Paradise in the Rockies

Bear Lake

Bear Lake contains abundant suspended microscopic particles of white-colored calcium carbonate (lime) that reflect the water’s natural blue color back to the surface, giving the lake its intense turquoise-blue color. This color is why Bear Lake is know as the “Caribbean of the Rockies.” These particles of calcium carbonate are mainly derived from the abundant limestone of the Bear River Range. To view and purchase click here

Nebraska Spring Storm

Nebraska spring storm

<p>A really nasty spring storm in Nebraska turns into pure beauty. There are so many colors, textures, formations, and if that wasn’t enough, a rainbow. My favorite part of the image is the two different sky colors. Each side tells a different story. The orange side to me is very peaceful and the blue side has so much energy and feels alive. “Nebraska Spring Storm” is a Limited Edition of only 50 images available. For sizing and pricing please go here

Road to Paradise

roadtoparadise

Nestled in the small cove protected by San Simeon Point, and somewhat out of sight of the cars passing nearby on Highway 1, this pier is located in the William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach. I can still recall the perfect morning breeze with the small scent of salt. The Road to Paradise is a Limited Edition print of only 300 images. To view more click here

Exploring color

We all love spring, right? Spring means better weather, outdoor activites and beautiful color.  For a couple weeks Nebraska lights up with  yellow wildflowers, purple and white trees. I find myself more and more looking at what’s in front of me and making it my own. The technique is placing your camera on a tripod , slow down the shutter speed and zoom in and out during the shot. Just like all long exposure shots you never know what you are going to get.

Celeste river

In the middle of dense tropical forest lies a hidden jewel of Costa Rica. It starts with a walk through the jungle at Tenorio Volcano National Park, in the northwestern Guanacaste province. Every step in this forest is more inviting than the last. During the rainy season, the smell of wet earth permeates the air, droplets of rain fall constantly, and the sounds of exotic birds accompany hikers. After about 15 minutes of walking in the jungle, a new sound becomes audible: Water is flowing and falling somewhere nearby, hinting at one of the park’s treasures. The main trail splits, and a path leads leftward to a steep descent down muddy steps made of sections of tree trunks. After an unexpected turn, the river finally makes an appearance with a surprising turquoise color. Local legend says that when God painted the sky, he washed his blue brushes in this river, and that is how its waters obtained their magnificent blue color. The scientific theory is chemical reactions of calcium carbonate and sulfur from the Volcano.

[pinterest-pro type=”pinit” pin_url=”http://papekphotography.com/celeste-river” pin_image_url=”http://www.papekphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/land.jpg” pin_counter=”horizontal” pin_desc=”Celeste river in Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica photograph from Scott Papek.”]