Debi Boucher-Realtor Showcase Slideshows

The Wild Mustangs of the Little Book Cliffs Range

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:01:56 -0700

The Wild Mustangs of the Little Book Cliffs Range Wild and free, thundering hooves pounding across the plains, billowing dust in their wake. They are the epitome of what we think of when we consider the wide open spaces of the old west, and we are drawn to their romance and mystery. Known as 'mustangs', the English version of the Spanish word 'mesteno' which means wild or stray, the wild horses of the West are descendants of the horses of the Spanish, the American Indians, and the settlers. At the turn of the twentieth century their numbers were estimated to be about 2 million. Currently that number is estimated to be about 30,000. The Bureau of Land Management has the responsibility for managing these herds. It is my understanding that there are about 40 wild horse sanctuaries being managed by the BLM, of that number there are 3 that are protected as 'treasured herds', and one of those is the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Herd in Garfield County, Colorado. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit their 39,000 acre home where the Friends of the Mustangs, a volunteer organization, is a valuable help to the BLM in managing and protecting these magnificent animals. Here the 100 or so mustangs are strong and healthy, and while every few years there is a round-up and horses are adopted out to manage the size of the herd, they are guaranteed their right to this home. My day with the mustangs went beyond my wildest dreams. The presence of the three of us didn't bother them. At one point, a band of 4 young stallions came within 4 or 5 feet of me as I was sitting quietly on the ground taking photos. They were just curious, so I kept clicking... Our task is to widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature ~ Albert Einstein DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

The Hayman Fire Reclamation

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 05:20:23 -0700

The Hayman Fire Reclamation The long road to recovery Story and photos by Debi Boucher Looking west through an area of the Pike National Forest that was damaged by the Hayman Fire in 2002. Few who lived on the Front Range of Colorado in the summer of 2002 have forgotten the fear, anger and heartbreak they felt over the Hayman Fire. In its stead is a surreal wasteland—138,000 acres of blackened tree trunks, all that’s left of what had been a beautiful ponderosa pine forest. And damage to the environment didn’t end when the fire died. Heavy rains brought mudslides, flooding and the threat of rockslides and falling trees. I traveled along Teller County Road 11 heading home to Woodland Park on that notorious day, June 2, 2002, and saw billowing grey smoke in the distance. It didn’t occur to me that in just a few days, the fire would be only four miles from my home and not even remotely under control. It was estimated in April 2010 that the fire’s direct and indirect costs totaled $207 million, only 20 percent of it on fire suppression. Scientists estimate it will be some 500-600 years before the forest returns to its pre-fire state. Reforestation efforts began immediately and continue now, nine years later. Workers collect pine and Douglas fir seeds from the area and grow them in a controlled environment for a year before replanting them in the forest. Hundreds of individuals from organizations such as the Boy Scouts and the Arbor Day and National Forest Foundations have planted thousands of seedlings. Artisans use salvaged timber for craft work, and builders use it for flooring. Conservationists use trees not suitable for such uses as barriers for erosion control. Wild flowers are starting to flourish in the Hayman burn area. Shell Oil Corp. raised much-needed funds, and Coleman Natural Foods sponsored the planting of 300,000 seedlings. More than 100 Vail Resort employees worked together with the U.S. Forest Service and Rocky Mountain Field Institute to assist with seeding, matting, and re-contouring slopes. Future cooperative plans include reducing sediment into our water supply, rebuilding 18 miles of recreational trails, and replanting 1,700 acres of trees. The fish population is flourishing and wildlife returning. Big horn sheep forage in areas they didn’t visit before. I have visited the burn area many times since 2002. I have seen the wildflowers blooming, and the aspen flourishing. Some are 15-20 feet tall now. For years I only saw devastation, but lately, I see the beauty to be found amid the scorched remains standing sentinel along the hills, ridges and valleys. The fire permanently changed the landscape, but time has changed how I view what remains in its stead. It is worthwhile to take a drive or hike through the Hayman Fire affected portions of the Pike National Forest. The old saying, “you can’t see the forest for the trees” no longer rings true. You will now be able to see the hills as they roll across the landscape, vistas, views and rock outcroppings you may never have known existed. You may see big horn sheep where you’ve never seen them before. You will see the progress of the reclamation efforts, those made by man, and those made by nature as she works to heal the wounds of one of Colorado’s most devastating wildfires. And if you look with your eyes open, you will see beauty. Perhaps it’s not our typical definition of beauty, but beauty all the same. Written for AAA Encompass Magazine. Copyrighted material. May not be reproduced in whole or in part without express written consent from the author. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

St Elmo and Tin Cup Ghost Towns

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:14:15 -0700

St Elmo and Tin Cup Ghost Towns This past weekend I visited two places I have wanted to see, but in nearly 19 years in Colorado had not made the trip to do so. I went with two friends, one also a photographer, and we had a GREAT time! St Elmo and Tin Cup are both what remain of once thriving mining towns, high in the mountains of Colorado. St Elmo, at 10,006 feet in elevation, was founded in 1880 and at one time had a population of 2,000. It is one of Colorado's best preserved examples of a 'ghost town', and enjoys alot of attention in the summer from tourists looking for a piece of old west history, and folks with jeeps and ATVs exploring the old mine roads. Tin Cup, named after a miner who carried his gold back to camp in a tin cup in 1859, wasn't laid out as a town until 1879. In 1880 the census claimed 1,495 citizens. All of the buildings, and there are many, in Tin Cup are privately owned and serve as summer places for their owners. I was told, however, that there are two hardy souls who insist on remaining year year round. This past winter saw 14 feet of snow. That would do it for me.... This post and these images are for Karen Fiddler and Gail MacMillan, who asked for BIG photos. Alrighty then :) "The Final View" Tin Cup Cemetery - Boot Hill Tin Cup, Colorado "Brothel" Main St, St Elmo, Colorado "Cross" Boot Hill, Tin Cup Cemetery - Tin Cup, Colorado Jail and Town Hall - St Elmo, Colorado "Number 8" - St Elmo, Colorado "Restful View" Tin Cup Cemetery, The Catholic Knoll - Tin Cup, Colorado Copyrighted Material - May NOT be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from the author. All rights reserved.DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Leadville, Colorado - AAA Encompass Magazine Article

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:23:15 -0700

The city in the clouds By Debi Boucher Stroll down Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville. © Debi Boucher While no longer bustling with the frantic activity of the silver mines, bawdy saloons and dancehalls, Leadville is arguably one of the best examples of a still breathing boom town to be found in Colorado today. In 1893 the city boasted 60,000 residents, and is still home to some 3,000 hearty souls willing to brave winter at 10,200 feet in elevation. Surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in the country. Over 50 significant 19th century buildings grace downtown Leadville, including the Tabor Opera House, once the largest this side of the Mississippi, and the still operating grand Victorian Delaware Hotel built in 1886. A walk down Harrison Avenue is a delightful journey into a bygone era. The ‘Route of the Silver Kings’ is a 20 square mile auto, hiking and bicycle tour along the Mineral Belt of Leadville’s Historic Mining District east of town. Maps for the tour are available throughout town, and guide visitors through the mines and small mining towns that dotted the area in the silver boom heyday. One such settlement is Finn Town. Originally settled by English miners and later with Finns, Finn Town had its own mercantile and saloons, and a few cabins are still standing today. The Matchless Mine is now a small museum and offers tours that share the story of the famous Baby Doe and her husband, Horace Tabor. Should you travel to Leadville in the spring, or the mud season as it’s known to Leadvillites, be cautious about taking side roads as they may not be plowed and the mud can be treacherous. I know this because I took one, and if not for the vehicle I was driving, I would probably still be there! Determined to preserve its history, Leadville is home to the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum which opened in 1987 in the original 1890’s Leadville High School building. Allow yourself at least a couple of hours to tour the museum as additions over the years have brought the museum to over 70,000 square feet of displays, including wonderful dioramas. Take a walk through the Hard Rock Mine Exhibit, a realistic replica of a mine tunnel, blacksmith shop, assay office and more. The museum also offers amazing displays of minerals and crystals from the Smithsonian Institute and private collections, as well as impressive gold specimens from each of the 17 states that had important gold discoveries. The Hall of Fame honors those men and women who have made significant contributions to mining both in the past and in the present. Outside of the museum is a marvelous 9 foot tall marble sculpture depicting two miners called “Mining the Pulse of Civilization.” The marble for the sculpture was donated by the Yule Marble Quarry in Marble, Colo. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. © Debi Boucher. According to the Lake County Visitor Center, Leadville is host to more museums per capita than any other city. You will not want to miss the Healy House & Dexter Cabin, The Heritage Museum and Gallery, the Historic Tabor Opera House, and the Tabor Home. And don’t pass up the two-and-a-half hour Scenic Train Trip aboard the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad that takes you another 1,000 feet above the valley floor! There are plenty of restaurants and antique shops to browse in downtown Leadville. Famous for its outstanding breakfasts, owner Dave Wright tells me the Golden Burro has been open since 1938 without ever closing its doors. A live webcam inside the restaurant is a big hit with locals and tourists alike. Housed in the ‘Quincy Block’ built in 1879, Quincy’s is a must for an $8.95 6 oz. filet dinner Sunday thru Thursday, or an 8 oz. prime rib for $10.95 served on Friday and Saturday nights. Larger cuts are available also, and Nancy says their one item menu is a huge summer success each year. If a nature fix is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. Just 20 minutes outside of Leadville are the magnificently picturesque Twin Lakes, Colorado’s largest glacial lakes. Get there early in the morning to photograph the snow capped reflection of our two tallest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. They are a breath taking sight in the still, clear blue calm of an early morning. The honey colored sunset is worth the wait here, too! This area too, is rich in history. The village of Twin Lakes became a thriving tourist destination in the early 1880s, and Interlaken, a hotel on the south shore of the smaller lake, was a famous resort catering to the wealthy of the day. Endless opportunities abound for outdoor recreation in the Twin Lakes area. Fishing, camping and boating are the obvious choices, but countless miles of hiking trails and mountain climbing are there to enjoy as well. Named in honor of the men who trained at Camp Hale during World War II, the 10th Mountain Huts manages a system of 29 back country huts connected by 350 miles of routes for skiing, mountain biking, and hiking with safe and comfortable shelters along the way. A favorite for anglers, Turquoise Lake is located just a short distance from town and offers a choice of eight campgrounds with 300 campsites and two boat ramps. At the end of the day, roast your mackinaw, rainbow, or brook trout over the campfire and lean back and relax under the star canopied sky. The facilities are closed over the winter, but many come for the season’s ice fishing. Stunning views of Mount Massive and the Holy Cross Wilderness surround this lovely lake, wrapping it in pristine and peaceful serenity. The picturesque view of Twin Lakes. © Debi Boucher. They say golf balls travel 10 percent farther at 10,200 feet. Find out if it’s true at the Mt. Massive Golf Course. Leadville sits just below the Arkansas River headwaters – try your luck at gold panning, or perhaps a guided fly fishing trip with Colorado Fly Fishing Guides. White water rafting, kayaking, mountain climbing and skiing are other popular activities available in the area. If you visit in August, be sure to schedule your trip around Leadville’s Boom Days. Honored by the U.S. Congress as a Local Legacy Event, town folk dress in costumes of the day, mining competitions separate the men from the boys, and don’t be surprised if a gunfight breaks out or a showdown suddenly erupts in the center of town! Debi Boucher is a freelance writer and photographer based in Colorado Springs. Copyrighted Material - May NOT be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from the author. All rights reserved. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

The Road Less Traveled - AAA Colorado Encompass eUpdate Article

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:55:02 -0700

The Road Less Traveled - AAA Colorado Encompass eUpdate Article Over the past several months I have been freelancing as a writer and photographer for AAA Colorado's Encompass Magazine. My articles are about travel in Colorado - where to go, what to see, and what to do when you get there. This is my most recently published article: The Tarryall Road Most folks traveling west on Highway 24 from Colorado Springs drive through Lake George and pass by the south end of Park County Road 77 without ever knowing what an incredibly beautiful stretch of road leads from here to Highway 285.Known by the locals simply as the Tarryall Road, it follows the path of the glittering Tarryall Creek as it meanders its way through the Puma Hills. The Tarryall Range looms rugged and rocky to the east, with the vivid blue Colorado sky as their backdrop. Majestic elk call this home, as do deer and big horn sheep, and the mighty mountain lion after which the hills were named. The Lake George Cemetery, just to the left after turning onto County 77, is a Who’s Who of the original Puma Hills settlers and the generations that followed. The older section of the cemetery is at the back and up the hill, where the best views were to be had. If you look carefully, you may find the grave of Summit Marksbury, the only local known to have been killed by Native Americans. Several of the old homesteads along the Tarryall are still being ranched, and while most have changed hands many times through the years, some are lived in by descendents of the original owners. Each has a story. One of the jewels of the Tarryall is the McLaughlin Ranch, homesteaded on either side of Tarryall Creek around 1878. They operated a freight company and livery stable from their home which sat at the edge of the road, and also served as a stage stop. This beautifully constructed, chinked-log home still stands today, looking much the same as it may have then. The old town site of Tarryall, originally named Puma City, sits west of Tarryall Mountain. In 1896, an old miner from Cripple Creek staked a claim, and as was the case in those days, it did not take long for the word to get out. By 1897 Puma City boasted a thousand citizens. The Tarryall schoolhouse, built in 1921, sits on the site of the original 1898 schoolhouse, which was later lost to fire. The belfry tower and bell were salvaged from the original building. The school served the children of Tarryall until 1947, and is one of only three one-room schoolhouses still standing in Park County. The dilapidated, broken ruins of the Tarryall post office/general store, built around 1897, remains, as do several other buildings of the day. Jim and Linda English inherited the buildings and property and live in a home that started out as a cabin in 1899. Twelve families still live within the old town site full-time, and another four join them during the summer months. As you drive past the old town, look to the top of Tarryall Mountain and see if you can make out the head of a mountain lion formed by the pines and boulders that appear to have been placed there just for that purpose. The Twin Eagles Trailhead Campground is this area’s gateway into the mysteriously beautiful Lost Creek Wilderness, encompassing more than 120,000 acres of opportunity for solitude. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and a restroom is available here. Picnic tables along the creek make this an ideal spot to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy a creek-side picnic. Just past the campground is an interpretive sign informing us that what we’re looking at is a National Natural Landmark, one of 12 in the state. The picture-postcard beauty of pink granite peaks, provide the canvas for the spectacular view of this high mountain meadow and historical buildings of the old Williams/Gold Ranch. The river flows in snake-like curves through the brush and grasses that frame its banks. A little further up the road, on the site of the old Williams/Bradley Ranch, summer visitors are in for a real treat! Tarryall Mountain Farms, an organic, high-altitude produce farm run by David Appleton, is open and selling produce on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4 p.m. beginning in late July. Jim Fagerstrom and Deb Baxter, the proprietors of the Ute Trail River Ranch, have created an idyllic retreat along two private miles of Tarryall Creek that beckons the city dweller to come do a little fly fishing, hiking or birding, and a whole lot of relaxing. Some of the authentic historical log cabins are a part of the original Denny homestead of 1870, and others were moved here from the old Tarryall town site. All are charmingly decorated in western motif, cozy and comfortable. And if the stories are to be believed, one is even haunted! Jim tells me that many of their guests first came here as children, and now return with their own kids. I believe it. This is the sort of place that gets in your bones. Construction of the Tarryall Reservoir and the buildings that housed the workers was begun in 1929. Today the reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, (rainbow and pike), boating and primitive camping. On approximately 180 acres, small as reservoirs go, it is big on scenic beauty. Nestled amid rolling rocky hills, the reservoir offers year round recreation and is a favorite for ice fishing. Park County Road 77 continues on from the reservoir as the Upper Tarryall Road and intersects Highway 285 at the town of Jefferson. A tour along the Tarryall Road is beautiful any time of the year, and judging from the historical photos I’ve seen, it has changed little since those first settlers called this home. If you’d like to learn more about the people and ranches of Tarryall, pick up a copy of The Tarryall Mountains and the Puma Hills by Midge Harbour, a long time Tarryall resident. Debi Boucher, freelance writer and photographer based in Colorado Springs. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Rainbow Falls - AKA Graffiti Falls

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:01:58 -0700

Rainbow Falls - AKA Graffiti Falls Rainbow Falls flows under a historic bridge built in the 1930's connecting Manitou Springs to Highway 24 on the old Ute Indian Trail. In the 1800's, the beautiful 25 foot falls was a tour and picnic destination for visitors to Manitou Springs, and those traveling Ute Pass. But, for the past many years, Rainbow Falls has been a destination for graffiti mongers, and the once pristine area was littered with trash, drug paraphernalia, and empty spray paint cans. A grass roots effort began in Manitou in 2005 to do something about the issue. The privately owned property was donated to the county in 2009, and in April 2011, El Paso County approved funding of 350-600,000 thousand dollars in lottery proceeds to return the area to it's former splendor, and recreate a place for families to come with their children to picnic and enjoy the beauty of the falls. I had heard of "Graffiti Falls", but hadn't been there until now. I was overwhelmed and saddened by what I saw. I don't think this was intention of the name 'Rainbow Falls'. The graffiti continues down the creek and along the rock walls all the way to the parking lot. Our task is to widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature. - Albert Einstein DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Sandhill Crane Migration - Monte Vista Colorado

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 03:29:48 -0700

Sandhill Crane Migration - Monte Vista Colorado In late February every year, some 20 - 25,000 sandhill cranes migrate to the small farming town of Monte Vista in Colorado's San Luis Valley. I was at the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge before dawn hoping for some great shots of the cranes as they began their day. It was worth getting up early and braving the 25 degree morning to be there. Sandhill cranes are big birds. They have a 6 foot wingspan, are about 4 feet tall, and live to be around 20 years old in the wild. These birds mate for life, and it's really entertaining to watch the males' mating dance as they try to attract the females. When they leave the San Luis Valley, they will head to their breeding grounds in Idaho. Fossil evidence shows that they have been making this migration for millions of years. I have been studying the traits and dispositions of the "lower animals" (so called) and contrasting them with the traits and dispositions of man. I find the result humiliating to me. ~Mark Twain, Letters from the Earth, 1907 DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Red-Tailed Hawk

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:08:56 -0800

Red-Tailed Hawk The red-tailed hawk, of the sub-species Buteo, is the most common hawk in North America, and ranges as far as north as northern Canada, and as far south as Panama. They can be found in nearly all habitiats, including the prairies, forests, deserts and even rain forests. They mate for life, and nest in the same area every year, typically in March through May. When their chicks are hatched, the male hunts for his family, feeding both the chicks and his mate, as she tends to the little ones. The chicks will be ready to be on their own after about 45 days, and will not breed until they are 3 years old. A red-tailed hawk can grow to as much as 25 inches high, have a wingspan of as much as 52 inches, and weigh between 2-4 pounds. The female is larger than the male, and their eyesight is 8 times the eyesight of a human's. Now you know where the phrase "hawk eye" comes from! This photograph was taken in Palmer Park, in Colorado Springs. Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures. - The Dalai Lama DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

"13 Bankers" - Required Reading for Americans

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:34:42 -0800

"13 Bankers" - Required Reading for Americans Well, it should be. Period. Thomas Jefferson fought hard against a financial system that would put too much power into the hands of bankers in America. He feared the possibility of a financial oligarchy - an institution with enough wealth to control the government. Quoting Jefferson: "I sincerely believe, with you, that banking insitutions are more dangerous than standing armies." "13 Bankers - The Wall Street Takeover and the Next Financial Meltdown" by Simon Johnson and James Kwak, is a well written, and easy to understand book that gives us a history of the banking system in America, how it has elvolved, and how six banks in this country have come to have assets amounting to more than 60 percent of our gross domestic product. And what that ultimately means to you and I. Have you lost a home? Lost a job? Had your wages and/or hours reduced? Are you struggling in your industry, whether it's real estate or any other industry? Know someone who has/is? (of course you do!) Wondering how we got into this mess? And what the heck is a 'mortgage backed security', anyway? Then this book is a must read. How is that Wall Street continues to enjoy record profits as the rest of the country, citizens and corporations alike, struggle to stay afloat? Do any of these phrases sound familiar to you? "What's good for the financial industry, is good for America" "Every American should own their own home" Or how about this one: "Too big to fail"? Literally every financial crisis this country has endured since it's inception, (i.e. 1907, the Great Depression, S&L disaster of the 1980's), has been the result of financial deregulation. And it is NOT a partisan issue. I'm no financial whiz, so I found this book both shocking and compelling. I think you will too, and I HIGHLY recommend it. You can buy it here for less than 10 dollars: Amazon If you've read it, I'd love to hear from you - feel free to share your thoughts. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

'Soft' Water Photography

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:31:57 -0800

'Soft' Water Photography In order to capture the 'soft' water effect, you have to slow down your shutter speed. When you do, you allow more light into the sensor, so it is necessary to adjust your aperture as well, or you will have a seriously blown out photograph. Here are some tips to capturing this effect. Use a tripod if at all possible. Slower shutter speeds require a stable camera. Put your camera in manual mode, decrease your shutter speed just enough to get the effect, and adjust the aperture until you get the light right. Remember with aperture, the lowest number lets the most light in (i.e. f4), and with the highest number (i.e. f22), less light reaches the sensor. (Just remember, it's the opposite of what you think makes sense!) The first two shots were taken at 1/20th of a second, and with the aperture set at f22 on a cloudy day. This shot was taken at 1/10 of a second, and the aperture was set at f32. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Blue Snow in Your Listing Photos? Get Rid Of the Winter Blues!

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:11:06 -0800

Blue Snow in Your Listing Photos? White Balance Tutorial - This will help! It's winter time, and we'll be taking alot of photos with snow as the subject, or with snow as part of the image, as is often seen in winter listing photos. This will also help you when photographing white buildings. Photographing white objects can be tricky. In many cases, you will find when photographing white buildings, or images with snow in them, that your whites have a very blue cast. It's an easy fix - whether you do it 'in camera', (the easiest way), or in post processing, it's not hard to fix the problem. The issue is the need to adjust the 'White Balance'. Simply put, white balance is the 'temperature' of your image. The cooler the temperature, the more blue you will have, the warmer the temperature, the more yellow you will have. The easiest method is to set the white balance in your camera to 'cloudy'. It will take away that blue cast. Should you forget to adjust your camera settings, there are methods in post processing you can use to fix it. In Photoshop's Camera Raw, (if you shoot RAW), you can use the drop down box for 'White Balance' and choose the 'cloudy' option. Or, you can adjust the white balance of your JPGs in this same software, or just about any other photo editing software, by moving the 'temperature' slider to the right (toward the yellow). That's it! A simple way to get rid of winter blues! Below are examples of what was discussed above. Original Photo - Obvious blue cast on the building 'Cloudy' Adjustment - removes the blue cast Final image adjusted for white balance, saturation, contrast, and sharpness, and with a couple distracting elements removed from the sides of the image. This church is in Simla, Colorado, a small ranching town about 43 miles east of Colorado Springs, with a population of somewhere around 700. Simla was settled in the 1880's, and was the center for the area's potato harvest. It was also the birthplace of 1936 Olympic Gold Medalist, Glenn Morris. Born on his family's horse ranch, he chased rabbits to train. (No word on whether or not he ever caught one....) He was the fourth Olympic athelete to star in a Tarzan film, "Tarzan's Revenge" - in 1938. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1967. I couldn't find any history on the church. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

World's Wonder View Tower - Genoa, Colorado

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 02:54:24 -0800

World's Wonder View Tower - Genoa, Colorado Colorado has no shortage of the wild, the wonderful, and the just plain kooky. And being a bit 'off kilter' myself, the just plain kooky holds lots of appeal! Take the "World's Wonder View Tower" in Genoa, just outside Limon, Colorado off of I70 for example. This roadside amusement was built in 1926 by Charles W. Gregory as a 'one stop', a place where travelers and locals alike could enjoy the convenience of a motel, gas station, dance hall, and restaurant. Guests could also climb the 87 or so steps up the sixty foot Wonder Tower, where from the top, (confirmed by Ripley's Believe It Or Not in 1937), one can see six states. Dummies look out from the windows and top of the tower, presumably to make the place look busy from cars traveling on the Interstate. Built to attract travelers along Colorado's Highway 24, the enterprise died a slow death after the passing of Mr. Gregory and the building of Interstate 70 that bypassed the Tower. At one time, it became a Greyhound bus station, later a truck stop, and eventually fell neglected and into disrepair. The motel, gas station, and restaurant disappeared, but the Tower remained. Cave-like, everything but the Tower itself is built entirely of rock, even the ceilings. In 1960, Jerry Chubbuck and his wife bought the property and raised their family there. Jerry, an eighty-ish year old amateur archeologist, has filled the Tower and the rambling 20 room building with no end of 'stuff' - so much 'stuff', that one has a hard time seeing the forest for the trees. Everything from a massive collection of Indian arrowheads, to animal monstrosities such as an eight toed pig, and a two headed calf that was born right there in Genoa. This room was once the Dance Hall. The photo was taken from the stage, which while still there, has a major backward tilt to it :) Jerry joked the slope was to keep the drunk musicians from falling forward into the crowd. I thought this was a hoax until I Googled it. Not as uncommon as you'd think.... Outside the building is no different. Parked in front are two junkers, tires sunk deep into the dirt. One, the Lincoln, Jerry told me was left there 20 years ago when a man pulled in and asked if he could park it there for the night. The man took the keys and walked away, and Jerry says he never saw the guy again. But it's still there, in case he comes back. I asked about the other car, the Olds. "Oh, I parked that next to it later so it would look better." I see.... Jerry greats his guests at the entrance to the Tower Museum, collects the one dollar admission fee, and proceeds to administer a quiz. Picking up an item, he invites you to identify it, and if you're able to guess what 10 of the items are, you get your dollar back. Good luck. Seriously. Know what a leather nose picker looks like? How about a walrus penis? No? Neither did I.... He got to keep my dollar. What a treat! I loved every minute of it! DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Fabusend - Fabulous Email Marketing!

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:29:32 -0800

Get "Smart Letterhead" like this. Fabusend - Fabulous Email Marketing!My friends at Fabusend have helped me out by placing my Fabusend letterhead on my blog post so I can share this very cool marketing tool with you!Fabusend creates letterhead for your email with LIVE LINKS that take your reader directly to your website, and brands your email for a more professional look. Click on any of the tabs in my letterhead, and it will take you to my website. Not only that, but it allows you to track your emails and to know if they've been opened or not! You can choose from several design categories and templates, or have their design team (great folks, easy to work with!), create letterhead from your own website banner, which is what I chose to do. And they do it at a very fair price. And there's more! Fabusend has a fantastic referral program built right in. Do you see under my letterhead where it says 'Get Smart Letterhead Like This' ? When someone clicks on this link, (your RPC, or Referral Pay Code), 1. they are taken to the Fabusend website, 2.your code is automatically loaded to the order page, and their price for Fabusend gets cut in half!3. YOU get paid a 50.00 referral fee if they sign up!4. As they renew each year, you continue to be paid royalties - for up to TEN years! Everyone Wins! How cool is that? Click on the 'Get Smart Letterhead Like This' link under my banner, or right here, and check them out!!!!!! I think you'll love it too :) If you'd like to see it via an email, email me with your email address, and I'll send a personal email so you can check it out.

DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

In the Market for Household Appliances? (Buyer Beware Resource Guide)

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 06:09:26 -0800

Yes, this post was a rant, Maytag Dishwasher Recall - You'd think that would be bad enough, but wait.... But this post is more of a resource guide for purchasing appliances - read on.... Since going through the experience expressed in the above rant, (and it's not over yet), I've been doing some research. I know this is a touch longer than my usual posts, but bear with me, please. First, when considering new appliances for your home, it is most certainly in your best interest to research not just the product, but the company that owns it. Let me explain. Some Maytag products are owned by Maytag. Others are owned by Whirlpool, who only partially bought out the once upon a time 'good' Maytag name. For example, if you own a product with Maytag on the label, it is owned by Maytag. If you own a product with Jenn Air, or Magic Chef, or Neptune on the label, it is also owned by Maytag. If you own a Maytag Epic product, it is owned by Whirlpool. Also owned by Whirlpool is Admiral (in Canada), Kenmore and KitchenAid. What about Amana? (My dishwasher is an Amana, and is included in the most recent Maytag recall). Amana was recently owned by Maytag, but is now owned by Whirlpool. However, the recall information has gone out through Maytag, not Whirlpool, who actually owns the Amana name. Confused? So was I! Here's a link to the current appliance products and the companies that own them, from Appliance 411: Who Makes What? Why is it important to know who owns the name of the appliance you are considering purchasing? Because that's who is really manufacturing the product, and you will want to research that company's reputation for recall history and customer service. For example, Maytag (Whirlpool) has had numerous recalls over the past few years, including recalls for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, water heaters, and washers and dryers. In other words, just about everything they produce. (Was there a recall contest we weren't aware of?) According to Appliance Recall Check, whose business it is to determine if you have products in your home that were recalled at some point, "more than 80% of appliance recalls are the result of improperly installed wiring, overheating motors/relays or other component failures that you can't see". All issues that could be dangerous fire hazards. And assuming you didn't personally buy the appliance, let's say it's in a home you just purchased, you may not ever know about that particular recall. John Puplava, ABC Home Inspections, commented on my rant post that he provides this recall check service for all his clients. Way to go John! Ok. You know who makes the appliance, and their recall history. Now it's time to research the customer service reputation of that company. Since I am now intimately familiar with Maytag/Whirlpool :) I'll use them as my example. A very simple Google search using either the words "Maytag customer service complaints" or "Whirlpool customer service complaints", produced 182,000 results in .16 seconds. Like this one, My3cents.com. Thank you Google. Oh my. What a read. At first blush, one would commend a company for stepping up to a recall. Sounds like they're doing the right thing. But when coupled with a terrible, 'anti' customer service response, one would be tempted to think they are just hoping you'll give up and go away, as many people probably do, thus minimizing finanacial responsibility on their end. Now, if I were looking to purchase new appliances for my home, or I were a builder looking for appliances, based on the dozens of reviews I just read, I would seriously reconsider any product that fell under the Maytag/Whirlpool pervue. And now I know that 'once well thought of brands', such as Maytag or Jenn Aire, may not be the high quality and respected names they used to be. I've also learned that I'm not the Lone Ranger with these issues. Hmmm. Shocking. What more can you do to ensure you make the right appliance purchases? Try Consumer Reports, or Consumer Reports Home and Garden Blog and don't forget to read the comments posted by consumers at the bottom. The only way to assure a quality product, is to stop purchasing inferior ones. If no one will buy them, they will be forced to rethink their standards...in manufacturing, and in customer service. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Maytag Dishwasher Recall - You'd think that would be bad enough, but wait! There's more!

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:12:08 -0800

Maytag Dishwasher Recall - You'd think that would be bad enough, but wait.... Maytag has recalled 1.7 million dishwashers under the names Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Aire, and several others. There have been 12 fires caused by faulty heating elements, and Maytag has sent out letters to owners that may have purchased one of these potential fire hazards. I got one of these letters. The letter instructs you to stop using your dishwasher, unplug it, and call their 800 number to avail yourself of one of two options: Option #1 - allow Maytag to schedule an appointment with a repairman Option #2 - Maytag will give you 150 -250 dollars (depending on your model) to replace the unit. I opted for #1. The lady on the phone said they work on weekends - Would Sunday between 8 AM and 12PM work for me? Yes, it would. I give her my address and phone number. (This becomes important later...) The appointment was scheduled, and I was very pleased that I would not have to wait long to use my dishwasher again. I'm really not about washing dishes by hand. So. Sunday morning rolls around. I get up early, because it's possible the guy will be here at 8 AM. I leave him a message at 8:00, asking him to let me know when he's on his way to my house. A friend calls around 10 AM, wanting to meet for lunch - I'll call you after the repairman leaves, and we'll meet! Sounds good. 12:30. No repairman. I call the number the nice Maytag lady gave me. Left message number two. (It was not a local area code, but people I know are still using their cell numbers from other places, so I don't think anything of it.) No word. No repairman. Of course I'm furious with the repairman by 5PM when there is no return call and the guy is a total no-show. Later I think to look the repair company up in the phone book to see if there is another phone number for the office. I plan to call first thing in the morning. Hmmm. No such company in the phone book.... I Google the area code, and suddenly, it dawns on me! I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The genius at Maytag hooked me up with a repairman in TEXAS. So, this is for YOU Maytag - I have been inconvenienced by not being able to use my diswasher. (Or risk burning my house down) I have been inconvenienced by having to go to the trouble of scheduling an appointment. I have been inconvenienced by getting up early on a Sunday to be ready for the repairman. I have been inconvenienced by spending my entire day off waiting for someone who was NEVER going to drive here from Texas to fix my dishwasher. (What did you do on YOUR day off, Maytag? I know you're closed on Sunday - I tried to call) I will have to make another call to your call center, ask for a supervisor, and relay this story to him/her. Then start this extremely annoying process all over again. And by the way - the 150 -250 dollars you are offering "in lieu of" doesn't even come CLOSE to the amount it would take to replace the darn thing. I know this because I researched it. It would be closer to 450 for a like model when I add in the tax and installation. My choice for resolution now? Give me 450.00 dollars, and I'll have Home Depot install a new one. At which point I'd be happy to update this blog post and tell folks how Maytag stepped up to the plate. (Still.... it would have been nice of the guy in Texas to call and let me know he wouldn't be driving up to Colorado Springs anytime soon....) If you own one of these recalled dishwashers, and opt for the repairman, make sure it's a local area code when Maytag gives you the phone number! (They're a bit geographically impaired over there.) Update: This morning I called Maytag. Spoke with a SUPERVISOR. Yes, it appears we scheduled your appointment with a TEXAS repairman, so very sorry. Rescheduled with a Colorado Springs repair company for next Saturday. The dollar amount is based on an upgrade. Your model is no longer available. If you want a new dishwasher, you have to pay the difference. I called the new repair company right away to confirm the appointment. Guess what? The address he had for the appointment WAS IN TEXAS!!!!!!! Unfreakingbelievable!!!!! Update 2 (email just sent to Maytag, Saturday Nov. 20): This is unfreeking believable, MAYTAG! My second appointment, for today between 8 AM and 12PM was CANCELLED by A&E Factory Repair because the ADDRESS THEY HAD ON FILE WAS TEXAS!!! I HAVE HAD IT WITH THIS ABOMINABLE TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM YOU! Have someone from your customer service department call me ASAP, and ask them to be prepared to mail a check in an amount that will cover THE FULL COST OF A REPLACEMENT DISHWASHER, INCLUDING TAX AND INSTALLATION. This is the THIRD time I have had to correct the service address with you and the repair people, and STILL no one can get it right. MAKE THIS HAPPEN. NOW. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Avian Keratin Disorder

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 05:23:52 -0800

Avian Keratin Disorder In May of 2009, I photographed this red wing black bird at the Fountain Nature Center in Fountain, Colorado. I had never seen such a beak before, and contacted a few local 'birders' to see if they had any information for me. They didn't. One suggestion was that perhaps the bird had flown into a window... A few days ago, a year and a half after I took this photo, I came across an article on MSN News online that answered the question for me. "Avian Keratin Disorder" is a deformity in the beaks of birds caused when the keratin layer of the beak becomes overgrown. The disorder has a detrimental effect on the birds' ability to feed, groom itself, reproduce and raise it's young. The article focuses on the fact that there has been a marked increase in the past decade, particularly in Alaska and the northwest, of deformities in many different species of birds, in various locations and with varying diets, and suggests the cause is environmental contaminants. To read the article, click here: Deformed bird beaks trigger environmental hunt Yet another of the effects of mans' inability to live within the laws of nature. I am left to wonder how this bird fared.... "And after the wind, the avalanche, the earthquake, the fire - a sound of sheer silence."- Elijah DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Photographing Butterflies - Macro

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:36:33 -0700

Photographing Butterflies - Macro This was my third trip to the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver. I have a friend who hadn't been there, so we went last weekend. It was hotter and more humid inside this time than it was on my previous trips - in fact it was a while before I could shoot because my lens fogged up as soon as I walked in...but it eventually cleared and I was able to enjoy the visit - and do what I'd gone there to do! I used a 50mm prime lens with a Hoya Digital Pro 1 3x close up lens attached. This is actually my favorite macro set up when a tripod is not convenient, or not allowed, as is the case in the Pavilion. I like this set up because it's light weight, therefore easy to use in the field, but also because that 50mm is so darn sharp! Do not be tempted to buy a cheap close up lens, (i.e - a set of 3 or 4 for 30 bucks). There is a difference, a big difference, in how it will effect the quality of the photo. With the 50mm and the close up lens attached, you can get within just a few inches of the subject, and end up with really nice bokeh in the shot. (This is great as long as the subject isn't venomous, like say, a rattlesnake...or doesn't jump like some spiders do... :) Common Tiger Glassywing - South America Cloudless Sulphur - Eastern US to South America Metallic Blue Wave - Central to South America "In the silence of the woods, you will not be alone." - Chief Sealth (Chief Seattle) ca. 1780- June 7, 1866 DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Not Your Typical Senior Photos

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:33:35 -0700

Not Your Typical Senior Photos Senior photos have changed a lot since my day – when we rode to school atop a brontosaurus, and all photos were head shots, perfectly posed and coiffed. I really hadn’t realized that there has been a movement among students for a few years to do something DIFFERENT, until a friend asked me to shoot the senior photos for her daughter and her friend’s son. At first, I declined, saying I don’t do studio work. (And seriously, those of you who know me knowI’m not about shooting homo sapiens). No, she said, that’s not what the kids want. What they want is to have their photos taken at a property full of old buildings and rusty old trucks. Rusty old trucks you say? Now we’re talking! I’m in! We shot many photos, some intended for the yearbook, and others for the moms to frame and to put into photo books. These are two of my favorite photos from that day. Did the seniors in your life also choose to dump the studio and go for more natural shots? (I obtained signed model releases for using these photos publicly :) DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Of Rock Carvings and UFO's in Colorado Springs

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 17:38:24 -0700

Of Rock Carvings and UFO's in Colorado Springs As part of my ongoing quest to find interesting places to visit, I recently purchased a fun book called "Weird Colorado", recommended by a friend. I had no idea there was so much 'weird' here! Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) field investigator, Chuck Zukowski, was investigating reports of UFO activity in a Colorado Springs park, when he learned of another, unrelated oddity within the park. Strange carvings in stone. Two faces, and not very pretty ones, at that :) I had never heard of that particular park, and intrigued, called the same friend that recommended the book, inviting her to join me in looking for the face carvings. On the morning we were to set off, I checked online to learn more about the park and the faces carved in stone, and discovered there wasn't much there to learn. About the carvings anyway...what I did learn was that the park included 338 acres. Suddenly I realized finding the carvings in a 338 acre park would be much like the proverbial needle in a haystack... We decided to go anyway. If nothing else, for a good hike. This is where my story gets weird - Neither of us had ever been there, and neither of us had the slightest clue about where within the park these carvings might be found. We moved off the beaten path, and followed a trail that was much smaller looking to end up in the canyon below. And incredibly, and this is the truth, we hiked straight to one of the carvings! I put my hand up on it, and said to my friend that 'this ring in the rock is odd... I suppose it could be natural...' We quickly realized we had found the first carving. How in the world that was possible, I'll never understand. We hummed the Twilight Zone theme song for days afterward.... These are photos of the first carving. It is a bit abstract, and has a curious 'question mark' looking symbol on what seems to be a headdress or hat. The nose area has pretty much weathered away, as has one side of the carving on the cheeks. It was the left 'eye' ring I first had my hand on. We spent a whole lot of time looking for the second carving without success, even though the book said they were only a few feet apart, and finally gave up and left. After getting home, I emailed Mr. Zukowski for information on how to find the second carving, and he graciously replied. So, we went back and found it right away. (Thanks Chuck! It was hiding in plain sight :) These are the photos I took of the second carving. It is a big head with a long face, a huge nose, has an open mouth, and a fat tongue sticking out. It looks like one of the eyes is closed, or perhaps 'winking'? Note the eyeball carved within the eye socket. There appears to be no scientific research into the carvings. I have no idea how old they might be, or who would have carved them. They certainly don't seem to be Native American. Both show signs of weathering, and the larger one in particular has parts that have worn away. Apparently the carvings are not widely known, for it's a sure bet that if they were, some fool would have vandalized them by now... I have attached photos to an email and written to two CU anthropology professors asking if they have any knowledge of the carvings. I am eagerly awaiting a reply! DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Rifle Falls State Park, Colorado

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 05:31:29 -0700

Rifle Falls State Park, Colorado Northwestern Colorado is not particularly known for it's scenic landscapes, (depending on how you look at it), but not far from Glenwood Springs off of I70, sits an almost tropical area made so by the spray from an 80 foot triple waterfall, surrounded by limestone caves. On a recent trip to Utah, I stopped to see what all the fuss was about. It was definitely a surprise! An easy walk from the parking area brings one out of the arid, dry landscape into a lush area of greenery that is as pleasing to the ears as it is to the eyes! To get there, take I-70 to the Rifle exit (90), then go north on CO Highway 13 for four miles. Go through the town of Rifle and turn right onto Highway 325, drive 9.8 miles to the park entrance. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

No Candles, Please!

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 04:30:34 -0700

No Candles, Please! I received a letter from the fire department a few days ago. This is the letter: Dear Ms. Boucher, As you are no doubt aware, the state of Colorado is currently under a fire ban due to extreme temperatures and severe lack of rain. Therefore, we respectfully submit that as you celebrate your birthday, you refrain from having candles on your birthday cake. It is our opinion that so many candles would constitute a fire hazard and be a threat to the general public. Sincerely, Colorado Springs Fire Marshall (I think Mary Douglas got one of these too) OK. No problem. I skipped the birthday cake, and went to Utah instead. Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah. Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, Utah. "We had left no mark on the country itself, but the land had left it's mark on us." - Sigurd Olson DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Thermophiles - The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:06:52 -0700

Thermophiles - The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park This photo was made of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Midway Basin at Yellowstone National Park when I was there in June. The bright 'orangey' color you see is produced by microbial mats known as thermophiles - heat loving bacteria that thrive in high temperatures, ( 113- 176 degrees). They are found in deep sea hydrothermal vents, (first discovered in 1977), inside volcanoes, and in the hot springs of Yellowstone. Their color ranges from yellow to orange, and even green. The colors you see in the steam rising above the spring is a reflection of both the spring itself, and the colors of the thermophiles. It was thermophiles that led scientists to better understand the processes of DNA. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

As the Sun Sets on Another Chapter....

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 12:08:51 -0700

As The Sun Sets on Another Chapter.... I want to thank so many of you for the kind comments you left while I was taking some time off to tend to 'life issues' - I loved hearing from you, please know that your messages and thoughtfulness were really, really appreciated! During the 4 months or so that I was away from the Rain I was still shooting, and was even able to fit in a couple of (theraputic :) photo trips. In June I went to Yellowstone for a week, and in July I took the I70 route to Ouray with stops at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Colorado National Monument, among others. This photo was made at the Black Canyon at sunset. The Black Canyon is the northern hemisphere's steepest canyon - 2,000 feet tall - and one of America's most recent national parks - established on October 21, 1999. If you ever have the chance to see it, do so - it is breathtaking. The Gunnison River runs thru the canyon, and at one point it is only 43 feet wide between the canyon walls. Shooting down into the canyon from the rim at sunset is 1. Scary as hell, and 2. Very dark So I didn't do it. It's not called the 'Black Canyon' for nothing.... ;) "In Wilderness is the preservation of the World"- Henry David Thoreau PS - It's awfully good to be back! DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

The History of Southeastern Colorado - Video>

Fri, 28 May 2010 17:15:38 -0700

The History of Southeastern Colorado -Trinidad, Berwind Canyon Mines, Ludlow from Debi Boucher on Vimeo. I know not everyone likes viewing videos online, but some do - and I wanted to check out Vimeo. I've always used YouTube for my slideshows, but this one is over the 10 minute limit that YouTube imposes, so I thought I'd give it a try. Actually, I think Vimeo does a great job - the quality of the video is good, and there is no time limit for your show. The down side - unless I'm missing something, there is no way to make it a bigger screen. Maybe changing the code? Anyone tried it? Many of you have read my series on the history of Southeastern Colorado, and I thank you very much for your comments! This video is a compilation of those photos that take the viewer through the history and architecture of the town of Trinidad, through the abandoned (in 1928) coal mine and miners' homes of Berwind Canyon, to the Hastings Mine (where 121 miners lost their lives in a mine explosion), the site of the Ludlow Massacre, and finally, the Ludlow ghost town. I used ProShow Producer to create the video, it's a little over 12 minutes long, and the music for the show was legally purchased. I really love using ProShow for my videos - Lots of great effects available, and the ability to create your own. No limits! If you have the time to check out all or part of the video, take a look - If not....I understand! (Really, I do!) 12 minutes is a LONG video... LOL (Please do not reproduce and use this video with out my express permission). DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography

Let's Pretend for a Moment #2

Sun, 23 May 2010 14:27:11 -0700

Let's Pretend for a Moment #2Alrighty then, you've found the perfect property, with a fabulous view of the Sangre De Cristo mountains. It has a lovely creek running thru it, and a wonderfully sturdy cement bridge that hovers over the creek. You don't have alot of money to build your dream home, but it occurs to you that you can make do with what you have available. Surely you can save alot of money if only you did not have to spend so much excavating and building a foundation. Lucky for you - at this point in time, there aren't alot of pesky building codes to rain on your parade.So, what are you going to do? Make use of what you've got, of course! These photos were taken along Hwy 12 outside of Trinidad, Colorado. The area is rich in history, and as you can see, some very unique surprises along the way too. DBoucher Photography Nature and Wildlife Real Estate Showcase Slideshows Slideshow and Web Presentations Photos and content by Debi Boucher, DBoucher Photography, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. DBoucher Photography