Why the Flatirons Never Look the Same: Insights from Behind the Lens

I’ve photographed the Flatirons more times than I can count. And every single time, it’s like they’re showing me a new side of themselves. It reminds me of something Ansel Adams said about Half Dome in Yosemite: 

“I have photographed Half Dome innumerable times, but it is never the same Half Dome, never the same light or the same mood.”

I feel the same about the Flatirons—they’re never quite the same.

One day, they’re bathed in this soft, golden morning light, and everything feels calm and peaceful. Then, another day, a storm rolls in, and the whole scene feels wild and dramatic, as if nature is putting on a show. It’s never boring.

It’s not just the light or the weather that makes them feel different each time. It’s also me. Every time I go back, I see them with a fresh perspective—sometimes because of something happening in my life or maybe just because I’ve learned something new about photography. It’s like what Proust said: 

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

The Flatirons aren’t changing, but how I see them is. And I think that’s what makes nature photography so special. It’s not just about capturing a pretty landscape—it’s about noticing those small changes, those little moments that make each visit feel unique. I love that.

If you ever find yourself in Boulder, take a moment to really look at the Flatirons, especially when the light is shifting. You might notice something you’ve never seen before, even if you’ve hiked past them a hundred times.

If you want to see some of the photos I’ve taken of the Flatirons, feel free to check out my Instagram or my website.