Photo by Jesse Speer
Denise Symes spent her childhood in the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park – beautiful Estes Park, Colorado. Learning the art of photography was a family affair, as her mother was rarely seen without a camera at her side. Denise watched and learned. Together, the mother and daughter team captured the area wildlife and the majestic landscapes of the Rockies on film.In 1987, Denise left Colorado for the Southern states. Coastal architecture piqued Denise's interest, and she began honing her photography skills on clock towers and lighthouses. Denise also dabbled in black and white photography during these Southern years, hand-coloring snapshots of old theaters.
It wasn't until her return to Colorado twelve years later when Denise saw the state with new eyes. The years away from Colorado gave Denise a new appreciation for the natural beauty that she took for granted while growing up. Denise began carrying her camera with her everywhere, snapping up everything that crossed her path. Denise Symes Photography was born.
Using the maple leaf as her logo (adopted from her maiden name of Canada), Denise began to share her images as a business. Her home, truck, and loft function as base camp, studio, and frame shop. Denise enjoys photographing the sweeping landscapes of Colorado; however, she shows a special gift at capturing the minute details that make up the fabric of the land, seen in photos such as Baby Tree and Goldenrod Spider.
Hiking and snowshoeing in the Colorado wilderness, Denise Symes captures the landscape, its subtle details, and the feeling that the viewer takes with them.