Chasing Color, Cowgirls, and the Cosmos: A Wild Autumn Recap:

It’s been a whirlwind few months with three weeks of golden aspen groves, heartfelt reunions, and dusty boots under wild western skies. This fall has reminded me just how much photography is tied to seasons of life, not just landscapes.

Autumn Gold in the San Juans 

I kicked off the season deep in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, chasing that brief and beautiful moment when the aspens ignite into fire. There's nothing quite like seeing the peaks of Courthouse and Chimney Rock bathed in alpenglow as a curtain of gold shivers in the wind below. Whether perched on a ridge line at sunset or crawling through sagebrush for that perfect angle, the San Juans delivered on every front this year with texture, light and drama.

A Visit to Cache Valley 

From there, I headed north for a visit with my daughter in Cache Valley, Utah, where she’s now attending Utah State University. Let me tell you, there’s nothing like the mix of pride and bittersweet emotion that comes from watching your kids grow up and thrive in a new place. We squeezed in a few hikes, soaked up the crisp mountain air, and made some memories that I'll carry with me long after the leaves have dropped.

Scouting the Spirit of the West 

The final leg of the journey brought me to a remote pocket of the high desert where I met up with a true cowgirl, grit, grace, and all heart working her family’s ranch under open skies. It wasn’t just a shoot; it was a reminder of the strength and beauty that still pulses through the American West. This location (and this story) will be part of a brand-new add-on day for next year’s Fall Color Workshop, where we’ll combine landscape and lifestyle photography for something unforgettable.

A Giveaway Worth Shooting For 

To top it all off, I’m stoked to announce that BlackLion Photography and I are doing our FIRST Giveaway, launching November 11th and running through November 18th. We’ll announce winners on November 20th, and trust me, you’ll want in on this.

Here’s what’s up for grabs:

• 🥇 1st Prize: A free slot in our June Capture the Cosmos Workshop, including lodging at Far Flung Outdoor Center in Terlingua, Texas just minutes from Big Bend National Park.

• 🥈 2nd Prize: A Nomad Star Tracker + Laser from our friends at Move Shoot Move 

• 🥉 3rd Prize: A $100 Gift Certificate toward a sensor modification or already modified camera from Spencer’s Camera & Photo

  
  

You’ll enter by following, liking, and sharing on Instagram! Don't miss out because we've partnered with some incredible brands. 

Final Thoughts

From glowing aspens to galactic skies, from heartfelt hugs to dirt-road friendships, this fall reminded me why I do what I do. Photography isn’t just about pixels; it’s about presence. It’s about light, yes, but also about life.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to join a workshop, this might be your sign. Spots are already filling for 2026, and I can’t wait to share the journey with you, whether under the stars or through the stories we capture together.

📸 Stay wild,

Michael Simmons

DistantLightPhotos

 www.distantlightphotos.com