Always. Never forget it. Absolute must. Sloans Lake at Sunrise 3Sunrise over the Denver skyline reflecting into Sloan's Lake.

You just never know what you might see on the way to the grocery store or the mall or to work. Or even what you might see while out shooting but traveling from one location to the next.

 Colorado has some stunning sunrises, especially on days after storms or a day where a storm might roll in later. I am often amazed at the variety of colors in clouds in the early morning or as I head home in the late afternoon.

This shot of sunrise over Denver was taken on my way to photograph birds at this lake. Wolf_4Leader of the pack, alpha female 832F or better known to her admierers as 06 for the year she was born.

I shoot a lot - every day if I can. Sometimes that may mean an all day photo outing or just a couple of quick photos on my way to an appointment. But I always keep a camera handy rather than in my bag because you just never know what might cross your path.

Squirrel_and_hummingbird_3A hummingbird attacks a squirrel, who seemed to be minding her own business as the hummingbird dives and flys off in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

I have had encounters with wildlife crossing the road, such as when the famous 06 alpha female wolf of the Lamar Canyon Pack crossed my path in Yellowstone National Park. She is no longer with us, which makes the photo that much more special. Even though I was traveling along the road to another destination, I had my camera ready and was able to capture a series of photos.

Or the time I had a hummingbird attacking a squirrel next to the road as I drove up to Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Having a camera ready is a lot easier today. Each time I go out I actually have five cameras with me - my three professional bodies plus an iPhone and an iPad. Phones on mobile devices have also improved dramatically and you capture some stunning shots with those devices as well so that you don't miss the moment.

One afternoon while waiting for a friend for coffee in Fort Collins, Colo. I snapped a shot of the colorful sky above the iconic Northern Hotel with my iPhone. I edited on the spot with SnapSeed. 

So never leave home without it - your camera that is!  Northern_Hotel_SunsetThe sky lights up in shades of pink, blue and purple at sunset above the Northern Hotel in Fort Collins, Colo.