From Summit to Sea
Introducing a New Adventure
Enduring the coldest winter months in my mountainside home, just outside the historic mining town of Fairplay, Colorado takes a special kind of spirit.
I say this as someone who embraces winter in all its forms. Whether carving down fresh powder on my skis, trekking through snow-covered trails or simply savoring the crisp, high-altitude air.
Yet, living at an elevation higher than both Alma and Leadville - the highest incorporated and unincorporated towns in North America, respectively - can be a challenge even for the toughest among us. This marks my sixth winter here, and despite its trials, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Seeking New Horizons
If you've followed me for a while, you know that my seasonal rhythm is about more than just enduring Colorado’s deep freeze. While some escape the winter entirely, I find myself drawn elsewhere in the shoulder seasons, particularly spring, when the mountains remain unpredictable.
For years, that’s been Mexico and Central America, where I’ve sought inspiration, warmth and that salty coastal air. But over the past few years, my focus has expanded beyond simply capturing landscapes. I've been making strategic moves to turn photography from a passion into a thriving endeavor.
From selling my fine art prints online to leading in-the-field workshops, each step has been a humbling journey. Seeing collectors proudly display my work in their homes is one thing, but helping others bring their own creative visions to life through hands-on instruction is something else entirely.
Introducing a New Adventure
Fast forward to today. Just one month ago, I returned from an incredible trip that I believe marks a bold new step in the world of landscape photography.
While many photography workshops and expeditions gravitate toward the icy landscapes of Iceland, Norway and other remote northern destinations, I felt drawn to carve a different path, one that leads to a place I’m deeply connected to.
Puerto Rico – La Isla del Encanto
My relationship with Puerto Rico goes back over 25 years, and though I’ve shared parts of that journey here before, this time was different. I didn’t just visit, I immersed myself in the island’s diverse landscapes.
From rugged Atlantic surf spots to serene Caribbean beaches, and the dramatic rock formations of Isabela to the mountains of El Campo - I explored. The more I traveled, the more I saw a story waiting to be told, one that goes beyond the postcard-perfect beaches and into the heart of the island’s wild beauty, rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
And now, I’m thrilled to roll out one of my most ambitious projects to date. A workshop and retreat designed to showcase some of the breathtaking diversity of Puerto Rico.
A Visual Storytelling Experience
Rather than just telling you about it, I want to show you, and offer a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s wild and beautiful landscapes.
📽️ Watch the video here:
And if you feel the pull to explore, create and experience a place like this firsthand, stay tuned, I’ll be sharing more soon.
Until then, enjoy the journey, wherever it takes you.
Explore, Create, Express.
– Alan Stenback
What a great idea to do workshops and a retreat! And what beautiful scenery!