Local Art with the Artists of the West Elks (AWE) & a Free Membership!

 ArtWalk Tonight! www.aweart.org

There are many local artists in our valley spanning the creativity spectrum from painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and some art that just can’t be defined. In an environment of such inspiring beauty, it is no surprise that artists are drawn here. Many have multiple jobs, posing as carpenters, retailers, teachers, tradesmen, etc. but their hearts are full of the love of art. And when they can, they create. There are also artists who have successfully made art their full-time job, squeaking by during the off-season while earning most of their annual income during the summer and winter holidays. Some might say it is not easy, but these artists stay because they love this valley and the valley loves them back.

During the boom-time of the summer, artists can be found exhibiting their work in one of the many galleries in the valley, on the streets during the AWEfests and Farmer’s Market selling their work, teaching workshops and giving lectures, or out in the beauty creating their art. A great way to be involved in the local art events is to be a member of the Artists of the West Elks (AWE).

The Artists of the West Elks (AWE) is a non-profit organization that unites artists, art lovers and the greater community. We support novice, emerging and professional artists and promote visual arts in the West Elk region through education, events and artistic excellence.

The organization is currently undergoing some major changes all for the betterment of the community and the artist. One of these changes includes offering a FREE membership to artists and art lovers to keep our art community engaged and united.

The Artists of the West Elks (AWE) sponsors the Artwalk every last Thursday of the month in the Winter and Summer seasons. The Artwalk includes 12 of our local galleries on or just off Elk Ave. celebrating art from 5-8pm. The Artists of the West Elks (AWE) features 8 local artists and CB Community School students in the inAWE Gallery at 326 Elk Ave.

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week titled

 "The Beauty of the Land"

This photo was taken out Slate River Road of Paradise Divide. Discounts on prints and merchandise are available at www.3rdeyephoto.net. 

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

"The Gronk"

Enjoy discounts on prints and merchandise at www.3rdeyephoto.net

I was motivated to get out and shoot the other morning and decided to drive to Peanut Lake to see if anything inspired me. I've looked at this scene many times but never have photographed it. I liked the hardness of the Gronk and the softness of the mountains behind it. My next mission will be to get this shot following our next big storm. 

Wedding Photography in Crested Butte: In-Home Studio

My new in-home studio! I am so excited to finally put this room to some good use. This is where I greet my Wedding and Portrait clients for pre-event discussions and where I will host the post-event slideshow and product sale. I think it is very important as a Wedding Photographer in Crested Butte to have a place where clients can be comfortable and get to know you before they spend thousands of dollars on your services. It is also important you get to know your client and make sure it is a good fit for everyone. www.3rdeyephoto.net/Weddings 

Wedding Photography in Crested Butte

Crested Butte Wedding Photography 

Visit www.gunnisoncrestedbutteweddings.com for all your vendor needs in the Crested Butte area. There is a great listing of a variety of vendors including caters, lodging, music etc. 

Wedding Photography in Crested Butte

Wedding photography in Crested Butte is a wonderful thing. The landscape is amazing, the people are friendly, and everyone always seems happy. I love being a wedding photographer in Crested Butte. It is a very seasonal experience, that's for sure! The season is basically mid-June through the end of September. Sometimes you will land a wedding or two in the Winter but mostly us wedding photographers in Crested Butte work our butts off over the summer, shooting multiple weddings a week and working every weekend. But lucky for us, it is a fun job and it can be very lucrative too. 

Photo of the Week

Photo of the Week

from my latest collection, "Iconic Images for Our Capital"

Discounts on prints at www.3rdeyephoto.net

I spent a week shooting Iconic Images in Washington DC last Spring. It was an amazing week of shooting, getting up at 4am, visiting all the most iconic areas: memorials, buildings, everything! It was an experience I have never had, running around a city shooting endlessly, dealing with crowds, traffic, permits. I could have never done it without my two amazing assistants: thanks! I am looking forward to shooting the Iconic Images of many other cities in the future. 

Tips for Wedding Photography in Crested Butte

Tips for Photographing Weddings in Crested Butte

Do something different. Take a chance. Listen to your bride. This photo was inspired by the Beatle's Abby Road Album cover, a suggestion by my bride and groom. It really turned out fun. It took a few takes and some stopping of traffic to get a good shot but it was worth it. They really enjoyed the end result and I think it is a iconic image of a Wedding in Crested Butte. I love when my brides have ideas for the photography. It helps me think outside the box. It is easy when you are shooting dozens and dozens of weddings a year to start falling into the trap of doing the same thing over and over. When I have a bride who has a unique photo idea I jump at the opportunity to do something new, something maybe I had never thought of before. 

Crested Butte Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography in Crested Butte

I had a wonderful family portrait session a few days ago with the cutest little boy. We did 4 outfit changes and not one tear! The best was when we took him outside and it was snowing, he kept looking up into the sky like he was so amazed at the snow. It was adorable! Portrait photography in Crested Butte isn't always easy. Weather is a big factor and a photographer has to be prepared to either trudge through snow or shoot indoors. I like to use my flash and bounce it off a wall or ceiling, or pull it off my camera and use it as direction light on a stand. Flash fills the lines and smooths out the skin, but if it is too strong it will wash the subject out, so practice first!