My Process: A Day in the Life of a Mountain Photographer
Colorado mountain photography requires meticulous research, physical prowess, and considerable time. There’s also a bit of luck involved because the best images only result when conditions are ideal.
Meticulous Research
Once I decide on a subject, I set out to learn everything I can about it. For example, I’ll review climbing guides and talk to fellow mountaineers who have already tackled the peak in question, so I can devise the best possible route for my own journey. I also consider when the terrain looks best. Do I want to shoot a summer series or a winter series? Or maybe the view is at its most breathtaking in the fall, when the leaves are changing. Once I finalize my plan, it’s time to get climbing.
Physical Prowess
I probably don’t have to tell you that climbing a mountain is incredibly demanding. This is especially true when you can’t make it up and back in a single day. Then you have to lug camping gear with you, which puts additional strain on your body. And since the purpose of all my trips is to take pictures of mountains, I also have to take my photography gear. Fitting camping essentials, a few extra items for emergencies, and the right cameras and lenses into my pack is a real-life game of Tetris, and it’s a challenging one. In order to stay in the physical shape that is required to accomplish these trips, I adhere to a rigorous training regiment. I think you’ll agree that it’s well worth the effort, though, once you see the images I’ve captured over the years.
Considerable Time
Trekking is no easy task, and when you’re weighed down with photography gear, it becomes that much harder. Whether it takes me several hours or several days to reach the summit, though, it’s always worth it. Once I make it to the top, the only thing left to do is wait for the ideal conditions to capture that perfect shot. It often takes several attempts to get the photo that meets my artistic vision, which only adds to the duration of the trip.
Unique Pictures of Mountains
The fine art mountain photography prints found in this gallery are available for purchase. I only use the highest quality photography print mediums available today and pride myself on delivering great customer service and a print that will last a lifetime. Making these prints is no easy feat, beginning with the athletic training and mountaineering skills required to get myself to the right place at the right time. I have also invested in the highest resolution digital cameras available, and I only make images using the finest lenses, which increases the weight of my backpack and the difficulty in capturing these pictures of mountains. Unlike most landscape photographers, I pride myself on capturing real moments in nature. I have chosen to stay true to the presentation of my mountain pictures in an honest way. In my view, this is the best way to present mountain photography and to honestly create fine art prints. When you view these prints, you can trust that they portray actual moments in nature that I really experienced. My goal is for these images to fill your imagination with wonder and excitement in only the way that nature can. Enjoy!
Fine Art Mountain Photography Prints
The unique mountain photos in this gallery are available as museum-quality fine art prints and are some of the best Colorado mountain photographs ever made. I have gone to great lengths to ensure these prints are made from the highest quality materials available today, including Acrylic Prints, Chromaluxe metal prints, or prints on Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag Fine Art Paper. I am also able to print my work on other custom materials and sizes upon request. I typically do not print on canvas because it severely degrades the resolution of the fine art print and can be damaged easily.
I am available for free art consultations if you want to see what your fine art prints will look like on your walls.
Purchasing the fine art mountain photography prints in this gallery is easy and secure! Simply select the photo you are interested in, and then choose from the mediums I have available and the dimensions. Again, custom sizes are available upon request. Shop for fine art photography prints with confidence after reading our genuine customer testimonials. And please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I love to hear from my customers!
The Most Photographed Mountains
Some of the most photographed mountains include Maroon Bells and Mount Sneffels, along with Capitol Peak, Crestone Needle, Longs Peak, Mount Crested Butte, Pikes Peak, and the Nokhu Crags. There are so many amazing pictures of mountains that are well-known, but there are also hidden gems that I can help you experience (no crampons required!). As you browse my gallery, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the images. Let me take you on a journey to see some of the most stunning vistas in Colorado from the comfort of home!
Visiting and Photographing Mountains
My favorite places for mountain photography are hard-to-reach locations, including the highest mountains in Colorado. In 2018, I completed my lifetime goal of climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado.
As a lover of nature, I specialize in large-format fine art photographic prints to showcase my favorite vistas and landscapes in beautiful light. As a devoted hiker, I also live by a strict code of ethics wherever I go, and this includes honoring the leave-no-trace principle and not disturbing wildlife.
Fun Facts About Mountains
- Mountains cover one-fifth of the earth’s land surface.
- Mountains exist under the sea.
- Mountains can be found in 75% of the world’s countries.
- Roughly 80% of our planet’s freshwater originates in the mountains.
- Mountain ecosystems have dramatic changes in climate, soil, and vegetation over very short distances.
- The highest 14 mountains in the world are all found in the Himalayas.
- Glaciers occurred when the rivers permanently froze in mountainous areas.
- Plants commonly found on mountains include conifer, oak, chestnut, maple, juniper, stonecrop, campion, mosses, ferns, and climbers.
- Before GPS or altimeters, geographers would measure mountains using triangulation, which evaluates mountain peaks from a variety of observation points.
About Matt Payne Photography
I started my mountaineering journey at the age of 4 with a love for the Colorado mountains, and I continue to practice leave-no-trace ethics to this day. Nature and photography have gone together since the earliest days of the camera, and it wasn’t long before I started lugging my own equipment on every trek.
Since 2017, I have hosted a weekly podcast dedicated to nature photography called "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen." I am also the co-founder of Nature First Photography, an organization that aims to increase ethical awareness in nature photography.
Over the years, I’ve created a vast collection of work, and it’s all available on my site. I encourage you to browse my galleries if you’re looking for some new art to showcase at your home or office!
Benefits of Purchasing Matt Payne Photography Fine Art Photography
Purchasing directly from me ensures you are adding pure, authentic, original pieces to your home. I sell fine art derived from real experiences and a commitment to the artistic vision. Since I believe everyone deserves to decorate their home with beautiful artwork that will last a lifetime, I strive to make my work as accessible as possible without sacrificing quality. Here are some of the biggest reasons to purchase pictures of mountains directly from my site:
1. Unique and Original Pieces
I don’t just take pictures of mountains; I go on journeys that entail planning, packing, and even training. And since every journey is unique, so is every image that results. You can be sure all of my mountain photography tells a story, though, and will enhance any room.
2. Investment in a Growing Art Form
Many famous photographers leave their mark in museums, exhibits, and–most importantly–people’s homes. I use my camera to capture natural beauty, which is the input. I then create more beauty by printing high-quality images, which is the output. Our natural landscape is changing due to many factors. Contributing to this art form invests in a future that supports more sustainable practices.
3. High-Quality Prints
Professional artists know how to guarantee their work lasts for decades. Art misses the mark when the highest quality materials aren’t used. I work with leading local printing companies and scrutinize every piece before it’s sent out to ensure it meets my standards.
4. Secure Purchasing Process
Purchasing mountain photography on this site is easy and protected. All transactions are completed via PayPal or Stripe, both of which are secure and offer consumer protection. I strive for 100% customer satisfaction, so you can confidently place an order. If you’re unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, I will do everything in my power to make it right.
Features of Matt Payne Fine Art Photography
Maybe you want to evoke calm in your office, excitement in your den, or amazement in your
kitchen. Regardless of the atmosphere you’re trying to create, I will make sure you find an image that brings your vision to life. These images were curated from a place of love, and I want the mountains to speak to you as much as they speak to me. If you want to order from my mountains photography gallery, here’s what you should know.
1. Framing Options
While I don’t offer custom framing, I can advise you on the best course of action, depending on the piece you choose and where it will hang. If you’re interested in fine art prints, on the other hand, that I can help with. My most luxurious option is printed on museum-quality paper and then face-mounted with high-end ⅛” anti-glare acrylic. There are a variety of other options available, too, which can be customized to meet your needs.
2. A Wide Range of Themes
In my galleries, you can search for images based on all kinds of themes and styles, including season, location, and color. From autumn leaves and aspen trees to Milky Way scenes, I have something in my gallery for everyone.
3. No Limited Edition Prints
Looking for limited edition prints? While scarcity certainly has its appeal, limiting prints when it comes to mountain photography is irrelevant. Since the images won’t degrade just by printing more of them, there’s no need for me to impose an arbitrary limit on each run simply so I can charge more.
Framing or Acrylic/Metal Prints: What’s More Affordable?
Framing is costly and can take weeks or even months. I prefer to sell metal and acrylic prints of my pictures of mountains because they are ready to hang the same day you receive them, are more affordable, and are utterly jaw-dropping. The colors are crisp and vivid without the potential for glare, and the finished product costs a fraction of what custom framing does.
Browse Matt Payne Photography
View my gallery of mountain photography and see where my climbing has brought me, so I could bring these breathtaking images to you!
Where Else Can I Buy High-Quality Fine Art Prints?
I recommend starting your search on individual artist websites. They are highly motivated and passionate about what they do. Confirm that the artist you’re purchasing from has experience producing prints, and check reviews for the products they sell. Some of my favorite photographers selling high-end fine art prints include Jack Brauer, Kane Engelbert, Jennifer Renwick, TJ Thorne, Aaron Reed, Scott Smorra, and Max Foster. If my work isn’t quite what you’re looking for, I encourage you to check out the offerings from these amazing and talented artists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should photography prints cost?
Mountain photography is incredibly varied and personal for the artist. You will find a wide range of prices for pictures of mountains online. To make my art as accessible as possible, I offer a variety of mediums with a number of possible configurations to meet most budgets.
Where can I buy pictures of mountains?
Many photographers sell prints directly from their websites, which is a great place to start if you’re looking for landscape images for your home or office. Cutting out the middleman means the artist is responsible for quality control, and every artist wants to see their work displayed correctly, so they’re not going to send out anything that doesn’t meet the highest standards.
What is mountain photography?
Mountain photography refers to an adventurous genre of landscape photography. The photographers who capture these incredible vistas must have technical climbing skills and be physically fit. In mountain photography, the primary principles are shooting long and shooting wide, though many artists get creative with it and deploy other principles, as well.
Will pictures of mountains work with my design scheme?
Regardless of which room you’re decorating or what your vision for it is, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a picture of a mountain that enhances the space. For example, whether you need something in a cooler tone, like blue, or on the warmer end of the spectrum, like red, there’s sure to be at least a few images in my gallery that should meet your parameters.
