The Photographer: Andy Cook
The majestic Rocky Mountains have always held a special place in Andy Cook's heart. Drawn by their rugged beauty, he moved to Colorado in 1987, eager to explore the state's vast mountains, valleys, and wilderness. For years, Andy enjoyed outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing, and hunting, which deepened his connection to the land.
In 1997, on a hike with a friend, Andy borrowed his wife's 35mm SLR camera to capture the landscapes he loved. However, when the film was developed at the local drugstore, the results were far from inspiring. The images were disappointing — a stark reminder that capturing the true essence of the wilderness wasn't as easy as it seemed.
Despite this, Andy's passion for photography didn't waver. That same year, he crossed paths with Richard Norman, a seasoned landscape photographer and respected instructor. Inspired by Richard's expertise, Andy decided to give photography another try. This time, his hiking trips would be accompanied by a camera — and the results spoke for themselves.
About a year later, Andy and Richard teamed up to share their passion for photography by teaching camera classes in Colorado Springs, followed by weekend workshops in the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. Over the years, as Andy explored and photographed more of the country, leading landscape photography workshops in scenic locations naturally evolved into a full-time career. Today, as a dedicated educator, Andy continues to inspire students with his deep understanding of the natural world, his mastery of composition, and his technical expertise behind the camera.
Over the years, Andy's work has been featured in a wide range of respected publications, including National Audubon Society, Colorado Adventure, 5280 Magazine, and Colorado Vacation Planner. His stunning images have also found their way into the portfolios, displays and advertising campaigns of prestigious clients such as National Geographic, National Geographic Maps, Budweiser, The Conservation Campaign, American National Bank, and even the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
From calendars and postcards to fine art prints, Andy's photography continues to capture the natural beauty of the great outdoors, earning him a devoted following of workshop participants, collectors, outdoor enthusiasts, and art aficionados alike.
The Company: Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography
In 1998, about a year after meeting Richard Norman, Andy felt his skills had grown enough to help others learn landscape photography. With a passion for teaching, he and Richard began offering introductory camera classes for beginners in Colorado Springs. As demand grew, they expanded their offerings to include blended classes, combining classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork in scenic locations like Garden of the Gods and later, Rocky Mountain National Park.
By 2001, the business had gained enough traction that, during a backpacking trip, the idea of a company name came up. A friend suggested Rocky Mountain Reflections. Though the name was already taken, adding Photography at the end created a perfect, albeit lengthy, description of the company's mission and focus.
For many years, Rocky Mountain Reflections Photography produced a variety of products, including postcards, note cards, posters, and several books authored by Andy. Today, the company's core focus has shifted to helping others learn the art of landscape photography. Through online resources and in-person workshops held across the country, Andy continues to share his expertise and passion, inspiring photographers of all skill levels.
