For Colorado photographer Connor Scalbom, winter is a season made for storytelling. Through his lens, he captures snowy peaks, twinkling lights and quiet mountain streets, chasing the beauty of the stillness and crisp, low-light this season brings. His images reflect simple joys of the season, nature’s beauty and the spirit of giving that shines brightest when the world slows down and snow begins to fall.
Tell our readers about yourself.
My name is Connor, born and raised on the Front Range of Colorado, and now I live nomadically out of my truck. After high school, I attended Western Colorado University, where I found a new home in the Gunnison/Crested Butte Valley. This is where my journey with photography truly began, eight years ago. I lived here for seven years before hitting the road to explore the country even further and share it through my lens.
How did you get into photography?
I've always been interested in photography, from taking pictures with my phone to buying my first camera after graduating from high school. I was instantly hooked; I fell in love with it. Since then, the ball has just continued to roll in my journey as an artist and commercial photographer.
What is your inspiration?
Telling stories with the outdoors. I love nature, and I'm privileged to have the opportunity to support myself through this passion, inspiring others to get outside and enjoy the natural world.
Your work captures both broad landscapes and narrow street scenes that reflect the Americana charm of small towns. What moves you to shoot this way?
Living in small mountain towns means coexisting with nature and scenery. It's why people love to visit; it's why some of us never leave. Capturing the feeling of a small town nestled below giants is something I love to do. It makes you want to be there, surrounded by the mountains in your little cabin. At least, it does that for me. In a world of overwhelming negativity online, I also appreciate the opportunity to give people a brief respite, allowing them to enjoy some beautiful scenery and remember that the world isn't on fire and there’s so much beauty out there.