Beneath The Bells - Vertical

Location: Aspen, CO

Visiting the Maroon Bells during peak fall had been on my list for years. So when the timing finally lined up, I made it a point to be there. The colors were pristine—vibrant golds and fiery oranges painting the valley beneath those towering, iconic peaks.

But the lake was low.

Without the full water line, that signature mirror-like reflection just wasn’t possible. For a moment, I’ll admit, I was disappointed. Like many photographers, I’d envisioned the shot—the classic image we all chase. But nature had other plans. And honestly, I’m glad it did.

As I wandered along the lakeshore, I stumbled across a small patch of lingering wildflowers. Most had faded for the season, but these few held on, stretching toward the light. They were unexpected. Beautiful. And suddenly, the missing reflection didn’t matter anymore.

I dropped low and used the wildflowers in my foreground. They added texture, depth, and that touch of life that I hadn’t planned for—but deeply appreciated. Then, as the sun began its climb, it reached the peaks and cast that unmistakable golden kiss across the mountains.

In that moment, it all came together. The softness of the flowers, the blaze of fall, the light kissing the Bells—that was the scene. That was the photograph.

This image became one of my favorite takeaways from the season. A reminder that not every great shot is the one you expect—and that sometimes, beauty lies in the surprises.

Every piece from Riley Clark Fine Art ships free and fully insured within the United States. Each order is made to order, inspected by hand, and packaged with care to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

• Fine Art Paper prints are carefully rolled with acid-free protective sheets, then secured inside heavy-duty, crush-resistant tubes to prevent creasing or bending during transit.

• Framed and Canvas prints are wrapped in multiple layers of protective foam and corner guards before being boxed in double-walled cartons for maximum safety.

• Metal prints are packaged using padded spacers and custom-fit materials to keep them secure. For larger metal pieces, custom-built wood crates are used to provide additional protection and ensure stability throughout shipment.
  

Every shipment is fully insured from the moment it leaves the studio until it arrives safely at your door. In the rare event that your artwork is damaged during shipping, I will replace it at no cost to you. No returns required, no hassle — just a genuine guarantee that your art will arrive exactly as intended.

Your artwork should reach you the same way it left the studio: protected, beautiful, and ready to display for years to come.

Each piece is made to order, handcrafted with care, and created using archival materials. Estimated arrival dates shown at checkout already include these production timelines.

• Production Time: 2–3 business days
• Printed on museum-grade materials and inspected for color and quality before shipping.

Every piece is made to order, inspected by hand, and packaged for safe delivery.

If your artwork arrives damaged or with a production flaw, I’ll replace or remake it at no cost.

Because each print is custom-made, returns aren’t accepted — however, exchanges for preference or sizing can often be arranged within 14 days.

Please reach out and I’ll do my best to accommodate.