Colorado Wildlife Impressions Book Release
Explore the Beauty of Colorado Wildlife
I’ve written and published six books, but never done a photography book. So, when Farcountry Press of Helena, MT, approached me about a Colorado wildlife photography book, of course I was intrigued. For over 45 years, Farcountry has been publishing works that explore the beauty and richness of America including wildlife photography focusing on the western states and our majestic national parks.
Their vision was a
Colorado Wildlife Impressions
book capturing the untamed beauty of Colorado's most iconic animals through breathtaking photography and fascinating natural insights. It seemed like a perfect fit.
I had images of many of Colorado’s large, dynamic wildlife. From RMNP, there were bulging elk, powerful bull moose, and prancing mule deer bucks readying for the rut. Often, I had captured the bighorn rams and ewes along the narrows in Big Thompson Canyon. On Mt. Blue Sky, sunrise had found me photographing families of mountain goats at 14,000 ft. Driving the dusty
roads of Sand Wash Basin, the old west beauty of wild mustangs had been a thrill to capture.
But more than high country ungulates, the diversity of wildlife in Colorado was the vision of Farcountry Press. That’s when I turned to talented local photographer friend Paul J. Marcotte, the 2023 North American Nature Wildlife Landscape Photographer Association Photographer of the Year. The variety of Paul’s incredible wildlife photography was a compliment to my large animal focus.
Paul had fascinating images of swift fox kits playing on the Colorado prairie. Raccoon families, the curious babies peeking their heads around their mother from the hollow of a tree. His images of bobcat kittens and a rookery of great blue herons were captivating. And Paul had that powerful image of a mountain lion, its massive paw dangling as he stared down from a tree at the photographer below.
Our collections of wildlife images were the perfect blend to achieve the vision of Farcountry Press’
Colorado
Wildlife Impressions
book.
When the project started in February 2025, our goal was to represent a wide diversity of Colorado animals. We submitted over 300 images, relying on the knowledge and experience of Farcountry Press. They designed a book of stunning full-color wildlife photography. The images featured mountain animals like elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, marmots, pika, bald eagles, and many more from throughout Colorado’s mountains and prairies.
With striking photographs, Paul’s intimate photography and my bold captures showcase Colorado’s incredible abundance of wildlife amid the state’s gorgeous scenery. Blending artistry and a deep respect for nature, the book is a captivating collection offering unique insight into the remarkable wildlife that call Colorado home. In total, over eighty animal species are represented in the full-color splendor of the book.
Locally captured images include the cover image of Colorado’s state animal. The bighorn ram image was captured in Big Thompson Canyon as he peered over the rocks in dynamic fashion. The inside cover is a precious shot of three fox kits staring wide-eyed and innocent at the new world.
Inside the
Colorado Wildlife Impression book, there are the famous elk of RMNP including Kahuna striding through the flowers of Moraine Park as he watches over cows and calves from his harem, and Droptine bugling his vigorous bellow during the middle of September’s rut. There is the bold mountain lion perched high in a tree, and a bobcat kitten sleeping peacefully, its paw draped over a branch. One of my favorites is Paul’s capture of a herd of elk cooling in the waters of Lake Estes with the Stanley Hotel predominant in the background.
So today, eighteen months after the Colorado Wildlife Impression project began, it is available. Locally, our book is on the shelves in Estes Park at MacDonald Bookstore downtown and the Estes Park Hallmark in Stanley Village. Additionally, it is available in stores throughout Colorado. Of course, it is online at Amazon Colorado Wildlife Impression.
In addition, all of my books are available online. Just Google Brad Manard, search Amazon Bookstore, or find them at Brad Manard, Author.
And from Paul and I, thank you Estes Park News, the community of Estes Park, and the opportunities in Rocky Mountain National Park for continuing support of our photography pursuits. Our success only exists through your ongoing support. See you in the bookstores.
