“There will be caviar service. There will be magnums of champagne. And of course, there will be 11-course tasting menus. This is Aspen, baby. Sure, the reputation is glitzy, but there’s a real year-round community, along with busy arts, culture, and restaurant scenes. You can also find the best skiing in the world here (yes, we might be biased) with four mountains for the price of one—a lift ticket grants you access to Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.” Katie Shapiro
This Colorado Photographer Captured Every Sunrise in October /
“Every year, starting on October 1st, photographer Craig Turpin embarks on his 30 Days of Dawn Challenge. For a month straight, Turpin wakes up in the wee hours of the morning to photograph the sunrise within the mountain ranges of Aspen, Colorado. We spoke to Turpin right after he completed the fifth year of the challenge to ask everything from his inspiration to his wake-up times and preferred camera gear.” Gabby Robles
FIELD NOTES: Vol. 03 | Issue 02 /
‘Totality In Five Frames’
Cuyahoga National Park | Bath, OH
NATSU NO HIKARI
From off-season to on-season, hello again from Aspen, CO!
“Natsu no Hikari” in Japanese means “summer light” and it’s one of my favorite aspects about being a landscape photographer during the warmer months in the mountains. The cool crisp air in the morning only lasts until the first rays splash across the valley floor. That drastic difference between dark and light is stunning to watch unfold.
Conversely, longer rays during sunset compel me to capture the shades of blue, pink, and orange cast by the shadows of rolling peaks and also to chase colors dancing across rivers and streams.
Looking back on winter, I logged over 100 ski days for a second year, adding another Aspen Snowmass pin to my cap. The highlight of my 2023/24 season was working with the U.S. Ski Team to chronicle World Cup action at the Stifel Aspen Winternational.
In early April, I packed up my Audi e-tron for a 5,000-mile, cross-country adventure. First stopping in Bath, OH just in time for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, I headed to “The End of the World” to find new inspiration from the sea before heading back through the Big Apple to uncover new cityscapes.
If something has caught your eye, visit the Rising Sun Photog Print Shop, where I offer bespoke, limited-edition prints with custom framing options—all shippable worldwide. Mention this e-newsletter for 20% off your order.
And, whether you’re looking for event coverage, editorial imagery, or a commercial campaign, I would love to collaborate on telling your story.
Happy Summer!
Cheers,
Craig Turpin
Owner, Rising Sun Photography
@risingsunphotog
TEAM USA
As part of the Sony Imaging Pro Support program, I had the opportunity to test out the new GMaster 300mm/f2.8 telephoto lens ahead of the Stifel Aspen Winternational, which proved to be the perfect companion to my Sony A1 camera body.
The lens is incredibly lightweight, has a lightning-fast autofocus system, and produces tack-sharp images. It worked remarkably well on the final day amid a heavy snowstorm, snapping athletes in a sea of snow.
Click here for more images of this dream assignment and an incredible weekend of celebrating Aspen’s alpine racing legacy.
Special thanks to the U.S. Ski Team and Sony Imaging Pro Support.
IN THE NEWS
Dan’s Papers
5.17.24
Aspen Magazine
Midwinter 2024
Aspen Public Radio
1.15.24
CURRENT COFFEE
LEFT-HAND COFFEE
MONTAUK, NY
Fueling my sunrise sessions for over a week Out East, local purveyor Left Hand Coffee’s Camp Hero Medium Roast perfectly balances bitter and bold. I smuggled a few pounds of this Columbian and Brazilian combo home to Colorado, where I have enjoyed it every morning since.
GEAR GO-TO’S
You can’t beat Peak Design. From their carbon fiber Travel Tripod to their OG Summit Series Slide camera strap, I am constantly amazed by how well-designed their products are for professionals and amateurs alike. The Shell camera cover is a must for time-lapses in the rain and snow, and there’s no better hiking partner than the Capture clip. I was like a kid in a candy store while visiting their flagship store in SoHo last month!
F-stop doesn’t just make some of the most versatile backpacks for photographers (I love the Tilopa), but they also offer helpful reviews, the latest news, and a community to trade knowledge.
PARTING SHOT
‘Long Island Lingering Light’
Shagwong Point | Montauk, NY
THANK YOU
A fresh run of Rising Sun Photog stickers just arrived! As a thank you for your support and reading all the way to the end, I’d love to send you a sticker pack to spruce up those Yeti coolers and Stanley mugs.
FIELD NOTES: Vol. 03| Issue 01 /
Full Moon Shadows
Aspen, CO
GODAI
After a short hiatus, Rising Sun Photog Field Notes is back on a seasonal schedule for 2024.
In this 5th installment, I’m reflecting on the 5th anniversary of my annual “30 Days of Dawn” photo challenge, which I completed in October.
“Godai” means "the five great” in Japanese Buddhist culture and represents the elements of earth (chi), water (sui), fire (ka), wind (fu), and void (ku). This number and interpretation have always inspired my work and approach to achieving a specific goal.
I feel lucky to have had another busy year working with incredible teams and inspiring organizations. As I look back on all the photos I’ve taken over the past 12 months, it is with deep gratitude that I’m able to create content for clients along with art for collectors.
If something caught your eye, visit the Rising Sun Photog Print Shop, where I offer bespoke, limited-edition prints with custom framing options—all shippable worldwide. Mention this e-newsletter for 10% off your order.
And whether you’re looking for event coverage, editorial imagery, or a commercial campaign, I would love to collaborate on telling your story.
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Craig Turpin
Owner, Rising Sun Photog
@risingsunphotog
IN THE NEWS
The Infatuation
12.15.23
Adorama
11.23.23
NMG Network for The Little Nell
Winter | Spring 23-24
Aspen Public Radio
11.14.23
Aspen Chamber Resort Association
11.2.23
CURRENT COFFEE
GROUNDS & HOUNDS COFEE CO.
LOS ANGELES, CA
In loving memory of our beloved Gittel the Goldendoodle, I’m practicing a pour-over ritual every morning with Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. The classic Chemex glass coffee maker heightens the amazing flavor profile of its signature Snow Day Winter Roast.
PHOTOG FACTS
Sony Electronics recently announced an all-new camera body, the Sony Alpha 9 III, and a telephoto lens, the Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS. As a long lens loyalist, I am excited for both releases—available for pre-order and shipping in February.
ICYMI: The Associated Press released its most memorable photos of 2023.
An estimated 1.6 trillion photos were taken in 2023.
PARTING SHOT
A New Dawn
Aspen, CO
A fresh run of Rising Sun Photog stickers just arrived! As a thank you for your support and reading all the way to the end, I’d love to send you a sticker pack.
5 Insider’s Tips for Photography in Aspen /
After more than a decade of living and working as a photographer in Aspen, I am pleasantly surprised when I find a new way to showcase the most popular locations in the area. Finding a fresh vantage point, playing around with angles, and changing lenses is always a part of my shot execution equation. Also get creative with framing and try shooting through a window of a historic miners cabin or using fall leaves and snowy trees to surround your subject, which creates a sense of scale and juxtaposition. Lastly, locations are sacred in Aspen. A few years ago, ACRA launched the “Tag Responsibly, Take the Aspen Pledge” geotagging initiative in an effort to keep Aspen beautiful for years to come. Keeping secret spots more discreet on social media protects our natural surroundings from human impact and overuse.
Aspen, Colorado - October 2023
FIELD NOTES: Vol. 01 | Issue 04 /
HARU GA KITA!
Spring is here!
Welcome to the fourth installment of Rising Sun Photog Field Notes — dedicated to the arrival of a new season or “haru ga kita” in Japanese.
Winters grip has left and as the buds begin to bloom, I’m excited to regroup, brace for the buzz of summer and take a bucket list birthday trip.
This month, we’re heading to the Monaco Grand Prix (I’m a Formula One fanatic) and will capture all of the action on and off the track. Then we’re off to explore the French Riviera based from the beach in Antibes — it’s our first trip back abroad post-pandemic and I can’t wait to see what experiences (and photographs) will unfold.
Whether you’re looking to add artwork to your space, need event coverage, editorial imagery, or commercial content — or to take a guided photo tour — I would love to hear from you to discuss how I can help tell your story.
I’m currently booking for summer and fall (engagements, portraits and guided photo tours included), so please reach out ASAP to get a slot on the schedule. Happy offseason!
Adventure awaits, where will it take you?
Craig Turpin
Owner, Rising Sun Photog
@risingsunphotog
Golden Hour
Nick Ramirez recently interviewed me at Shoutout Colorado Magazine to chat about my entrepreneurial and creative role in Aspen, Colorado.
“I strongly believe the result of weighing heavy decisions always pays off and doing so has led me to where I am truly meant to be in my career.”
Rolling Oats
Long-lens landscape photography is one of my favorite ways to capture new images of the familiar sites I see. I’m not the only one who enjoys lugging my Sony 200-600mm super-telephoto lens into the backcountry. Learn more about why you should go for the wide lens from Outdoor Photographer here.
Hanami
It’s the start of Hanami (flower viewing) season, my favorite time of year in Japan. Traditionally known for the sakura, cherry blossom, trees blooming across the country, ume or plum tree blossom viewing is also a popular pastime during the day and at night (yozakura). Learn more about Hanami and how you can enjoy this spring adventure with trees in your area here.
Photo by me - March 18, 1994
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
CHEF BYRON GOMEZ: 7908
Combining my love for cooking and photography has always been a goal of my professional career and nothing exemplifies that more than working with clients like Byron Gomez, executive chef at 7908 Aspen and contestant on Top Chef season 18. Here are a few of my favorite shots from my Winter 21/22 Menu photoshoot. Follow @chefbyrongomez to see where he lands next.
ASPEN SKIING COMPANY
It was an honor to work on the Aspen Skiing Company’s content crew and it was an epic and very special winter season! The 75th anniversary one, actually. From Aspen Gay Ski Week and the Audi Power of Four to deep powder days and rainbow sunrises, follow @aspensnowmass for the highlight reel and what’s ahead for summer.
CURRENT COFFEE
BONFIRE COFFEE | CARBONDALE, CO
Local purveyor Bonfire Coffee’s Blend X has recently upended a three-month streak of ordering 5 lb. bags from an East Coast roaster. The comforting flavors of citrus and caramel add a bright morning perk to power through the slowly rendering colors of sunrise.
SONY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Sony 24-105mm F4 lens has been a mainstay, mounted to my backup camera (A7M2) for over three years running. It was my go-to lens as a photojournalist and also works exceptionally well. Unless I’m shooting astrophotography or wide-angle sun stars, the f4 aperture is plenty fast (even when shooting indoors). Whether capturing birds on branches or the sunrise, this lens is an amazing addition to my camera bag and one I wouldn’t go into the field without. Learn more about its amazing range here.
MILKY WAY & SHOOTING STARS
Astrophotography is a special subset within the photography world that requires patience, planning and a dash of luck. I’m often asked what settings I use to capture these unique images, and while I’m happy to share the details of equipment and settings with fellow photogs, however, it takes more than a few settings to capture a striking single-exposure photo of the Milky Way. Here is a great guide on how to set up your camera for Astrophotography by Sony Artisan Gary Hart.
PARTING SHOT
This might be one of my favorite long lens landscape images of my career. Pictured here is Sam’s Knob on Snowmass Mountain in the foreground with Garrett’s Peak in the background and the first rays of sunrise splashing across the peaks.
FIELD NOTES: Vol. 01 | Issue 03 /
Sunrise at Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
SANJYUU NICHI GA AKETE
Welcome to the third installment of Rising Sun Photog Field Notes — dedicated to my third annual “30 Days of Dawn” personal photo challenge or “sanjyuu nichi ga akete!” in Japanese.
Adding a Sony 200-600mm telephoto lens and DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone to my camera bag earlier this year gave me the chance to experiment with a variety of new photography styles, compositions, and perspectives. I was able to fly into locations I’ve never been able to reach before with an eagle’s eye view of rivers, forests, roads, and mountains. Beyond Aspen Snowmass, #30DaysofDawn 2021 also took me to three National Parks: Arches, Canyonlands, and Great Sand Dunes.
Just in time for the holidays, stop by the Rising Sun Photog Print Shop, where I offer bespoke, limited-edition artwork and stock prints with custom framing options — all shippable nationwide. Mention this e-newsletter for 10% off your order.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your space or need event coverage, editorial imagery, or commercial content, I would love to hear from you to talk about how I can help tell your story.
Adventure awaits, where will it take you?
Craig Turpin
Owner, Rising Sun Photog
@risingsunphotog
Watching CBS Sunday Morning is a Sunday morning tradition, so appearing on the October 10 episode to talk about photography was truly a career highlight. Click here to watch the segment.
“In Aspen, Colo., some fans of fall foliage go to extremes for a spectacular view – namely, jumping off a cliff above a sea of autumnal oranges, reds, yellows and golds. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports on paragliding in a leaf peeper’s paradise.”
— Jane Pauly, CBS Sunday Morning
IN THE NEWS
In September, I was honored to cover the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen as a Meredith Corp. staff photographer. It was a triumphant return to the in-person event scene with celebrity chefs and pass holders alike gathering together again to discover wines from around the world, learn cooking skills from the masters, and taste-test gourmet bites. Click here for some of my favorite photos.
Our summer vacation took us home to Ohio for a long overdue visit with family and friends. But the real adventure was the journey across America and back while test-driving “van life” thanks to our friends at Rossmönster. One of the highlights was a stop at Bandlands National Park, where I captured the cover image for our quarterly travel feature in the Aspen Times Weekly. Read all about it in print or online.
CURRENT COFFEE
During a sunrise session at the Maroon Bells, a photographer friend busted out his Jetboil and expertly crafted a cafè latte using a single-serve pour-over setup I had not seen since I was in Japan. He tossed me an individually wrapped bag and offered me a cup. I’ve employed this quick and easy system almost every morning since.
PHOTOG FACTS
The first camera was imported to Japan by Dutch traders in 1848. Today Japan exports over 60 thousand units of photo and video equipment annually.
25 years ago, Sony launched their first digital camera the DSC-F1. It had one-third of a megapixel, four megabytes of built-in memory, a 1.8-inch screen and a lens housing that could rotate 180 degrees.
The Monaco Grand Prix features the shortest circuit with a track measuring just 3.3 kilometers, but it has the most number of laps at 78.
A fresh run of Rising Sun Photog stickers has just arrived for ski season! As a thank you for your support and reading all the way to the end, I’d love to send you one.
Follow Me on Social Media
VAN LIFE, FOR LIFE /
The mobile movement of ‘van life’ gains speed
How the pandemic has inspired a new following of freedom-chasers
“10 states. 4 campsites. 56 hours. 2 humans. 1 dog. 3,580 miles.
These were the stats from my summer vacation, which this year was spent driving across America’s Bread Basket to Akron, Ohio, for a long overdue visit and back. While not as exotic as a European holiday per se (I personally was still not ready to take flight, let alone overseas), my guy and I opted for “van life,” renting a rig from our friends at Rossmönster for the better part of August.”
CBS Sunday Morning Feature /
“In Aspen, Colo., some fans of fall foliage go to extremes for a spectacular view – namely, jumping off a cliff above a sea of autumnal oranges, reds, yellows and golds. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports on paragliding in a leaf peeper’s paradise.”
FIELD NOTES: Vol. 01 | Issue 02 /
Sony A7RIII GM 200-600mm | f6.3 | ISO 640 | 600mm | 1/2000 seconds
Rojō De!
Welcome to the second installment of Rising Sun Photog Field Notes — dedicated to getting back “on the road” or “rojō de” in Japanese.
After receiving my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in March, I was more than ready to get out of town and taking that first trip was oh so sweet. Over the course of the spring season, I was lucky to visit two national parks, three national wildlife refuges, 12 national forests and seven states throughout the Wild West.
My return to travel started with a trek down to Taos, New Mexico for incredible “Christmas style” eats and epic spring skiing. Then it was on to Spokane with an exploration of Grand Teton and Yellowstone on the way there and back — cold weather camping included. I watched wildlife up close from a herd of bison steps away from my Tepui tent to moose, coyotes, foxes and birds of prey.
In between trips, I’ve made some updates to my website and am excited to announce the official launch of the Rising Sun Photog Print Shop, where I offer bespoke, limited-edition artwork and stock prints with custom framing options — all shippable nationwide.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your space or need event coverage, editorial imagery or commercial content, I would love to hear from you to talk about how I can help tell your story. And I still have a few more spots remaining on the summer and fall schedule for personalized photo tours and camera skills workshops.
Adventure awaits, where will it take you?
Craig Turpin
Owner, Rising Sun Photog
@risingsunphotog
In the News
Our first post-pandemic adventure took us on a drive to discover the “Soul of the Southwest” for the Aspen Times Weekly. Downtown Taos was a delight, but when a spring snowstorm moved in, the mountains called. I was thrilled to capture this cover image and more during our much-anticipated getaway.
Earlier this year, the Sony World Photography Awards announced its 2020 winners. Have a look at some awe-inspiring images shot on the Sony Alpha system.
Current Coffee
DUR FERES | ETHIOPIA
METHODICAL COFFEE
Ice cold mornings at campgrounds in Grand Teton and Yellowstone required a robust and refreshing brew. My favorite from Greenville, South Carolina’s Methodical Coffee was a welcome treat and features fruit-forward flavors of blueberry and cherry with a chocolate velvety finish. The perfect morning perk.
I stumbled across this beautiful pair of Sandhill Cranes grazing in the soft muddy flats during the early hours of day one in Grand Teton National Park.
This was one of only a few sightings of the monstrous Grand Teton peak shrouded in a sea of clouds throughout the day.
Due to grizzly activity in the area, the Grand Prismatic Geyser overlook was closed, but I was able to capture a tranquil image of an otherwise very volatile ecosystem.
Snow showers and constant clouds crowded my capture of the massive waterfall in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Fun Facts
Yellowstone National Park is an active volcano and considered to be one of the largest volcanos on earth with a caldera rim that is 45 × 30 miles wide. As a result, there are between 1,000-3,000 earthquakes every year in the park.
White House switches from Canon to Sony. Chief White House photographer Adam Schultz works with a trio of Sony A9 II bodies and over a dozen Sony lenses.
“Not only were these the first White House [Presidential] portraits shot on Sony, they were also the first White House portraits shot on mirrorless cameras instead of DSLRs.” Digital Camera World
I’ve never made Rhubarb Pie. Send me your recipes & rhubharb.
Podcast Pick
Comedian Dan Cummins takes listeners on a unique deep-dive into “historical events, enduring mysteries, paranormal encounters, conspiracy theories, cryptozoology and more. I listened to a dozen of Dan’s episodes while on the road and really enjoyed the content and presentation, especially the “Timesuck Timeline.” He shares no shortage of stories to enthrall the mind while the wheels are spinning.
Parting Shot
Car camping in Yellowstone National Park, May 2021.
Look to the night skies this summer for amazing celestial events. Space.com has all the info for stargazers and shutterbugs. Here are a few dates to save:
June 10
Annular Solar Eclipse
August 2
Saturn at Opposition
Auggust 11-12
Perseid Meteor Shower
September 14
Neptune in Opposition
Sony Alpha Universe /
The good people at Sony Alpha Universe recently asked me to share some info with their readers on exactly what I pack to shoot some of the landscape and action photography. With a few new items recently acquired it was the perfect time to share what I pack and why. Have a look at what I carry in this blog post over at the Sony Alpha Universe
FIELD NOTES: Vol. 01 | Issue 01 /
Sony A7RIII GM 70-200 2x TC | f18 | ISO 50 | 228mm | 8 seconds
Konnichiwa (hello)! I’m excited to introduce you to the first edition of Rising Sun Photog Field Notes, a quarterly e-newsletter to share my latest work.
This extension of my website and social media pages was conceived to further connect with clients, collectors, friends and family. While this past year has been a challenge for us all, for me personally, it has been one of transition. I look forward to continuing to capture the pulse of the community and beauty of the mountains in the Roaring Fork Valley and hopefully soon, back out on adventures around the world.
Whether you’re looking for fine art prints, event coverage, commercial content, editorial imagery or want to take a camera skills workshop, I would love to hear from you to see how we can work together to enhance your space or tell your brand story.
Cheers to a brighter 2021,
Craig Turpin
Owner, Rising Sun Photog
@risingsunphotog
In the News
My business namesake is inspired by “The Land of the Rising Sun,” Japan, where I grew up. Last winter, I returned to Japan for the first time in two decades and was thrilled to contribute photos to the Aspen Times Weekly cover story on the powder playground of Niseko United aka “The Aspen of Japan.”
As a gear-head and Sony enthusiast dating back to Tokyo trips in the ‘80s, it was an incredible honor to be tapped by Sony Alpha Universe for a “Whats In My Bag” feature.
Sony Alpha Universe also gave me a shout out for a #followfriday roundup of photographers capturing winter wonderlands around the world.
Amid a surreal ski season, I shared foodie shots for Eater’s “20 Exciting Ways to Eat in Aspen Right Now.” With Pitkin County just moving back into red-level restrictions, Aspen restaurants are suffering and desperately need the support of our local community. Buy gift cards, grab take out, and tip generously.
As an early riser, I’m also a coffee fanatic. Here’s what’s fueling my sunrise sessions this season:
Colombia Pink Bourbon | Single Origin
Fat City Coffee Roasters
30 Days of Dawn
In October, I embarked on my second annual 30 Days of Dawn photo challenge. Started by a group of friends who are surfers in Venice Beach, I’ve taken a different approach to participating in this month-long mission to inspire each other’s mind, body and spirit and achieve a collective goal. The culmination of those 30 days is a curated gallery of photographs, one image from each day, that I feel best captures the essence of the morning in the mountains.
Sony A7RIII Sigma ART 20mm | f1.4 | ISO 1250 | 20mm | 15 seconds
FUN FACTS
In 1975, Steven Sasson invented the world’s first digital camera. He was working at Eastman Kodak at the time. It weighed 3.6 kilos and had only 0.01 megapixels (100 x 100). The image was recorded onto a cassette tape which took 23 seconds to complete, faster than the 1-hour photomat.
Earlier this year, the Associated Press announced the biggest investment in cameras they’ve ever made when they switched to the Sony Alpha system for their photo and video requirements:
“We’re excited to switch to this new technology partly because it can operate quietly, which makes it easy for us to go places that before the noise of a shutter might be distracting…We also like the fact that what you see is what you get in the viewfinder. So if your color balance is off or your exposure is off, it is apparent immediately. We also like that it’s lightweight.” —AP director of photography, J. David Ake
You can develop your negatives in coffee! Say what?
Caffenol is a real thing. Use coffee, vitamin C, and washing soda to develop your black and white negatives. The first two ingredients bind together to form a developer. The washing soda adds alkalinity to the solution, allowing you to develop images.
PARTING SHOT
Outside of Sony HQ in Tokyo’s Ginza district, January 2020.
Featured Photog - Sony Alpha Universe /
An early Christmas present arrived in the form of a feature from Sony Alpha Universe earlier this week when they included me in a list of fellow photogs capturing the winter scenery we see through the lens. It was an honor to be included among the likes of some incredibly talented photographers and I’m stoked to see one of my favorite winter photos featured too.
