Crystal Shelton Photography

Driving the winding roads of Colorado between Durango and Silverton, the leaves hues of gold and crimson. Visitors, clad in flannel and armed with cameras and pumpkin spice, you can feel the weight of the collective awe, a kind of madness as we all gawk at nature’s spectacle.

All my life, Highway 550 has been my road home. Countless hours spent cruising back and forth to my family in Northern New Mexico—it’s a beautiful drive, and I can’t get enough of it. Lately, it’s become a weekly ritual. Just the other day, heading south as the sun dipped toward the horizon, I spotted a horse and her foal. I slammed on the brakes and made two U-turns to capture the moment. But my arrival startled them; they bolted, yet I stood there, spellbound, watching them race into the sunset.

I love fall—the leaves changing colors, It reminds me of spring flowers exploding with life but now it’s the final show of sorts before retreating for a much needed rest.

Have you ever read, “The Hidden Life of Trees:
What They Feel, How They Communicate - Discoveries from a Secret World” by ? I immediately read it after hearing mention it in an interview during the thick of the pandemic. It is an amazing read & if you have any interest in nature you need to read it.

Every detail tells a story. From enchanting accessories to shared laughter, it’s the little things that make our connections magical. 🌙 Ready to tell your story with a photo shoot? Let’s create some magic together.

Looking back & remembering this amazing shoot with & so many amazing women, in New Orleans, where magic is a part of life, these incredible women celebrated sisterhood and self-expression. ✨

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. It began in 1972 as a small event organized by local radio station KOB to celebrate its 50th anniversary, featuring just 13 balloons at the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. By the early 1980s, it relocated to its current home at Balloon Fiesta Park, which provided the necessary space and facilities for its growing audience.
One of the hallmark features of the fiesta is the mass ascensions, where hundreds of balloons launch simultaneously, creating a breathtaking visual display. The introduction of the Special Shape Rodeo in the 1980s added an extra layer of excitement, showcasing uniquely designed balloons that capture the imagination. Over the years, the event has attracted balloonists from around the world, establishing itself as a premier international gathering.
Innovations such as the Night Glow, introduced in the 1990s, have further enhanced the festival’s allure. This evening event allows spectators to see the balloons illuminated against the night sky, accompanied by music, creating a magical atmosphere. The fiesta also places a strong emphasis on education, offering workshops and demonstrations that promote awareness of ballooning and aeronautics.
Today, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta attracts over 800 balloons and more than 100,000 spectators each year, making it a cherished cultural tradition and a significant tourism highlight for the region. The event continues to celebrate the art of ballooning while fostering community spirit and showcasing Albuquerque as a vibrant destination.

The Balloon Fiesta continues, a spectacle of color and whimsy. I love, the special shape balloons—those glorious, twisted forms that defy gravity and logic. Among the myriad of beautiful, colorful balloons floating in the sky, the special shape balloons truly stand out, their unique forms demanding attention. I’ve captured a few of my favorites in the photos attached. If you recognize any of these whimsical creations & can tag them, please do.
Happy Monday!

Madness this morning as I chased balloons! The first spot was a complete bust, thanks to the wind. But then, in a twist of fate, I stumbled upon a gem of a location. I just started editing so, I’m still sifting through the madness but here’s a peak. Have a great day!

As Halloween approaches, cemeteries become a focal point of our fascination with the afterlife. In many cultures, these spaces serve as gateways to honor and remember those who came before us. The stark beauty of black-and-white imagery captures the eerie tranquility that surrounds these final resting places.

Cemeteries hold a unique beauty, especially in black and white. As we approach Halloween, these tranquil spaces remind us of the stories that lie beneath. Historically, cemeteries were designed as peaceful resting places, blending art and remembrance. They invite us to reflect on life and the passage of time.

Every photo tells a story, and Paris’ senior shoot was no exception! Capturing the essence of New Orleans—where the past and present intertwine.

From the charming streets of Uptown to the hauntingly beautiful graveyards, Paris’s senior shoot showcased the magic of New Orleans.

Aspen trees can reproduce through a process called cloning, where a single root system produces multiple trunks.

These trees are all connected & are effectively one and the same reminding me, that independence is important we are stronger together.

Fall is here, and the colors are absolutely breathtaking!

🍂 What’s your favorite autumn spot in Albuquerque?
Please Comment below with your favorite locations! 📍

“Nothing Gold Can Stay”

By Robert Frost

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

“Fall, Leaves, Fall”

BY EMILY BRONTË

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night’s decay
Ushers in a drearier day.