
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.
Website: www.ApertureAcademy.com
Old Crystal Mill by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Monday, 7th December 2009. It is tagged River. You can leave a comment below.

25 Comments
mike
Nice quiet scene. I like the colors.
Taiji Guo
It’s like an oil painting. Nice shot.
Steven Davis
Congrats Stephen. I LOVE this shot. One of your best
Anurag
A great subject, exquisitely composed!
Pauline Jones
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
Great story – Great photo!
Thank you!
yo
Amazing !
Sounds like a nice place to retire in
Malta Photography
Very nice image. great composition indeed and great colors.
Rajib Singha
Very moody shot Stephen. Thanks for sharing.
Marie Dunphy Harding
An A+ for your efforts in bringing this to us, it’s quite remarkable.
Ellen Empson
Truly remarkable talent and technique.
Ellen Empson
Stephen,
IS this High Definition Res?
Renee
I really like this shot, its amazing and so beautiful! well done!
Dianne
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
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
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
Excellent composition. The textural contrast between the moving water and the rocks works very well.
Looks very much cgi
Fab
Nice colours. Great pic!
Riely
magnificent!!!
Nicki
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
Excellent photography with a magnificent history. Thanks Stephen, is a pleasure to see this picture!!! Congrats from Argentine.
paul whitton
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
Picture perfect! Fascinating scene and story.
Su
Simply wonderful…..
KarmaSix
Superb!