Colorado Based PHOTOGRAPHer: James Cooper

My photography journey began more than 20 years ago with portraits—family portraits, high school seniors, models, and eventually some commercial work. Like many photographers, I eventually found my way into wedding photography, drawn in part by the opportunity to grow a business and make a living doing what I loved.

Weddings were an incredible experience, and I met some amazing people along the way. But over time, the editing began to consume more and more of my life. Long hours behind the computer left little time for anything else—and even less room for the creativity and freedom I had originally found behind the camera. Eventually, I decided it was time to walk away.

Life then took me in a different direction. I became a husband and a father, and as my family grew, photography naturally took a back seat. There simply wasn't much time for it anymore. Then my kids discovered sports. Just like that, the hornet's nest was opened once again.

A new passion came roaring back to life. I purchased my first super-telephoto lens, and it felt like a gift from the photography gods. Suddenly, I could reach into the action on the field, and even farther into the wild. I finally had the opportunity to explore two things I had dreamed about since I was a kid—sports and wildlife photography. Somewhere along the way, I realized I hadn't really grown up. I'm still that kid who loves being outdoors, chasing a great shot, and wondering what might be around the next corner. The only difference now is that I'm a little older, a little wiser, and carrying a really big lens. What could possibly go wrong? I guess I'll just have to keep Trekking to find out.