Editor's note: Denver7 seeks out audience tips and feedback to help people in need, resolve problems and hold the powerful accountable. If you know of a community need our call center could address, or have a story idea for our investigative team to pursue, please email us at contact7@thedenverchannel.com or call (720) 462-7777. Find more Denver7 stories here.
DENVER — A Colorado man is trying to find the silver lining in the wildfires by turning his photography into an opportunity to help those affected most.
Jeremy Janus was driving back to Denver from Rocky Mountain National Arsenal Friday and he couldn’t believe his eyes.
“I saw the smoke plume coming toward Denver and as much as it pained me I knew I had to take photos of it,” Janus said.
Janus captured four photos of the smokey skies enhancing the beauty of the sunset.
“This photo is called the “Nature That Binds Us,” Janus said. “While I knew these trees were going to be fine, far off in the distance there is also a lot of wildlife and nature that’s also getting destroyed.”
He got into photography four years ago to heal a battle with depression and anxiety. Now he runs his own business called Jeremy Janus Photography.
“Because of my background where I came from in photography, being a light in the darkness, how do you make positive situations out of bad ones?” Janus said. “I don’t want to profit off of devastation.”
Janus has agreed to sell the photos and donate the money to Denver7 Gives.
Denver7 is working with United Way of Larimer County and Community Foundation of Boulder County to ensure every dollar raised helps Coloradans who have lost so much.
“My heart broke just seeing this because it made me think about all the people affected by it, all the wildlife, wilderness,” he said.
The photos start at $25. You can purchase them at JeremyJanusPhotography.com.
Denver7 Gives has started a new fundraising campaign for victims of Colorado's wildfires. To donate, go here and then look for "Help Colorado Wildfire Victims" in the dropdown. We are working with our community partners up and down the Front Range to ensure every dollar raised stays in Colorado and helps families who've lost so much.
