Martin Gerdin: Glass Trout and the Art of Fly Fishing

Rob Hammer July 14, 2025

From Wild Fish to Glass Art: Photographing the Work of Martin Gerdin

A Fly Fishing Artist Who Honors the Fish

If you spend much time around fly fishing and have an appreciation for art, then you’ve heard the name Martin Gerdin. His hand-blown glass fish are more than just decorative pieces, they’re immaculate tributes. To the fish. To the places they live. To the hours spent chasing them in silence with and without victory. When I had the opportunity to photograph Martin for a recent magazine story, I knew right away this wasn’t just another artist profile. It was a chance to document someone who truly understands what makes fly fishing special.

Photographing the Process Behind the Glass

Martin’s Gerdin’s studio is located in Crawford, a small town in a remote section of southwest Colorado, which tells you a bit about him already. He doesn’t need the fancy street facing storefront, because for him, it’s only about the work. And that’s obvious seeing him in action. He cares. Sure, creating stunning glass blown fish is how he earns a living, but it’s also his passion. Glass blowing is a very delicate art, especially when dealing with a pieces the size of Gerdin’s fish. There are so many steps along the way that can cause each one to be ruined. And when that happens all is lost. Back to the beginning. As a photographer intent on documenting a process that cannot be faked, the only option is to be a fly on the wall and not get in the way. Martin and his team are constantly moving, back and forth from the work bench to the furnace, over and over. For this shoot I wanted to use strobes to light the scene in a way that wouldn’t draw attention to the light itself. Rather as more of a subtle enhancement. So the hard part was finding those places within the studio that the strobes and light stands wouldn’t impede his flow. Which was difficult at times, but he graciously told me when they needed to be moved and everything worked out just fine in the end. To be honest, there were times when I just wanted to sit back and watch. Looking at Gerdin’s work on his website or Instagram is impressive, but to see a final piece come to life before your eyes, is something else altogether.

**If you think creating glass trout for a living is all glamour, think again. It’s well over a hundred degrees in Martin’s studio when the furnace is running.

Where My Work Intersects with His

Martin Gerdin doesn’t create custom glass trout for fly fishing collectors by accident. It started out of his rabid obsession with the sport itself. The assignment to photograph Martin at work also didn’t happen by accident. As a photographer, it’s very important to me that the people and stories I work on, are ones I truly care about and have an interest in. So I pitched the idea to a magazine because I was a fan of his work and am also violently obsessed with fly fishing, which has led to a somewhat unhealthy amount of time on the river with both a fly rod and a camera. Like Martin, it’s my happy place.

See the Full Collection

Want to see more?
You can view my full collection of fly fishing photography prints [here]. Each image is available for purchase, and select pieces are also available for editorial or commercial licensing. If you’re a collector, or simply someone who loves the water, I think you’ll find something that speaks to you.

Photograph of a glass brown trout by Martin Gerdin — Martin Gerdin - Glass Fish Artist

Photograph of a glass artist creating custom art for fly fishing collectors — Fine art glass fish artist Martin Gerdin at work in his studio in Crawford, Colorado

Photograph of a custom glass shark being made by an artist in his studio — Glass fish art

A team of glass blowers creating fly fishing art — Fly fishing artist at work

A glass shark being made at Martin Gerdin's studio in Crawford, Colorado — Hand blown glass shark

Photograph of a hand blown glass shark being made — Photograph of an arist creating a hand blown glass shark

Photograph of Martin Gerdin creating a custom glass brown trout for a fly fishing collector — Hand blown glass brown trout art

Photograph of a glass artist creating a brown trout for a fly fishing collector — Photograph of glass trout being made

Photograph of a glass blown brown trout going into the furnace — A glass blown brown trout going into the furnace

Rocky Mountain National Park Fly Fishing Photos for Editorial and Commercial Use

Rob Hammer June 4, 2025

Chasing Trout in the High Country: A Fly Fishing Journey Through Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado is filled with iconic destinations for fly fishing, and for good reason, Rocky Mountain National Park is near the top of the list. The quality of fishing their combined with the views make it world class. The fishing here isn’t just good, it’s meaningful. These rivers and creeks are full of native greenback cutthroat, wild browns, and brook trout that look like they were painted by hand. You earn your casts, too. Some of these spots are a few miles in on foot, tucked beneath craggy peaks and snowfields, far from the roadside crowds. That’s part of what makes it special—and part of why I photograph it the way I do. There are far too many places in the country where you can just pull over a toss a line, but here you need to be skilled and focused. The park is rugged and varied from one section to the next. The Moraine is big open country where you backcast is never a concern, but fighting the wind sure is, so finding those trophy trout 9ft deep in the banks can be quite the challenge. And as you move back along the Big Thompson River, the forest starts to move in around you, making each cast more difficult and technical the further you go. Have you been practicing your slingshot cast, because you’re gonna need it?!

I’m not staging anything. I’m out there for real. Early mornings, cold fingers tying on flies, watching the fog lift off the water. That’s the stuff I try to capture—authentic moments that feel lived-in and true to the experience. If you're a fly fisher yourself, you’ll recognize it. And if you're looking for images that tell a genuine story—one about wild fish in wild places—then you've come to the right place.

This collection of photographs from Rocky Mountain National Park is available for editorial and commercial licensing. Whether you're working on a magazine spread, a catalog, a branding campaign, or just need images that reflect the quiet power of time spent on the water, these visuals are built for it. They're not just pretty—they're grounded, real, and made by someone who knows what it means to be waist-deep in cold mountain water, focused on dead drifting to smart trout.

If you need photography that feels real, something that captures the spirit of fly fishing in wild places, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you find the right photos for your editorial, commercial, or branding needs. Just shoot me a message and let me know what you're looking for - rob@robhammerphotography.com

A fly fisherman ties a fly to his line while sitting on the back of his car in a beautiful mountain location — Fly fishing guide tying a fly to his line before fishing in front of snow capped peaks

Photograph of a fly fisherman surrounded by rugged terrain and snow capped mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park — Fly fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park

A fly fisherman walking through a beautiful section of the Big Thompson River in Rocky Mountain National Park — Big Thompson River Fly Fishing - Rocky Mountain National Park

Photograph of a fly fisherman putting floatant on his fly while standing in front of snowy mountains — Fly fisherman adding floatant to his fly

A fly fisherman walking through the Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park — Fly fishing the Moraine - Rocky Mountain NP

A fly fisherman netting a fish surrounded by dense brush in rugged terrain — Backcountry fly fishing

Photograph of a fly fisherman walking through a dense forest of burned trees — Fly fisherman walking through a forest of burned trees in Rocky Mountain National Park

Photograph of a fly fisherman frustrated after losing a fish in Rocky Mountain National Park — Frustrated fly fisherman after losing a fish

A fly fisherman fishing a rugged section of the Big Thomson River — Fly fisherman netting a trout in a backcountry section of the Big Thompson River

Photograph of a fly fisherman on a high alpine river in Colorado — Rocky Mountain National Park fly fishing

Photograph of a fly fisherman smiling — Smiling fly fisherman

A fly fisherman walks up the river past a huge dead tree in Colorado — Authentic fly fishing photography

Best Places to Fly Fish in Estes Park, Colorado

Rob Hammer March 29, 2025

Estes Park Fly Fishing Photographs

Big Thompson Canyon

Whether you’re a Denver/Boulder local or just visiting the area from out of town, Colorado has incredible fly fishing for everyone! Only an hour and a half from Denver International Airport, Estes Park offers world class views and countless fly fishing opportunities. The hardest part is choosing which one!

The Beauty of Big Thompson Canyon

Big Thompson Canyon is not just a pathway to Estes Park but a destination in its own right. The canyon's river winds through rugged terrain, with clear waters that are perfect for fly fishing. The natural beauty of this area provides a jaw dropping backdrop for a day of fishing, where the only sounds are the rushing waters and calls of local wildlife. At any point of any day you’re likely to catch sight of elk, deer, and other wildlife that make the Rocky Mountains their home. Unlike a lot of other locations that require long hikes into the backcountry, this section of the Big Thompson River is not only stunning, it’s also easily accessible. There are endless pull-offs on Route 34 (Big Thompson Canyon Rd) that grant you access to peaceful isolation just a few minutes from your truck. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a few hours to get your fix, then be back in time for lunch or dinner depending on the time of day. And with so much access, there’s no need to be fishing around other people. Just the drive through the canyon alone is worth the effort!

If you’re in need of a fly fishing guide for a day on the Big Thompson River, contact Front Range Anglers. They’ll take good care of you.

Click HERE to shop my fly fishing wall art

Photograph of a fly fisherman kneeling on ice while casting into the Big Thompson River near Estes Park, Colorado. — Estes Park Fly Fishing

Winter fly fishing near Estes Park, Colorado — Winter fly fishing - Estes Park, CO

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout in Estes Park, Colorado — Winter trout fishing in Colorado

Rainbow trout caught in winter near Estes Park, CO — Rainbow Trout - Estes Park

Photograph of a fly fisherman in a snowstorm in Colorado — Fly fishing in the snow

Colorado winter fly fishing — Winter fly fishing in Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman crouching in the river to avoid being seen by fish — Colorado Fly Fishing

Photograph of a mallard swimming by a fly fisherman — Mallard

Photograph of a fly fsherman removing a hook from the mouth of a rainbow trout — Removing hook from Rainbow Trout

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman in Big Thomson Canyon near Estes Park — Black and white photo of fly fishing in Estes Park

Long exposure photograph of water flowing on a river — Abstract river photograph

Leadville Colorado Wall Art Prints – Fine Art Photography

Rob Hammer March 26, 2025

Leadville, Colorado Wall Art

Photographs of The Two Mile High City

Sitting at 10,151 ft above sea level, Leadville is one of Colorado’s more unique towns, and that’s saying a lot for a state with such incredible mountain culture. Not a big place but it’s still racked up a number of nicknames over the years: The Two Mile High City, Oro City, Cloud City, and Slab Town. That alone provides a great hint into Leadville’s rich mining history that began in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, and that hunt for gold, silver, and lead continued for 130 years. Visiting the small town today, you can still feel what Leadville once was, and that’s a lot of the draw. Only 2 hours from Denver, but it feels a world away, with unprecendented views of the surrounding mountains and no crowds. The architecture is gorgeous and well preserved in a lot of cases like the Delaware Hotel which first opened in 1886. Of course the local jewel is the Silver Dollar Saloon. You’d be hard pressed to find another like it anywhere in the country. Inside you can feel the years (established 1879), and that feeling only gets better once you learn more about it’s history with noted regulars like Doc Holiday! The most surprising part of Leadville is the fact that it has delicious food! I’d recommend checking out The Silver Llama Market and Eatery for breakfast and Treeline Kitchen for dinner. They are conveniently located right next to each other and Treeline has a great rooftop patio that’s open in the warmer months. Mineral 1886 also has good food for lunch and dinner.

Historic Buildings and Local Flavor

Walking through the neighborhoods is always fun because you’ll get a feel for daily life, and Leadville has some colorful houses that are intricately shingled. If you are looking for more of a workout, the Mineral Belt Trail (12 miles) can provide year round recreation with top notch views of the mountains and will take you up close to some of the old mining claims. Walking, running, and biking in the summer. Fat biking and cross country skiing in the winter. There is a nordic center just outside of Tennessee Pass and endless access to backcountry skiing/snowboarding from all routes in/out of town. And If there’s any reason this little hideaway would sound familiar, that’s because it’s home to one of the hardest mountain bike races in the country - The Leadville 100! That and Melanzana, which is supposedly on a year waitlist for hooded sweatshirts. Perhaps the most redeeming quality about their main drag though, is you won’t see a single chain restaurant or business. They are all locally owned and there is no mistaking that fact! Leadville is a gem of a place that you hope will retain it’s small town charm for decades to come. If you’re looking for a fun getaway with resort crowds, check out Leadville for a couple nights.

Get Your Leadville Print

If you’d like to have a little piece of Leadville to remember your trip and brighten your walls with Colorado culture, contact me directly about photography prints and custom framing options for your home, office, or commercials space. These photographs are also available for editorial and commercial licensing.

Contact Rob

Photography print of downtown Leadville, Colorado — Leadville, Colorado Wall Art

Photograph of the Golden Burro Cafe in Leadville, Colorado — The Golden Burro Cafe - Leadville

Photography print of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, Colorado — Black and white photograph of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, CO

Black and white photograph of the bar inside the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, Colorado — Photograph of the bar inside the Silver Dollar Saloon

Photograph of High Mountain Pies Pizzeria in Leadville, Colorado — High Mountain Pies - Leadville, CO

Photograph of an American Flag hanging in the window of a house with colorful shingles and a ski fence in Leadville, CO — Colorful house in Leadville, CO

Photo print of the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, CO — Leadville Saloon

Photograph of bar stools and the old tile floor in the Silver Dollar Saloon in Leadville, CO — Tile floor in the Leadville Saloon

Photograph of the interior of the saloon in Leadville, CO — Pool table and taxidermy inside the Silver Dollar Saloon - Leadville, CO

Hand painted beer sign on an old brick building in Leadville, CO — Beer - Leadville, CO

Western Lifestyle Photographer

Rob Hammer March 20, 2025

Capturing Authentic Western Apparel in Action

Photographing Real Cowboy Gear at Work

It’s no secret that the daily life of a cowboy is demanding. Early mornings that start in the saddle, turn into late nights, all while dealing with the country’s harshest weather and big, wild animals that have an opinion. So the gear they choose to wear has to be just as tough as they are. Through the lens, we highlight real cowboys in real western apparel that holds up to the rigors of ranch life, offering a vivid, authentic showcase perfect for brands looking to demonstrate the quality and style of their products.

Our photography captures working cowboys on the legendary Silver Spur Ranch in Colorado as they gear up in rugged western apparel, blending traditions with contemporary fashion. From the intricate designs of the leather boots to the timeless durability of denim shirts and wool jackets, each piece is tested by the true dnecessities of cowboy life. It's here, among the dust and cattle, where western brands can see their products come alive, telling a story of authenticity, resilience, and style that truly resonates with their target audience. Let's collaborate to bring the essence of your brand to life in settings that inspire and appeal to your customers - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to view a gallery of my authentic cowboy photography

Black and white photograph of a cowboy roping a cow on the Silver Spur Ranch in Colorado — Silver Spur Ranch - Colorado

Photograph of a real cowboy — Western lifestyle photography

Photograph of a cowboy putting an ear tag on a calf — Calving season on a Colorado cattle ranch

Photograph of a cowboy riding his horse through thick brush and trees on a cold winter day — Cowboy gear photographer

Photograph of a cowboy carrying a baby calf on a cold winter day — A cowboy caring for a newborn baby calf

Photograph of a cowboy wearing authentic Western apparel and leather medicine saddle bags — Black and white portrait of a Colorado cowboy

Photograph of a cowboy disposing of a dead calf — Authentic cowboy photography

Photograph of a cattle herd in a foggy pasture — Cattle herd

Photograph of a cowboy on his horse looking for cattle in thick brush — Colorado cattle ranch

Black and white photograph of a working cowboy in Colorado — Black and white cowboy photograph

Photograph of a cowboy bottle feeding a baby calf — Bottle feeding a baby calf

Photograph of a cowboy counting ear tags on the back of a pickup truck — Cowboy counting ear tags

Photograph of a Colorado cowboy on his horse — Colorado cowboy riding his horse through thick country

Chasing Trout and Capturing Moments: Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River

Rob Hammer November 9, 2024

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing Photograph

A Real Day on the Big T

The Big Thompson River has always felt like one of Colorado’s more underrated fisheries - quiet, accessible, and full of character. On this particular fall day, I was out on the water with a couple guides from Front Range Anglers - John Brown and Charlie Schaeffer, documenting what turned into a textbook session of Euro-nymphing. No setups, no staging, just real moments of passionate fly fisherman doing what they do best.

The river was clear and low, which made for sharp visuals and technical fishing. Golden leaves clung to the canyon walls, and every part of the vibe was a reminder of why people fall in love with fall fly fishing in Colorado.

Focused on the Details That Matter

I approach fly fishing photography the same way I approach a day on the water, with attention to the subtle things. The angle of the line during a drift, the tension in a cast, the texture of the rocks beneath the current. These photographs aren’t meant to glamorize the experience, but to reflect it honestly.

There’s a quiet rhythm to these canyon rivers, especially in the fall. That atmosphere - still, alert, and full of potential is what I try to capture in the frame. Whether it's the guide moving downstream with intent, or the landscape holding everything together in the background, the goal is always the same: make something that feels like what it was really like to be there.

H2: These Images Are Available for Licensing

If you’re working on a story or campaign that needs authentic fly fishing photography, something that shows real anglers in real environments - these images from the Big Thompson River are available for licensing. They’re a good fit for editorial features, conservation messaging, brand content, or anything that values credibility over cliché.

Get in touch - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to view more of my fly fishing photography that is available for licensing

Click here to view my photo essay on Colorado fly fishing artist Martin Gerdin

Black and white photograph of fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River — Colorado Fly Fishing Photography

Photograph of fly fisherman and guide on the Big Thompson River — Fly fishing guides on the Big Thompson River

Colorado fly fishing photo for licensing — Fly Fishing in fall color in Colorado

Fly fishing in fall foliage — Fly fisherman walking through fall colors in Colorado

Black and white photo of a fly fisherman in Big Thompson Canyon — Fly fishing a canyon section of the Big Thompson River

Photograph of trout jumping out of the Big Thompson River — Rainbow trout jumping out of the river

Fly fishing photograph for licensing — Netting a Rainbow Trout on the Big Thompson River

Black and white portrait of a fly fishing guide — John Brown of Front Range Anglers having a laugh during a day on the river

Black and white photo of two fly fisherman walking up a river - available for licensing — Fly fishing guides from Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman and guide walking up a river in beautiful light — Looking for trout on the Big Thompson River

Photograph of a tree growing out of a rock along the Big Thompson River — Tree roots growing out of a rock

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a large trout in a rugged setting on a river in Colorado — Charlie Schaefer netting a trout on the Big Thompson River outside Loveland, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman holding a trophy trout on the Big Thompson River — A beautiful Rainbow Trout

Two fly fisherman walking through fall foliage on the Big Thompson River in Colorado — Fall colors in the river in Colorado

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman holding a rod and reel on the river — Hardy fly rod and reel

Black and white photograph of a fly fishing guide in Colorado available for licensing — One handed

Photograph of a large trout in a net caught by a fly fisherman — Netting a large Rainbow Trout

A fly fisherman smiles while holding a trophy Rainbow trout — Trophy Trout - Colorado

Fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River in Colorado - Black and White Photography — Big Thompson River Fly Fishing

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's arm setting the hook on a trout — Setting the hook

Photograph of a Boulder, CO fly fishing guide on the Big Thompson River — A proper bend in the rod

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's hand holding a trophy rainbow trout — Won’t forget this one

Photograph of a Colorado fishing guide available for licensing — Charlie Schaefer - Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman trying to net a fish on the Big Thompson River — The big ones put up a good fight

Photograph of a beautiful rainbow trout caught on the Big Thompson River in Colorado — Textbook Rainbow Trout

Aerial view of a fly fisherman walking up river — Fly fisherman moving up river

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout surrounded by fall colors in Colorado — Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River surrounded by fall color in Colorado

Fly Fishing - Crested Butte, Colorado

Rob Hammer January 21, 2024

Crested Butte, Colorado Fly Fishing Photography

San Juan Mountains

Crested Butte, Colorado is hands down one of my favorite places to go fly fishing in the country. It’s just one of my favorite places period. Combine the stunning views with their mountain town culture and access to all sorts of fly fishing, and the place is hard to beat. Summertime anywhere in the San Juan mountains will seduce you whether you’re aware of it or not. The images are from a recent backcountry fly fishing trip with friends to a small creek that shall go unnamed for obvious reasons. There is plenty of easy fishing access around around Crested Butte on the Taylor River, East River, and Gunnison River, so blowing up such a remote spot like this would cause me to lose sleep. Just looking at these photographs is FOMO inducing. Can’t wait to get back out there.

Click here to see more of my fly fishing photography.

Summer fly fishing near Crested Butte, Colorado — Fly fishing in Crested Butte, Colorado

Photograph of two friends fly fishing a small creek in Colorado — Fly fisherman wading up a river in Crested Butte, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman climbing over a pile of logs along a stream — A fly fisherman climbing over a pile of trees and branches on the side of a river outside Crested Butte, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman casting in a beautiful section of stream near Crested Butte, Colorado — Fly fishing a picturesque stream in the San Juan Mountains

Photograph of beers cooling off in a pool off on the side of a stream in Colorado — Cans of Coors Banquet chilling in river water during a fly fishing trip in Colorado

Catching trout on a backcountry stream in Colorado

A fly fisherman netting a trout in a small stream surrounded by canyon walls in Colorado

Fly fisherman laughing after a fun day on the river in Crested Butte, Colorado

Fly fishing wading boots and wading socks drying on a tree

Fly Fishing in the Colorado Backcountry

Rob Hammer November 16, 2022

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Fly Fishing

Colorado - Photography

If you’re looking for a special place to fly fish and have considered the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, just do it. Just go. Stop screwing around and do it. Be warned though, it’s not for everyone. You’ve got to like getting your ass kicked. We did the S.O.B Draw route, and don’t mind saying it’s a tough hike with a full pack. Technically you can’t even call it a hike because there is no path, just a scramble the whole way up and down, with several places that will require taking off your pack just to get down those sketchy sections. They say it’s 2.1 miles with 2,000 ft of elevation, but it seems like that’s just to where the “trail” hits the river. From there you’ll need to keep following the river to find the designated camping spots. If you’re a psycho, you could make it a day trip, but what the hell is the point of that? We did 2 nights and wished for a 3rd.

A guy backpacking down S.O.B. Draw into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Crawford, Colorado. — Fly fisherman backpacking into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado

Camping in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Crawford, Colorado — Fisherman making camp at the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

The bastard of a hike in is what makes the whole experience great because very few people actually want to work for it. So you could potentially have the entire canyon to yourself. In my opinion the first campsite is the best one, and makes for a great base camp to take day hikes from. There is plenty of fishing to be had right in that area, which we did on day one. Depending on the time of year, it can be hot as hell. We expected the nights to cool off, but they did not. It stayed hot enough in mid August to sleep in only underwear and no blankets. Sticky. The nights were sticky. Fortunately, the water was very cool.

Fly fishing the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado — Fly fishing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

A fly fisherman jumping from rock to rock on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado — A fly fisherman navigates rocks while looking for trout in the Gunnison River

A fly fisherman pulls out his net for a rainbow trout on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado — A fly fisherman prepares to net a trout in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Leaving camp the next day was great. We packed enough food for the whole day and a Grayl filtration water bottle which eliminated the need to carry large amount of liquids or a separate filtration system. Even with the hot temperatures, waders are a must as there is Poison Ivy EVERYWHERE. A miracle that none of us got it! (It’s worth bringing some Poison Ivy soap and washing off a few times a day)Getting to the river from the top doesn’t mean that the work is over. Everywhere you go requires hiking on primitive trails or scrambles, but it’s all worth it. No matter the location, you’re always surrounded by 2,000 ft rock walls. It reminded me a little bit of Glenwood Canyon without a highway running through the middle of it.

Fly fisherman hiking along the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado — Two fly fisherman hiking over large boulders on their way to the Gunnison River

A fly fisherman climbing over boulders along the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado — A fly fisherman climbing over large boulders on the side of the Gunnison River

The fishing was awesome. Lots of action. Tough at times, but a ton of fun. Without mentioning any names, one of us had a tough time with fish aggressively swimming down river and breaking the line. We really should have kept a tally on that. Probably just the time of year, but we never even thought about throwing out a dry fly. It was all about Perdigons on the bottom. All 3 of us put some stunning Browns and Rainbows in the net, which honestly, is almost just a bonus. The overall vibe in that canyon is spectacular. A really special part of Colorado, the country, and a unique place to fish without any crowds. Before leaving we were already excited to do another trip. Now that we’ve digested things bit, going at a different time of year seems better, when the water is a little higher and the temps a lot lower.

Fly fishing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Fly fisherman hanging out at camp in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison — Two friends laughing together after a day of fly fishing on the Gunnison River

A fly fisherman walking over a tree bridge in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison — A fly fisherman navigating difficult terrain in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Fly fishing for trout on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado — Fly fishing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado

Two fly fisherman walking along the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

A brown trout caught on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado — A trout caught by a fly fisherman in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Bleeding shins from fly fishing in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

A fly fisherman smiles after catching a trout on the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon near Crawford, Colorado

If you’re planning a trip and have any questions, reach out to my buddy at Slackwater Co, he’s got tons of expertise to share on fly fishing in Colorado.

Click here to see more of my fly fishing photography. And contact me directly to purchase prints of my fly fishing photography.

Cheesman Canyon Fly Fishing Photographs

Rob Hammer November 6, 2022

Fly Fishing Photography - Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

That old saying “you get what you put in”, or something there abouts, is one that always seems to resonate with fly fishing. Whether you want to call it a sport or hobby, there are a million different ways to do it. Well, 3, actually - bad, mediocre, and great. It always amazes me to see the guys who pull their truck up to a river, cast from the same spot for 3 hours without ever losing sight of said truck, then drive home. Different Strokes, I guess? Personally, I need a hell of a lot more than that. I want to get my ass kicked on a hike to some remote location, spend the whole day fishing/shooting, then get my ass kicked on a hike back to the truck where cold beer awaits in a cooler. Standing shoulder to shoulder with 15 other fly fisherman sounds like hell. Might as well go out on a half day Cattle Boat charter.

The South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon is a place I’ve been lucky to spend a good amount of time fly fishing and making photographs. Visually it’s a lot of fun and offers something for everyone. You can fish 30 steps from your truck if that’s your thing. Or, you can make a day of it, hiking into the backcountry as far as you please. Ensuring that you won’t see but one or two other people the entire time. That’s fly fishing.

Click here to see more of my fly fishing photography . Go HERE to shop prints and contact me directly to inquire about image licensing - rob@robhammerphotography

A fly fisherman hops from rock to rock on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A person standing on top of a large boulder looks into the South Platte River during a day of fly fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

Overhead view of a Fly Fisherman casting into the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A fly fisherman walks through large boulders on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A fly fisherman jumps from boulder to boulder on the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A large trout in the South Platte River in Colorado

A fly fisherman wades through a beautiful section of the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A photo with motion blur of a fly fisherman casting into the South Platte River in Colorado

A Fly Fisherman hiking up a rocky cliff in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A fly fisherman on the South Platte River casting near large rock cliffs in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A fly fisherman on the South Platte River navigates a rocky section in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A fly fisherman rigs up his rod while sitting on rocks in Cheesman Canyon near Deckers, Colorado

A fly fisherman on a beautiful rocky section of the South Platte River nets a fish in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

A fly fisherman hiking into a remote section of the South Platte River in Cheesman Canyon, Colorado

American Road Trip

Rob Hammer September 5, 2022

It seems like every road trip has its own personality filled with unique findings and activities. Of course photography is always the main focus of these trips, but there are also auxiliary goals that I try to squeeze in as well. Ranching, fly fishing, friends, and hunting are just a few of the things that happened in the squiggly red lines on the map. So far it seems like the results are good in the photography category and a hell of a lot of good times were had along the way. Excited to share more the miles soon.

American Road Trip

Traditional Barbershops

Rob Hammer June 9, 2022

Small Town Barbershops

Photographs of American Culture

Hard to believe this project has been going on for 10 years now. You’d think after publishing a couple books on the subject, the desire to photograph barbershops would go away. Apparently not. What a journey it’s been and continues to be. Here are a few made over the past 6 months or so. The first shot of the Commercial Barbershop in Elko is actually a shop I photographed 8 or 9 years ago when it was in full swing. Unfortunately, it is no more. Sad, but that is exactly why I started this project.

Click here to pick up a copy of Barbershops of America.

Commercial Barbershop - Elko, Nevada

Ernie's Barbershop - San Luis, Colorado

Main St. Barbershop - Gardnerville, Nevada

Oregon

Smithsonian Magazine

Rob Hammer May 25, 2022

The Saguache Crescent

Small Town Newspaper - American Culture - Publishing

If you’re not interested in hearing more talk about personal projects than skip this one. It will be a familiar topic forever though, so get used to it if you’re going to stick around. Shot these images back in July of 2019 during a road trip out to Colorado. There was a final destination in mind but the route was unplanned. One of the small towns that popped up along the way was Saguache, CO. And by small, I mean population 424 small. Driving down “Main St” I noticed a very peculiar yet unmarked storefront. Inside the front window was an unidentifiable machine that looked like it came from a different age. (Findings like this are one of the many romantic draws to small towns). The screen door was open so I went in and was greeted not by a person, but a space filled with unexplainable life. A monstrosity of metal, tools, and papers from front to back, but I couldn’t figure out what year it was or what it all meant. There was nobody inside so I tried the jewelry store next door hoping for an answer. Sitting calmly behind the counter was the man I later found out ran the business I had so many questions about. That business turned out to be the town newspaper, the last of it’s kind still being printed on a linotype machine. A what? A linotype machine. The industry standard before the invention of computers. Now they are dinosaurs. Dean was very lackadaisical toward my request to photograph him at work, but nevertheless we made plans to meet again after my 4th of July camping trip. So about 5 days later I was back in a town I had never previously heard of, working on a story about Dean Coombs and The Saguache Crescent. My two days with Dean and the town of Saguache was quite memorable. It all seemed like living in a time capsule. Life there happens in a bubble because Saguache has nothing to draw any tourists, so the only people you’ll ever see are locals. Learning about Dean’s process what both educational and humbling. The patience required by one person to put out a weekly newspaper on a linotype is unfathomable. Hats off to Dean and all the people around the world dedicated to similar tasks.

One morning at the local cafe I sat quietly at the bar waiting for a breakfast burrito that turned out to be the size of a piece of firewood. Haven’t found anything even close to that size since. But just as memorable was a 90 year old man in conversation with a friend, who picked up a jar of sugar and did a 10 second pour into his cup of coffee. Kinda threw all the science about health and longevity out the window.

A while after the trip an edit of images was put together and sent around to a few places and got picked up by The National. We were happy with the placement as The National is a very reputable/long running publication. Then Covid hit and everything went to shit. The piece needed a new home. We received warm feedback from a contact at National Geographic. She liked the photos/story even though it wasn’t a good fit and suggested we pitch it to the Smithsonian Magazine. So we did and 1.5 years later here we are. It can be hard waiting so long for a piece to find a home. The wait is well worth it though when that home winds up being The Smithsonian.

If someone handed me a billion dollars tomorrow I’d still be working on these type of projects. Telling stories about people like Dean and the last newspaper in the world being made on a linotype machine. I’m grateful for the opportunity to tell his story my own way and to collaborate with Nick Yetto on the writing. And to have a personal project end up at a place like the Smithsonian.

Long live the personal project!

Click HERE to read the article on Smithsonian’s website

Smithsonian Magazine

The Saguache Crescent

Dean Coombs

Linotype Machine

Fly Fishing Deckers Canyon

Rob Hammer February 25, 2022

Fly Fishing Photography - Colorado - Deckers

There is no end to the pleasures that fly fishing can provide a person once they get past the initial suffering that comes along with the sport. That’s not to say it ever gets easy, you just learn how to screw up less. For me, one of the great pleasures is watching the way light, or the lack thereof, can transform a river. Might not look like it, but this was a cold December day on the South Platte River in Deckers Canyon. The solitude a canyon brings is great. It also brings endless shifts of light that can be equal parts beautiful, tricky, and frustrating from a photography perspective. One of my biggest difficulties with fly fishing is a positive one; deciding whether to fish or to photograph. After years of deliberation the obvious conclusion presented itself - fish when the light sucks.

Click HERE to see more of my fly fishing photography.

South Platte River

Fly Fishing Deckers Canyon

Deckers Canyon

Fly Fishing Deckers Canyon

American Photography

Rob Hammer December 9, 2021

American Photography - Road Trip - Travel

Americana - Wall Art - Photo Prints - Open Road

Taking time to think about a body of work is such and important part of the process as you continue to build it. And as time goes on attention needs to be given to the “holes” that are inevitably lurking in said work. Interiors are one of the many holes that I need to fill. For ten years now I’ve happily traveled around America photographing various aspects of it. And lately, collaboration in the form of outside eyeballs/opinions has been a major focus in order to figure out exactly what is or isn’t working. When we create in a bubble as so many photographers do, it’s easy to get lost on a track that might not be going the right direction. There are so many questions we need to ask ourselves all along the way, which probably won’t get brought up if we don’t receive input from other unbiased people. So, while I never plan on stopping my America series, I’m trying to be much more focused and open about what to shoot and what horses I’ve already beaten to death. Much more than that though, how many other photographers have already done what you’re doing? If the answer is “a lot”, then how can you change your contribution to offer the viewer something different?

Click here to see more from my AMERICA series.

Bux's Place - Challis, Idaho

Antique Shop - Wallace, Idaho

Garage - Grannis, Montana

Grannis, Montana

Cabin - Hungry Horse, Montana

Kochevar's Saloon - Crested Butte, Colorado

Fly Fishing - Crested Butte, CO

Rob Hammer October 24, 2021

Taylor River Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Photography - Colorado

Sometimes you think the sun is going to help with the cold and on certain days is does. For all the rest of the days, it’s easiest to just accept the fact that you won’t feel your hands again until you get back to the truck. At which point you’ll need to put a koozie around your beer just so they don’t get any worse. Thankfully this wasn’t one of those. It’s only the middle of October but that doesn’t matter. If you spend time in the mountains then you know an early summer morning can feel oddly similar to winter. It’s got to be part of that whole love/hate thing.

It’s safe to assume that most western fly fisherman, in the beginning at least, are only concentrated on the rainbow trout. It’s put up on a pedestal. The trophy. The goal. Won’t deny having those same feelings, but that’s all changed over time, as everything does. Now, in my opinion, brown trout are king. Their colors and markings are really special.Now, In the name of transparency this isn’t my fish, but my friend caught it while I was shooting. Which means I was sort of catching it vicariously through him. That’s the only way I’ve found to calm the urge to set the camera down and replace it with a fly rod. It’s a vicious cycle that I’m trying to be at peace with. On the scale of problems, it’s a good one to have. Snowboarding is the only thing I do that absolutely won’t involve a camera unless it’s the one on my phone. Fly fishing on the other hand is a constant battle.

Good times on the Taylor River that day.

Click here to see more of my Fly Fishing photography

Fly Fishing the Taylor River

The beautiful markings of a brown trout

Colorado Fly Fishing Photographer

Rob Hammer August 5, 2021

11 Mile Canyon Fly Fishing - Colorado

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains not far from Lake George, Colorado - 11 Mile Canyon is a breathtaking destination that attracts fly fishing aficionados with its crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and abundant fish species that offer an unforgettable experience for anglers. Colorado is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, lush forests, and serene lakes. The backcountry canyon section of the South Platte River offers a unique opportunity to escape the crowds of fisherman, immerse yourself in nature, and find solitude on the water. Fly fishing in these remote areas not only allows you to connect with the environment but also gives you access to wild, untouched fisheries teeming with life.

If you’re going to spend a few days fly fishing in 11 Mile Canyon, there are designated campsites along the way, with Spillway Campground being the best. Just to be clear, this is not dispersed camping. It is a campground where you’ll have neighbors, but the sites are adequately spread out, and your literally steps from the South Platte River in a section with large, hungry trout. Early mornings there are great for quiet fishing before anyone wakes up, but don’t wait too long or there will be people on every corner. At that point, I’d recommend making some breakfast, then heading down canyon where you’ll find stunning stretches of river and solitude if you’re willing to work a little bit. Some of the canyon sections are a lot harder to access than others because a short hike down a steep hill is required for river access. It’s all worth the effort though to be surrounded by rocks cliffs and pristine water. Then, when the sun starts going down, head back to camp for some food and beer, and you’ll be just in time for the evening hatch. I’ve heard a lot of people talk about success throwing mice patterns there in the dark, but have never done it myself. Usually at that point the itch has been more than scratched, and beers around the fire is too appealing.

Click here to shop my fly fishing wall art and contact me directly about licensing photographs for editorial/commercial usage - rob@robhammerphotography

Photograph of two friends on a fly fishing road trip in a classic truck — Fly fishing road trip

Black and white fly fishing print - 11 Mile Canyon

Netting a trout on the South Platte River

Fly fisherman walking through a tunnel in 11 Mile Canyon, Colorado

Fly fisherman on a scenic section of the South Platte River in 11 Mile Canyon, Colorado

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout on the South Platte River

Photograph of two friends putting their fly rods into a roof top holder at sunset in a scenic mountain location — End of the day - 11 Mile Canyon

ROAD TRIP

Rob Hammer April 1, 2021

Hopefully I’m wrong but this is probably the last road trip of the winter. If that’s the case, I’m thankful it was so productive. Started with some personal shooting, then a commercial shoot in Nevada, more personal shooting, and then some incredible snowboarding with friends in the San Juan’s. Really grateful for all of it, but also hate saying goodbye to winter. It’s never long enough. Or maybe I’m just greedy?

Click here to see imagery from my America series.

American Photography

Rob Hammer September 24, 2020

American Photography

Colorado - Utah

Whenever possible I make it a point to take new routes even when the destination might be a place (like Denver) I’ve been a hundred times. That way it’s easier to be inspired by new sights. Occasionally though, when you don’t have a ton of extra time, you find yourself on a familiar highway just motoring from A to B. At this point I’d be confident in my ability to drive from San Diego to Denver with a blindfold on. Still though, it’s a world class stretch of road that should never be taken for granted. Keeping this in mind, I returned to places along the way that I’ve photographed before, while remaining open to things that might have been missed before. Happy with the outcome.

Click here to see more from the AMERICA series.

Stormy weather makes for an interesting scene in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Street scene in Grand Junction, Colorado.

A desolate street scene in rural Utah.

Green River, Utah.

Frank’s Pizza - Green River, Utah.

Abandoned hotel - Green River, Utah.

An old church in Green River, Utah.

A dirt road going through a desolate desert section of Utah.

A dirt road leading to a railroad crossing in rural Utah.

Road Trip

Rob Hammer December 6, 2019

Have been all over the place lately and thus slacking on the blog. Most recently wrapped up a road trip out to Colorado and back. Had a great meeting in Santa Fe. Spent some QT with friends for Thanksgiving. And managed to spend a lot of time out on the river. The last day was really the icing on the cake though. We went out split boarding in the morning and then by the afternoon we were fly fishing. Colorado is the best. Will be posting images from this trip soon.

Click here to see some of my fly fishing images.

ROAD TRIP

Rob Hammer July 13, 2019

Just wrapped up another road trip, and like every one before, it was amazing for many different reasons. For me as a person and a photographer, there is nothing better than being out by myself on the road. The freedom and lack of influence by other people is the best. This one was a bit shorter than my usual coast to coast trip done this time of year. I drove out to Colorado and did quite a bit of shooting for various projects/reasons, as well as visiting friends to do some camping, mountain biking, and white water rafting. More from all of this soon.

Click here to see prints from my “America” series.