THE COLORADO PROJECT 2006

In the rugged landscapes of Crystal River and Animas Forks, Colorado, lie some of the most iconic ghost towns in the American West—testaments to the boom-and-bust cycles of mining during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. To capture their haunting beauty, I embarked on a seven-night expedition, camping at elevations exceeding 13,000 feet, braving thin air, cold nights, and the immense challenge of lighting these remote, historical locations.

This project represents the culmination of 15 years of photographic study, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. Prior to 2006, I worked extensively with a 4×5 technical camera, capturing one-shot images on 4×5 chrome and multi-layered shots using NPS negative film. As digital photography began to revolutionize the industry, I transitioned seamlessly into multi-layered digital capture, using techniques few had even conceived of at the time. This innovative approach allowed me to bring a painterly depth to my images while minimizing the logistical burden of traditional large-format photography.

For this series, I combined my expertise in lighting with high-end digital capture systems to illuminate the ghost towns’ evocative structures and eerie surroundings. The lighting approach blends natural light with carefully placed artificial sources, accentuating the textures of weathered wood, rusted metal, and the stark, mountainous backdrop. The result is a collection of images that honor the history and solitude of these forgotten places while pushing the boundaries of landscape photography as an art form.

A Little History
Crystal River and Animas Forks were once bustling mining communities during Colorado’s silver and gold rushes. Crystal, founded in the late 1800s, thrived for a short time due to its silver mines but was abandoned by the early 1900s. Animas Forks, located at an elevation of over 11,000 feet, grew to house nearly 450 residents but suffered a similar fate when the mining industry collapsed. Today, these ghost towns remain as open-air museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the hardships and ambitions of the past.