Postcard

Location: Aspen, CO

The Maroon Bells have long held a reputation as one of Colorado’s most breathtaking destinations—and once you stand before them, it’s easy to understand why. Towering peaks, mirrored lakes, and golden autumn color all collide in one unforgettable location. But like many iconic places, it now draws crowds. The lake has been lower in recent years, and with ropes marking off the shoreline, capturing that classic reflection shot has become harder to come by.

I arrived early that morning, joining dozens of others before sunrise to stake out a spot. I managed a few images I was happy with, but the low water levels and congestion made it difficult to create anything that truly moved me. So I wandered. I packed up my gear, not expecting much more, and began the slow walk back to my van.

That’s when I saw it.

The light had changed. Wispy clouds were beginning to stretch across the sky. The sun, now higher than I’d normally prefer, cast a warm, golden glow across the peak foliage. The color exploded across the valley, and for a brief moment, it felt like the entire scene was lit from within.

I dropped my bag, set up my camera again, and framed the shot.

The result? One of my favorite images from the entire trip. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t during golden hour. But it reminded me that sometimes, photography is less about chasing perfect conditions and more about noticing unexpected beauty.

Sometimes, it pays to see things in a different light.

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.