About Me

Welcome to Colorful Colorado Photography!

Hi, I’m Chip Thomas—a fine art landscape photographer based in the heart of Colorado. Through my lens, I strive to capture the soul of this extraordinary state, from snow-capped peaks and shimmering alpine lakes to fiery sunsets and awe-inspiring night skies.

Every photograph in my collection reflects the moments of stillness, wonder, and raw beauty I encounter in the wild. Whether you're drawn to the quiet of a forest, the glow of a Milky Way nightscape, or the bold colors of fall in the Rockies, my goal is to bring those feelings into your home or office through carefully crafted fine art prints.

My work is available in a range of print styles—framed, metal, acrylic, canvas, or digital download—to fit your vision and your space.

Take your time exploring the galleries, and if you have a question, need a custom size, or just want to chat about the story behind a shot, I’d love to hear from you.

Who is Chip?

Richard M. Thomas II—known as Chip to friends and collectors—is a Colorado-based landscape and nature photographer whose work reflects the soul of the state he calls home. By day, Chip serves as a dedicated college administrator. But on weekends and every moment in between, he’s out chasing light across mountain peaks, quiet forests, alpine lakes, and open skies. His lifelong love for photography began with a simple Brownie camera, sparking a creative journey that has spanned decades—from film negatives to the digital darkroom. Born on the eastern plains and raised around Denver, Chip has lived and wandered across every corner of Colorado. His deep connection to the land—from the Front Range to the Western Slope—infuses every photograph with authenticity and reverence. Today, armed with cutting-edge digital gear and a passion for storytelling, Chip captures more than just pretty scenes. His images preserve fleeting moments of light, shadow, mood, and movement—each frame a celebration of Colorado’s wild beauty. Through Colorful Colorado Photography, he invites you to share in that magic. Whether it’s a fine art print for your home or a digital download that speaks to your spirit, Chip’s work is a tribute to the landscapes that have shaped his life—and perhaps yours too.

Why do I do this?

Colorful Colorado Photography isn’t just a gallery of images—it’s the expression of my soul’s journey to find meaning, connection, and beauty in the world around me. Growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, I learned early on that every aspen grove, every granite cliff, every gust of alpine wind carries a story. Through landscape and nature photography, I capture these fleeting moments—sunlight breaking through clouds, the stillness of a mountain lake, the quiet wonder of a star-filled sky—so that others can feel the same awe I do standing behind the camera. This work is my way of preserving the wild spirit of Colorado, and of sharing it with those who may never walk the same trails. Every fine art print I create is a visual reminder of how deeply nature moves us—and how it connects us all.

Thoughts behind the lens:

Within every photograph is a part of my personal journey—a reflection of the moments, landscapes, and emotions that have shaped my path. Whether it’s the thrill of reaching a mountain summit at sunrise or the quiet peace beside a reflective alpine lake at dusk, each image represents a story born in the heart of Colorado’s wilderness. Through light and shadow, texture and tone, I aim to share not just what I see—but what I feel. My landscape and nature photography is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and reconnect with the wonder that surrounds us. As you explore my fine art prints, I hope you'll experience the same sense of awe and presence that I felt behind the lens.

Guided By Masters: A Tribute to My Photography Mentors

Though I hold three esteemed college degrees, it is my journey through photography education that truly ignited my career. Under the guidance of exceptional mentors, I've honed my skills across landscapes, wildlife, nightscape, and the intricacies of the business side of photography. Two individuals stand out as pillars of my growth:

Tim Shields, acclaimed as the 2018 Master Photographers International - Photographer of the Year, and the driving force behind PhotographyAcademy.com, has been instrumental in refining my artistic vision and business acumen. His mentorship has been a beacon of inspiration on my photographic journey.

Kristine Richer, the visionary behind her Night Photography Academy and the talent behind kristinerosephotography.com, has been a steadfast guide. Her education, skills, and insightful guidance have been invaluable in shaping my craft.