Conversations with Chris Heaton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Heaton.

Hi Chris, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Colorado, and for a long time I took the beauty of the state for granted. Photography has always been an interest of mine – starting with learning on film and selling digital cameras at Best Buy in high school, and eventually growing into a deeper study of the art itself.

I’ve always loved hiking in the mountains, and photography gave that passion a new purpose. I’m especially drawn to sunrise hikes, with the goal of reaching the destination just as the sun comes up. Those early mornings are quiet and uncrowded, and they’ve become my favorite time of day. A lot of that means hiking alone in the dark with nothing but my thoughts and maybe a good podcast.

Today, photography is still a hobby and a passion. I love returning to the same trails in different seasons and conditions – each time feels like a completely new experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, it’s been a pretty smooth road. Photography has always been a hobby and something I genuinely love, so even the challenges are part of the enjoyment.

I often joke that there’s nothing worse than waking up at 2 a.m. and hiking for miles in the dark, only to have the sun come up on a perfect bluebird day with no clouds. Most people would say those are ideal conditions, but photographers know that an exceptional sunrise depends on the right clouds and weather. The ingredients for a great sunrise can be incredibly close to a complete bust – sometimes the clouds are perfect, sometimes they block everything entirely.

A lot of the process happens before the hike even begins: reviewing cloud maps, weather forecasts, and trail conditions to give yourself the best possible chance. Even then, every hike is still a gamble and that unpredictability is just part of the process.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Photography is something I pursue on weekends and days off, even though the dream would be to travel the world full-time with a camera. Very few people are able to make that work sustainably, so for now photography remains a passion rather than a profession.

My full-time career is with a data center company that builds and supplies infrastructure for many of the technology companies you hear about in the news. That job gives me the opportunity to travel to different locations across the U.S., which has allowed me to experience and photograph an incredible range of landscapes.

Photographically, I specialize in landscape and adventure photography. I enjoy challenging hikes, early mornings, and being present in remote places. I also like to dabble in wildlife and macro photography and occasionally have fun experimenting with old vintage lenses, but at my core I consider myself an adventure photographer.

What I’m most proud of is the consistency, returning to the same places in different seasons, light, and conditions, and continuing to grow creatively without turning it into something that feels forced. What sets me apart is the process: the early starts, the solitude, the planning, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty in pursuit of a moment that might only last a few minutes.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice is to start local. Find photographers in your area whose work you genuinely admire, follow them, and engage with their posts in a meaningful way. Support goes a long way, especially now.

Photography is going through an interesting and sometimes frustrating period. AI-generated images often get huge engagement on social media, while real photographers who put time, effort, and passion into their work can struggle to compete for attention. That makes community and genuine connection even more important.

Once you’ve found photographers you respect, don’t be afraid to reach out and start a conversation. Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. I’ve found that most photographers are happy to share advice, locations, or tips, especially with people who are traveling through and trying to make the most of their experience.

I’m always happy to help when I can. We’re lucky to live in such a beautiful place, and I love seeing others experience it for the first time. Building real relationships, supporting one another, and keeping photography human has worked far better for me than chasing algorithms ever has.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heaton.photography/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heaton.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatonPhotographyColorado/