Grand Canyon Aerial Photograph

Here is a picture of Grand Canyon National Park in the winter. This picture won a Judge's Favorite award in the Professional Aerial Photography Association (PAPA) 2010 Annual Conference.



Every flight over the Grand Canyon is beautiful. This one was especially nice since it had recently snowed. The picture was taken in March 2009 from an altitude of approximately 10,500'. This view is looking South approaching the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with Mount Hayden near Imperial Point at the bottom and Humphrey's Peak near Flagstaff, Arizona at the top. A large print really shows the detail well and captures the beautiful view.

If you have interest in using this photograph or purchasing a print, please contact Debbie at debbie@coloradoaerial.com or 303-641-9528.

Long's Peak Aerial Photograph

Here is one of our favorite panorama pictures of Long's Peak in the winter. This picture won Best in Show and Best Scenic photograph in the Professional Aerial Photography Association (PAPA) 2010 Annual Conference. It also won a Judges Favorite award.



It was impressive to be in the plane to see this picture. The picture was taken in March 2009 from an altitude of approximately 15,000'. It is looking at the Northwest ridge of Long's Peak where the Keyhole landmark and hiking route is located. Long's Peak is 14,255' high, is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is a prominent peak in the Denver skyline.

The typical summer hiking path will go from the snowy basin on the left corner called the Boulder Field and across the ridge in the center at a low point called the Keyhole, along the right side of the mountain in the Trough, across the ridge on the right near the top, and then to the top of the mountain through the Narrows and the Homestretch. A good description of the hiking route can be found at 14ers.com. The Cable route goes straight up from the Boulder Field, and the Diamond routes are on the opposite side of the mountain.

A large print really shows the detail well and captures the beautiful view. If you have interest in using this photograph or purchasing a print, please contact Debbie at debbie@coloradoaerial.com or 303-641-9528.

Certified Aerial Photographer

There is now a new certification program started by Professional Aerial Photography Association (PAPA), and Colorado Aerial Photography is proud to be a Certified Aerial Photographer. This new program ensures that photographers have the knowledge of all the FAA rules regarding aerial photography, have the required photography knowledge for multiple aerial platforms, and know the required safety.



You can also view the new certification status on the PAPA web site.

Award Winning Aerial Photography

This year at the 2010 Professional Aerial Photography Association (PAPA) Annual Conference, Colorado Aerial Photography won in the photograph categories for Best in Show and Best Scenic picture. Debbie also won two Judges' favorite picture awards.



Here are links to the two award winning pictures:

Long's Peak Winter Summit: Best in Show, Best Scenic, Judge's favorite

Grand Splendor (Grand Canyon): Judges favorite


Here is the press release for the awards:

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Local woman pilot and aerial photographer win’s four top awards at the annual PAPA International annual print competition.

Debbie Cruikshank, owner of Colorado Aerial Photography, LLC in Longmont is the winner of the four top awards at the Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA)International print competition recently held at the annual conference (Mar 4-6) in Houston, Texas. She received Best of Show, Best Scenic Aerial Photograph and a Judge’s Choice award for her panoramic print ‘Long’s Peak Winter Summit’. She also was awarded a Judges Choice for her aerial photograph ‘Grand Splendor’.

This is the third consecutive annual PAPA Conference Debbie has attended. “It was humbling to win two Judge’s Choice awards as there was so much remarkable work entered, and to receive the Best Scenic Aerial Photograph and the Best of Show award by people’s choice the same evening made it that much more incredible” said Debbie.

Debbie has combined her passion for photography, design, and love of aviation. She credits her ability to compose behind the lens to her design background. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado Boulder in Environmental Design and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver. She is a licensed pilot who shares her passion of flying with her pilot husband, Brian. With Brian at the controls, Debbie is able to create unique aerial imagery around Colorado from their Cessna 182 aircraft based at Vance Brand Airport in Longmont.

Colorado Aerial Photography specializes in aerial photo work for construction progress, developers and real estate clients as well as stock library images and keepsake gifts. Some of her projects include the Denver Justice Center for Hensel Phelps, the Democratic National Convention for Turner Construction, and the City of Englewood, among many others.

Debbie has been a resident of the Boulder county area for 23 years. After leaving her career in architecture she aspired to follow her passion and created a small business utilizing photography and aviation. She is a woman, a pilot, and now an award winning, certified aerial photographer in the greater Denver metro area and member of The Professional Aerial Photographers Association International (PAPA).

PAPA International promotes ethical business practices, new technologies and practical training for its members worldwide.

Interested parties may contact Debbie through the web site: http://www.coloradoaerial.com/.