I would like to say a few words about the artist Mike Coe. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but I am here to tell you that you can’t speak to Mike Coe in under a thousand words. I have been a coworker and friend of his for over twenty-four years. Mike is an intelligent good hearted person who is willing to … Read more

I would like to say a few words about the artist Mike Coe. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but I am here to tell you that you can’t speak to Mike Coe in under a thousand words. I have been a coworker and friend of his for over twenty-four years. Mike is an intelligent good hearted person who is willing to share his knowledge with anyone willing to listen. His screen name may appear unusual to those that don’t know him but it really fits his personality. Mountain Guide (mtnguyd) is all about his passion for the outdoors of Colorado. For years he has blazed a trail for others to follow him into the world of experiencing life. He truly does live his life as a Guide, showing others what he has learned and adding to it his wealth of knowledge. Now he has chosen to share his knowledge of photography with those who find him on the World Wide Web. I know from reading some of his comments that he has found a new way to guide those who chose to follow him. I have never been disappointed with his path and I’m sure others will be thrilled to follow. Thanks for the trip mtnguyd.

While words don't really do justice to Mike's artistic talent, I will try to summarize my thoughts using them... His work drops jaws, inspires, and reminds us all what a little creative expression can bring to the table. When I first joined Flickr and began taking a look at HDR, it was necessary to wade through hund… Read more

While words don't really do justice to Mike's artistic talent, I will try to summarize my thoughts using them... His work drops jaws, inspires, and reminds us all what a little creative expression can bring to the table. When I first joined Flickr and began taking a look at HDR, it was necessary to wade through hundreds of mediocre (or downright ugly) processed HDR images to find the good ones. Pretty early on, I stumbled across Mike's photostream and saw the first real example of how 'over the top' HDR not only lends itself to an image and a subject, but can actually enhance the heck out of it. For subjects like hot rods and chopper motorcycles, I think Mike's processing skills convey the subject in the most appropriate and interesting possible way, not to mention they look downright bad ass! Many of his pieces are among the best out there of this kind. However, if you look through Mike's photostream, you will also find a guy who was a talented photographer long before ever discovering HDR. His eye for the subject and composition (especially mountain landscape and nature) is outstanding, making his non-HDR photos an excellent body of work unto their own. Finally, if artisitic and creative skill weren't enough, Mike is always happy to lend a helping hand, a nice comment, or words of encouragmenet to those just getting started or needing some help here or there. Mike helped me get a handle on HDR myself and has inspired me to set the bar ever higher for my own work. So, thanks for your help, Mike. Thanks for sharing your work with us. And most of all, thanks for the creative inspiration, my friend!