Sunrise on the morning of the first snow of the season at Crater Lake Lake National Park, Oregon. Crater Lake National Park is...

Frigid Dawn

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Sunrise on the morning of the first snow of the season at Crater Lake Lake National Park, Oregon.

Crater Lake National Park is a magical place. At 1,943 ft. it is the deepest lake in the United States, the second deepest in North America and the ninth deepest in the world.  The waters are fed only by precipitation and snowmelt, thus making the waters extremely pure, clear, and blue. In early October 2014, The subalpine environment was my home for two weeks as an artist-in-residence through the National Park Service.

Taking on the residency was overwhelming. For one, it was a major escape from the stresses of life in the city. The gratitude I felt at being awarded the opportunity was immense and surreal. On the other hand, I had a focus of being there and that was to communicate, document, or highlight the effects of climate change happening within the park through my photography. Taking on this project, an external influence on my work, was something I had never dealt with and something that I struggled with.

I realized in those first few days that I needed to shed expectations and create the photos that I normally do. I needed to connect with the environment on an emotional level. I feel that when I am disconnected, the photos I take lack a certain kind of soul. They feel empty to me. Flat. I believe that having emotion in my work is my best tool for communicating via imagery and that hopefully, viewers on the other end are also able to feel that connection, or at least get an idea of how I feel about nature and why it's so important to me.

As I watched the first light of day illuminate the horizon on the morning after the first snow of the season, I was awestruck at the scene. The landscape took on a whole different feel than what I had been seeing for a week. The snow played in harmony with the color of the lake. I could feel the crisp air rushing into my lungs and the quietness of the snow covered landscape in the early morning was almost deafening. It's these moments that cover me in goosebumps and, at times, bring me to tears.

In these kinds of serene conditions it's hard for me to imagine the violent, cataclysmic eruption that happened almost 8,000 years ago, quickly and dramatically changing the landscape. It's also easy to forget the changes that are occurring slowly and quietly, some of which we humans play a major role in. All I know is that I can't take these natural environments for granted. I owe it to myself, to my son, and to the earth itself. Photo © copyright by TJ Thorne.


Artist Studio Print • Ready to Frame

Frigid Dawn print

As an independent artist, I take immense pride in personally overseeing my entire creative process, from capturing the images to meticulously crafting the final prints. This hands-on approach enables me to present my work in the most authentic and exceptional manner possible, ensuring that each print meets the standards of my artistic vision. By choosing an Artist Studio Print, you not only acquire a piece of art but also invest in the dedication and passion that goes into every photograph that I create.

  • Hand-printed in my studio for utmost attention to detail.
  • Printed on heavy-weight, cotton-based, archival Canson Infinity paper using pigment-based inks.
  • Quickest turn-around time.

Please note that these prints require framing before display. I am happy to work with you on your framing needs. Please contact me to do so. For ready-to-hang options, please consider my Lumachrome Acrylic Face Mounted or Chromaluxe Metal Prints.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 1-3 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Lumachrome Fine Art Prints • Acrylic Face-Mounted and Ready to Hang

Premium Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are the epitome of elegance and quality. By face mounting the print to 1/8" thick scratch-resistant, non-reflective crystal clear acrylic and backing it with a protective surface and a 1.3" rear mounted frame, the print seemingly floats from the wall.

The proprietary Lumachrome process in combination with the acrylic facing gives a depth, dimensionality, and glow to the image which is unmatched and needs to be seen to believed. These pieces are museum quality, absolutely stunning, and truly a collectors piece.

Premium Fine Art Lumachrome Prints are ideal for galleries or private homes and with the proper lighting will take on a luminance that brings the photo to life. While these ready-to-hang pieces offer a modern, sleek, and clean appearance, traditional framing is also available and can be discussed one-on-one to pick the most appropriate frame for your piece.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 2-4 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

Chromaluxe Fine Art Metal Prints • Ready to Hang

If you are looking for a piece that combines durability with a modern and elegant look, I offer Premium Fine Art Metal Prints. Using a state-of-the-art process, the image is infused directly into the surface of specially coated aluminum which creates a scratch and fade resistant piece that is ready to hang without a frame.

Metal prints contain a tremendous amount of depth, detail, and sharpness that will be sure to draw the viewer in. Since the image is fused directly into the aluminum, the resulting piece is scratch and water resistant and will resist fading or yellowing over time while at the same time being easy to clean. These are the ideal for offices and public spaces due to their durability.

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my prints, please visit my Prints page.

Need a size that's not listed? Not a problem. Simply contact me for a quote to get started.


Please allow 2-4 weeks for production and delivery.


Select a print size:

Shipping is included to locations within the United States. Please contact me for a shipping quote if you will have your purchase shipped elsewhere. To learn more about my Limited Edition Fine Art Prints, please visit my Prints Page

Related Galleries: Grand Landscapes, 2014