A black bear wanders past a Prada store in the downtown core on the night of Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Aspen. It was one of the Aspen Times’ most popular photos from the year.
Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
As someone who takes photos nearly every day, narrowing a year’s worth of work down to only 10 frames is a daunting task. But let’s give it a go with my favorite pictures from 2025.
Please note, I did not say best. I chose these photographs because they either mean something special to me, were moments in time worth reflecting on as we enter 2026, or drew enough likes on Instagram that it’s worth sharing again.
For instance, the photo of the bear in downtown Aspen isn’t all that special. It was dark, the framing isn’t perfect, and it’s not one I’d likely ever personally print. Then again, it’s a bear walking in front of a Prada store in downtown Aspen, and that’s kind of hilarious (thus we used the headline “The Bear Wears Prada” when it ran in the newspaper).
Here are some more photos to reflect on from the past year as we recharge the camera batteries and format the memory cards for 2026.
Aspen as seen on June 24 with EcoFlight. The views of this valley from the air never get old.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Benji, a three-month-old golden retriever, plays at the base of Aspen Mountain on Oct. 28. Benji is being trained as a new avalanche dog for Snowmass Ski Area.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Ward Hauenstein, left, hugs John Doyle during Hauenstein’s final city council meeting as a councilman on April 8 at Aspen City Hall.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
An osprey pokes its head out of its nest on May 18 near Basalt.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Retiring Aspen Fire Chief Rick Balentine walks out of the engine bay one last time after the transfer of command ceremony on Aug. 1 at the Aspen fire station. It was the end of a 36-year run with the department. He was replaced by Jake Andersen.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Tyson Ritter, lead singer for The All-American Rejects, performs for NPR’s special music field recording as part of Aspen Ideas Festival on June 26 in Aspen. This is one of the photographer’s favorite bands, so getting this personal experience was quite the treat.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Chef Shota Nakajima, right, and Aspen chef Mawa McQueen share a laugh during their cooking challenge on the final day of the Food & Wine Classic on June 22 in Aspen. This was McQueen’s official Food & Wine debut, and hopefully not the last for the rising local star.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Hotdog Hans, a character played by Aspen Olympic halfpipe skier Alex Ferreira, prepares to race on April 4 during Freestyle Friday at Aspen Highlands. Ferreira’s ornery alter ego is entertainment at its best. Check out his videos on YouTube.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times
Aspen skiing icon Klaus Obermeyer blows out the candles during his 106th birthday celebration on Dec. 2 at the Obermeyer Headquarters at the Aspen Airport Businesss Center.Austin Colbert/The Aspen Times