shiny or light-colored walls or other reflective surfaces. Use your surroundings, they're often free and uniquely original. Your subject can also block the direct sunlight giving them a star like quality. You might consider using either on or off-camera fill flash depending on your desired effect to further enhance your creation.

Steamboat Springs Cowboy Downhill

Just like some midday portrait work landscapes can be done with similar concepts. Great puffies (clouds), deep shadowed silhouettes and strong contrasts can be utilized in high noon landscapes. Just don't forget your polarizer. This one filter is my favorite old school tool that is always in my camera bag even for some portraits.

Palmyra Peak Telluride Colorado

Don't limit yourself to the dawn or the dusk, think outside the globe. Notice other artists work, break it down and try to figure out how they used their light sources whether natural or artificial but have fun. Whatever the case realize that you have several hours of midday light on a sunny day to move around and MAKE that great image to your liking as opposed to the "Golden hour" which isn't even really an hour after all.

Hearts

Sometimes finding a subject matter to shoot seems arduous. After all have you heard of the Internet? And then there's this thing called Youtube! Enter the land of the "amateur hour"! There's not much that hasn't been recorded out there but don't let that stop you from being creative now.

Where for heart thou!

For me sometimes I'm inspired by others to boost my expressive creature. The idea to shoot a series of hearts came to me after I repeatedly saw the shape appear in different forms natural and mm (manmade) in and around my everyday life. From the puddle in my driveway that formed this perfect heart every time the rain evaporated half way to the rock on a waterfall hike and even the heart shaped cloud in the sky from that same driveway. Eventually, more and more things looked like hearts to me right down to my pasta dinner! Alright this is where I started to create my own! After all if we don't enjoy our surroundings than make your surroundings enjoy YOU! Anyway be inspired or go inspire it's up to you.

Self Portraits

Devils Causeway Yampa Colorado
These days anybody can hold out their camy in their right hand and point it back home. It's a novel documentary tool but not very inspiring to a veteran shooter. I will never claim to be the most creative photographer that ever walked but I am the only one that looks, feels, talks and sees at my particular location like me. Your p.o.v. (point of view) is yours so be expressive. I often incorporate drama from a unique perspective in my self-portraits with the plan of selling these in the commercial market down the road. Nothing like getting paid to shoot yourself!

Three Amigos or Corey cubed in Sayulita Mexico
There are certainly times when I use a tripod and pose for the shot like the waterfall photo and then there's the monopod versions that give more of a "been there wish I could do that appearance". There are times I just want to goof off for the camera like the self looking at self doing a handstand photo. A little bit of Photoshop necessary for a stunt like that. Team Corey is another example of fun lifestyle self portraiture. Don't be afraid to place yourself in multiple areas of the image.

Action self-portraits in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Sometimes a tripod just won't do, and I have found the need to fabricate a mount for my camera in order to capture action shots like the skiing and biking self portraits. PW's (pocket wizards) are my mainstay for triggering most of my images these days. Sure there are other triggering devices but these are the pro standards and work flawlessly from up to 1600 feet away. Even your standard self-timer mode on your camera can be a viable solution to self-portraits. So don't be shy and don't forget to shoot yourself the next time you go on a photo safari.

Corey Kopischke Wedding Photography

For over twelve years, I have been shooting weddings in Colorado and throughout the world. Utilizing my background in portrait photography, location lighting, landscape and fine art photography, weddings were a natural progression for me.

Documenting your wedding celebration as a commissioned artist and a newcomer to your family is an amazing challenge – and a huge blessing. The complexities and spontaneity of your special day where everybody comes together and experiences love again are best preserved through the art of creative photo journalism. I work to get to know you and your family throughout the experience in order to capture your purest emotions.


Bellavista Steamboat Springs, Colorado
With today’s technology your wedding photographs can be on your computer, on your cell phone, in a mini "travel" album, on your coffee table, or as fine art throughout your home. I have partnered with Pictage, the premier online wedding photography company where you will receive your own personal website. Pictage has the most talented wedding photographers in the world utilizing their products and event hosting. Together, we offer products ranging from DVD’s and archival prints to leather-bound albums and coffee table books. Pictage backs all of their products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.