Old Crystal Mill by Stephen Oachs

Monday, 7th December 2009

Old Crystal Mill

by Stephen Oachs

Standing proud and tall high above Marble, Colorado, the Old Crystal Mill silently watches over the ghost town of Crystal. Once a thriving mining town, Crystal is now only a few scenic buildings that give us a glimpse into a century passed.
The Old Crystal Mill was built in 1893 on the Lost Horse Millsite. Originally called, Sheep Mountain Power House, it really wasn’t a mill at all; rather, it was a power generating station that worked the mechanical air compressor for drills used in the nearby Sheep Mountain and Bear Mountain silver mines. Closed in 1917, this beautiful and elegant sentry is now a registered historical landmark.
This Colorado icon is extremely remote, only accessible by high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles, horseback, mountain bike…or most of the day on foot. This photograph was a rewarding prize for the effort, elegantly capturing the stunning colors and inspiring light of fall.

Equipment: Canon 1Ds Mark III

Stephen Oachs

Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen’s unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today’s finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.

www.ApertureAcademy.com

24 Comments

mike Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 2:00 am
Nice quiet scene. I like the colors.
Taiji Guo Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 5:40 am
It’s like an oil painting. Nice shot.
Steven Davis Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Congrats Stephen. I LOVE this shot. One of your best
Anurag Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 8:30 am
A great subject, exquisitely composed!
Pauline Jones Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I like the subject and a greatly appreciate the story behind it. People from all over the world subscribe to Earth Shots and it is great when the photographer takes the time to explain to us what we’re looking at.
Marina Muhlberg Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 9:29 am
Great story – Great photo!
Thank you!
yo Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Amazing !
Sounds like a nice place to retire in
Malta Photography Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Very nice image. great composition indeed and great colors.
Rajib Singha Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Very moody shot Stephen. Thanks for sharing.
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
An A+ for your efforts in bringing this to us, it’s quite remarkable.
Ellen Empson Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Truly remarkable talent and technique.
Ellen Empson Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Stephen,
IS this High Definition Res?
Renee Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I really like this shot, its amazing and so beautiful! well done!
Dianne Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Oh my gosh, this scene really speaks to me. I’m right there!!! Absolutely outstanding. Love it, love it. THANK YOU for your expertise. You Rock!!!
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Wonderful shot of a wonderful state. The website for the town reminds me a little of Bodie, Ca., but Bodie has more personality I think. At least they’re both remote true ghost-towns rather than tourist traps. Thanks, Stephen, for getting us down that watery, muddy, pock-marked road to paradise!
Bobbi Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Thanks for taking the trek and sharing this awesome POTD. I’m with Pauline and am very grateful for the story and location.
Photos by Nik Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Excellent composition. The textural contrast between the moving water and the rocks works very well.
Looks very much cgi
Fab Says:
December 7th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Nice colours. Great pic!
Riely Says:
December 8th, 2009 at 1:52 am
magnificent!!!
Nicki Says:
December 8th, 2009 at 2:59 am
This is such a gorgeous shot….looks like a perfect painting and I hope you have a copy hanging in your gallery. Excellent job, Stephen!
Grete Says:
December 8th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Excellent photography with a magnificent history. Thanks Stephen, is a pleasure to see this picture!!! Congrats from Argentine.
paul whitton Says:
December 10th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
again another stunning shoot chosen by the earth shots team, no need to say this looks like a painting but I will anyway!
excellent work!
Laurie Says:
December 12th, 2009 at 4:18 am
Picture perfect! Fascinating scene and story.
Su Says:
December 14th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Simply wonderful…..