Essence of Brett

My first hike to this spot I took the difficult route, bushwhacking through the forest for an hour and a half. Then I learned you can simply follow a fence along the ridge, making my second visit much easier. (at Ridgway, Colorado)

What keeps you moving toward your dreams on those inevitably difficult days? Earlier this week a friend told me, "Don't give up. You believed in Santa for nine years of your life. You can believe in yourself a few more months." It was strangely inspiring. (at Kananaskis Country)

The moment I saw the water, I knew it would be one of my favorite views for a long time. (at Kananaskis Country)

The more I go to the mountains to think and find answers to my questions, the more questions I find. (at Mt Sneffels)

Sometimes I get really excited when the light changes just how I hope. When I captured this image, I had spent the entire day under dark storm clouds surrounded by dark mountains. Despite that, I hiked up to this unknown spot in hopes of a better sunset. When the conditions began changing, it felt like it was all happening for me. I was all alone up there and I was literally dancing when this moment happened. (at Kebler Pass)

After backpacking up the 4WD road to this mill, life became the most wonderfully unexpected experience. Sitting on my sleeping pad on a gravel road, eating a cup of noodles that a group of strangers made me next to this ruin straight out of a fairy tale, I couldn't help but laugh. (at Crystal, Colorado)

Growing up, I always assumed I would live my entire life in the small town I grew up in. It seemed like that was just what people did. I sure was wrong. And I'm not complaining. (at Colorado)

Primarily, I got out into the wilderness because the mountains provide the perfect environment for the quiet meditation I need to find answers to my questions. I also go to capture images that hopefully inspire others to go out and have their own personal experiences with nature; something beyond the fad of "getting outside", the need to take a selfie and other narcissistic reasoning. With such reasons and goals, I'd love to hear what inspires you to go out and seek the solitude of the mountains, if you don't mind sharing. (at The Black Tusk)

Sometimes the stars align and sometimes something even more special happens that leaves you picking your jaw off the ground. When I planned this adventure I could not have imagined the scene that would greet me. Read more on my website (link in profile). Not my most beautiful photograph, but easily one of the coolest. (at The Black Tusk)

I'd be lying if I said I hadn't been frustrated when there were only gray clouds to greet me after an intense, pre-sunrise hike. But those frustrating moments just make the beautiful moments even more satisfying. (at Garibaldi Lake)

Sometimes I feel like my life is just a sequence of jaw dropping moments. (at Planet Earth)

Sometimes a place is so beautiful that the only thing that can convince you to leave is the need to restock your good supply. (at Kananaskis Country)

What fears have you over come? Over the past 18 months of traveling, I have noticed very real changes in my fears. Perhaps the most concrete example has been my fear of wild life. What began as a fear of black bears, transitioned to grizzlies and after last night's adventure it's clear that now I see mountain lions at the top of my food chain. But when it comes down to it, letting those fears make decisions for me would have robbed me of seeing some of the most beautiful places in the world. There is always a fear or a reason not to put yourself out there, but most often choosing to ignore those doubts reaps the greatest rewards. (at Kananaskis Country)

Pulled a late night working, but how about that office view? (at Glacier National Park)

Like the bones of an ancient creature, these rock formations jutt out of the desert floor. Giant ancient creatures. (at Capitol Reef National Park)

I heard recently that we're all simply a result of our environment and physiology. Like being cogs in a machine, this belief removes all sense of responsibility and ownership of our lives. While these two things are certainly a part of who we are, I believe there is more to us then that. We are the captains of our own lives with immense potential for good. (at Barclay Lake)

All the world is a stage and sometimes it deserves a standing ovation. Bravo, Earth. Bravo. (at Capitol Reef National Park)