Because it Looks Kool Photography

Because it Looks Kool Photography Because it Looks Kool is a photography page featuring landscape/travel/anything I find that looks cool by Brandon L. Khoury based in Quincy,IL. Brandon

This page was a big step for me. I have never shared my photos with anyone other than my close friends and family. I have always enjoyed taking photos, but for the longest time I used my DSLR as a fancy point and shoot camera. Stuck in auto mode and, for the post part, was happy with the results. It wasn't until a trip to South Carolina in late 2015 that I started to take more of an interest in ac

tually learning photography. Just before that trip I was introduced to HDR and it helped me get beyond some of the issues that were frustrating to me. Since then I have watched countless hours of youtube videos trying to improve my process and take control of my camera. My hope is that as you look back through some of the photos I post, you will be able to continually see progress and improvement. I also hope you enjoy what you see and will share with your friends and family (that is sort of the point). The name "Because it Looks Kool" was the brainchild of my wife. It is a play on my initials, BLK, and was an appropriate way form me to describe why I take the photos I do. Most artist/photographers, both of which I have never considered myself to be, often have a story behind their inspiration or a message that they are trying to convey. For me, it was simply because I thought it would look cool. Thank you for visiting my page. I hope you enjoy what you see here and feel free to like and share with your friends.

Been working in some new prints for the upcoming Christkindl Market at the Quincy Armory this weekend. I was able to get...
11/06/2025

Been working in some new prints for the upcoming Christkindl Market at the Quincy Armory this weekend. I was able to get a few prints from my recent Colorado trip, as well of some of my more popular Quincy images. I'm hoping to get a few more ready in time. 🤞

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cc9r7BuXP/

Ya know, I'm a little bummed while making this post. It has nothing to do with this image, but I just got notified that ...
11/03/2025

Ya know, I'm a little bummed while making this post. It has nothing to do with this image, but I just got notified that none of my entries were accepted into a local art exhibit that I have entered for years. This marks the first time that I have not had a single entry selected. I chose 3 from this Colorado trip and they all got rejected. Guess I've just been spoiled until now.... Or maybe I'm getting worse at this... Idk🤷🏻‍♂️

“Between the Peaks” – West of Telluride
I usually like to share my images in the order I experience them, but at this point in the trip the images will start to scatter. I was chasing one particular sunrise/sunset shot, and the skies just wouldn’t cooperate; clouds either vanished or piled in the wrong places. After a few attempts, I shifted gears and spent the day scouting new locations.

This image was taken midday, overlooking a ranch west of Telluride with Mount Wilson standing tall in the distance. It’s a simple frame, but it captures the quiet beauty of the land that stretches between the mountain ranges. Sometimes the in-between moments tell the story best.

Swipe to see the full image.
What do you do with your time between sunrise and sunset?

"Dancing Nancies" - Day 3 SunriseAfter days of searching online, I could not find the exact location of these trees, onl...
10/29/2025

"Dancing Nancies" - Day 3 Sunrise

After days of searching online, I could not find the exact location of these trees, only a close approximation. Thanks to help from .n.photophotography, whom I met at Chimney Rock the night before, I learned that I was really close, but not quite exact. He pointed me in the right direction, and with the help of a few parked cars, I found the legendary "dancing aspens" for sunrise on the third day of my trip! I also partially stole the composition for this first image from him 😉.

The way these trees twist and curve against the brilliant golden canopy is pure magic. It felt like walking into a fantastical grove from a fairy tale.

​I'm deliberately keeping the exact location secret because, as much as I want to share this beauty with others, I'm worried about it becoming an "Instagrammer Destination" where people might start climbing and carving their stupid initials into the fragile bark and destroy them. I'm not a fan of gatekeeping, but in this case, a little cautuon seems like the right move. Typically, if I want to protect a particular location, I simply won't post the image. That's why almost everything you see in my feed is of well know, accessible locations. But, in this case, these trees have been heavily photographed and posting a few more won't likely have a significant impact... particularly from my s**tty little page.

​With that being said, it was a wonderful morning. Everyone who was there was respectful and cooperative, moving around each other to get their shots without any problems, a genuinely beautiful community experience. Next time, I know I don't have to rush for first light since the sun has to clear the mountains in the background anyway, giving a much longer window for this incredible golden glow.
​Protecting these natural wonders is everyone's job. Let's practice Leave No Trace and preserve the magic for generations to come.

“The Forgotten Field” – Fern Grove CollectionI usually post in order, but I nearly forgot about these shots—taken just b...
10/28/2025

“The Forgotten Field” – Fern Grove Collection

I usually post in order, but I nearly forgot about these shots—taken just before the Chimney Rock sunset I shared yesterday. On the first evening of the trip, I spotted a photographer down a hillside off the road, surrounded by golden aspens and a field of ferns. I didn’t have time to stop then, but when I returned to Chimney Rock a day later, I carved out a few minutes to revisit the spot.

Some of the prime compositions were already claimed by other photographers, so I worked around them and found my own angles. Glad I did—this grove had a quiet magic that deserved its own moment.

“Emberlight” – Chimney Rock, Day 2 SunsetAfter photographing the Durango & Silverton train, I debated heading toward Tel...
10/28/2025

“Emberlight” – Chimney Rock, Day 2 Sunset

After photographing the Durango & Silverton train, I debated heading toward Telluride early—but with a rare pocket of cell service in Silverton, I did a quick search and saw Uncompahgre National Forest had serious sunset potential. I wasn’t totally satisfied with my first Chimney Rock shot, so I gave it one more go.

This was the result. The sky lit up, the aspens glowed, and Chimney Rock stood like a sentinel in the firelight. Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all.

“Pulse of the Pass” – Durango / Silverton, Day 2After sunrise over the Cimarrons and a few final shots at Crystal Lake, ...
10/23/2025

“Pulse of the Pass” – Durango / Silverton, Day 2

After sunrise over the Cimarrons and a few final shots at Crystal Lake, I was racing the clock to reach a bridge just south of Silverton. The Durango & Silverton train was scheduled to cross shortly before arriving in Silverton at 12:30, and I wanted to capture it for my son, he’s loved trains since he was little.

Google tried to send me down a bike path 🤦🏻‍♂️, and for a moment it looked like I’d miss the shot. But after a reroute and a tense drive down the Million Dollar Highway, with its winding curves and sheer drop-offs, I made it with little time to spare.

The steam, the bridge, the river, the forest—it all came together. This one’s for him.

“Whispers of Clear Lake"– Crystal Lake, Day 2After capturing the panoramic reflection of the Aspen groves, I waited for ...
10/22/2025

“Whispers of Clear Lake"– Crystal Lake, Day 2

After capturing the panoramic reflection of the Aspen groves, I waited for the sun to crest over the Cimarron Mountains. As the light broke through, it hit the grove just right and when I turned to my right, this scene was waiting. Smoke drifted off the water, and the yellow aspens lit up like they’d been waiting for their cue.

But, I need your help because I can't decide on which way to go. I’ve edited this image three ways:

1. The original edit.
2. A version with lightened foreground and background to reveal more surrounding detail
3. A more artistic take, where everything but the aspens and their reflection fades to black

Let me know which version speaks to you most.

StirOfEchoes

“Stir of Echoes” Day 2 in Colorado brought me to this quiet stretch of water, tucked beneath a hillside of fire-colored ...
10/21/2025

“Stir of Echoes”

Day 2 in Colorado brought me to this quiet stretch of water, tucked beneath a hillside of fire-colored trees. I’d left Chimney Rock the night before and set out to camp near Crystal Lake, not realizing the road would rival the one to Crystal Mill. Got stuck once, had to back out... and just then, happened to be heading the opposite way. We'd been chatting before the trip, and he offered some solid advice to get through the rough patch.

Made it to camp without much more trouble. The next morning, I woke to the sound of photographers gathering near mybvehicle. Among them was . Running into both Ryan and John in the same place felt like confirmation: I was exactly where I needed to be.

This image is a reflection of that moment—still, vivid, and quietly affirming.

WhispersOfCrystalLake

Second Sunset in Colorado.After a long morning hike to Crystal Mill, Deb’s Meadow was a welcome change, easy to reach an...
10/20/2025

Second Sunset in Colorado.

After a long morning hike to Crystal Mill, Deb’s Meadow was a welcome change, easy to reach and full of character. It’s also where parts of True Grit were filmed, which added a layer of history to the view.

The main shot is Chimney Rock catching the last light of the day. The aspens were in peak color, and the contrast between the golden leaves and the dark evergreens made the whole scene feel quietly powerful.

These three images capture the calm and color of that evening—one of those moments where everything just lines up.

ColoradoFall

Some places demand more than just a drive, they ask for effort, intention, and heart.After hiking 8 miles through golden...
10/17/2025

Some places demand more than just a drive, they ask for effort, intention, and heart.

After hiking 8 miles through golden aspens and rocky trails, I reached this view of Crystal Mill, standing proud above the rushing river like a relic from another time. Built in 1892 to power silver mines, it’s now a symbol of resilience—weathered, remote, and breathtaking.

The fall colors wrapped around it like a crown, and the sound of the waterfall below reminded me that beauty often lives where few are willing to go.

This photo isn’t just about the mill, it’s about the journey. The sweat, the solitude, the silence. And the reward of standing in a place where history and nature collide.

🍂 Would you hike 8 miles for a view like this?
💬 Drop a comment if Crystal Mill is on your bucket list.
🔁 Save this for your next Colorado adventure.

Golden hour at Maroon Bells, Colorado 🌄—a moment I almost missed.This was the first location on my 2025 photography trip...
10/14/2025

Golden hour at Maroon Bells, Colorado

🌄—a moment I almost missed.

This was the first location on my 2025 photography trip. I almost missed this opportunity because I was unaware that a parking permit was needed to visit the lake. By the time I arrived, the office was closed, and I thought I’d blown my chance. But, I decided to proceed and see if there was a guard station where I may be able to purchase a pass. I pulled up to the Ranger and explained the situation. Speaking honestly, I told him it was completely my fault and that I would understand if he was not able to let me through. Instead of turning me away, he made an exception and let me in. He stated that most people would have given him a bunch of s**t or would have gotten mad about the situation, but since I was honest and took responsibility for not doing proper research, he allowed me to purchase the pass.

This photo is the result of that grace. A reminder that honesty and humility can open doors—even to sunsets like this.

Nature’s Cathedral | Watkins Glen State Park, NYThere’s something magical about this place. Llayered shale cliffs, casca...
06/27/2025

Nature’s Cathedral | Watkins Glen State Park, NY

There’s something magical about this place. Llayered shale cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and a winding gorge that feels like stepping into another world. This shot was taken on a chilly, rainy autumn afternoon, which added a moody touch and really made the colors pop.

I started at the top of the gorge and worked my way down through the winding path and stone staircases, stopping often to soak in the atmosphere (and to protect my gear from the rain). Thankfully, a shuttle bus was waiting at the bottom so I didn’t have to make the climb back up—highly recommend!

Capturing this image was a bit of a challenge. Watkins Glen is a popular spot, and even with the weather, the trail was packed with visitors. I took multiple exposures and blended them in post to remove people from the frame and highlight the serenity of the scene. Definitely one of those moments that reminded me why I love what I do.

Let me know what you think—and if you've braved the gorge yourself!

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