Don't Feed the Bears

Don't Feed the Bears: Photographs of the American West - By Kyle Zempel

All of the photos you see on display were captured in the West, mainly within the state of Colorado, where I had the opportunity to live in a place many would envy and others would dread.

Living within the San Juan National Forest, I was in a location where access was limited to either steam engine or by foot. Since the train only passed by twice a day, walking along the tracks often became my main mode of transportation. Enjoying the simple luxuries such as beer, meant carrying it six miles in a backpack.

I resided in a small cabin with no internet, TV, or cell reception, leaving plenty of time for the things I have a true passion for: photography and fly fishing. Living in a place with no roads and limited technology really took me back to a place that has long passed, which I have tried to capture within my photos.

The name of the exhibit comes from my numerous encounters with black bears while living in the San Juans. Encountering these bears, often multiple times per week, I became comfortable with their presence and them with mine. The young ones were fearless, and the old ones smart. They learned our work schedules and helped themselves to any food in the cabins. If the door was locked, they crawled through the window; if the window was shut, they broke down the door. Coming home to a door on the floor was never a good sign, and usually meant the cabin was trashed. I learned quickly not to the feed the bears.

If you are interested in purchasing any of my work please email: contact@kylezphotography.com

Enjoy!!