TORRINGTON – Deep amongst the crowds at the majority of 2024 Goshen County Fair events, was a familiar face, standing eagerly behind a long lens camera, shooting some of the most spectacular action-packed rodeo shots social media has seen. The familiar face was none other than Christopher Heyl. Heyl traveled to Goshen County from what is now considered his home in Chateauroux, France. Heyl graduated from Torrington High School in 2004 and moved to France in 2009.

“I grew up in Torrington working for my dad and grandpa at the movie theatre, selling popcorn/candy and later preparing the film. I also worked at Pizza Hut. I always had a place to go as a teen, I would hang out at Skate City, the movie theatre, or Ten Pin Tropics,” Heyl recalled. “The main street was a fun place to be in the evening. Everything was closed so we could have the town to ourselves.” 

After graduating from high school, Heyl went on to attend the University of Wyoming to study computer science. 

“I later changed my path to become an elementary teacher in creative arts. I was in a lot of sports at the University of Wyoming (UW), for fun, with the international students and met my future wife in that group,” Heyl explained. “I later graduated UW in 2009 and left for France to be an English assistant for two years for elementary, middle, and high school.”

Once again, Heyl’s plans changed. 

“I didn’t want to be an assistant anymore and wanted my own class, so I applied to a Montessori school near Paris. I worked for two different Montessori schools before finding my home for ten years at Ecole Montessori Internationale Rueil-Malmaison,” Heyl explained. “My boss/colleague Cecile sent me to Archamps near Geneva to get my AMI Montessori certification for 6-12 years old.” 

Heyl has spent many years capturing memories.

“Many great adventures and memories took place at that Montessori school, and I loved watching the kids grow. Over those 10 years, I took photos of my students’ work, adventures, friendships and shows. I was the keeper of these memories. I would make collages on a poster to give as a gift to our graduating kids. Our educators would write notes on the back for them to keep. There were so many photos, there was no way to put them on just one poster so we had a slideshow with each child growing up through the years for the ones leaving. It was a fun goodbye gift,” Heyl explained. “Over the years, I volunteered to be the photographer for several nonprofit associations in France. It was nice to give back to the community. I also got to grow as a photographer in the process.”

Heyl made frequent trips back to his hometown of Torrington until Covid-19 changed his travel plans. 

“I try to visit my parents in Torrington every year, but since Covid, travel has become difficult and expensive. I hadn’t come back in 4 years. During this visit, my parents planned the activities available. The fair was one of these fun moments,” Heyl said. “I volunteered to cover the fair rodeos and gave all the photos to those responsible for the event. I wanted to give to the community I grew up in and also being back photos to France to show the life we live in Wyoming. I hope the next time I visit; I can get the opportunity to cover Cheyenne frontier days or the Wyoming State Fair.”

According to Heyl, the best part of shooting the activities during the Goshen County Fair was the preparation behind the shot. 

“I got to chat with the riders, find the best angles. One of the challenges is the main room has very little light and I should have packed my other lens. It was a learning experience, a bonding moment with others. I am proud of the photos taken and the comments given. I will continue to give as long as I still am allowed to take photos at each event,” Heyl explained.  All the photos I take can be used in my photographer’s portfolio/website. I enjoy showing my adventures and opportunities given to me.”

Heyl credits his wife for her support throughout his career. 

“I credit my wife for being my biggest supporter and my son for following in my footsteps,” Heyl explained. “He won the best snapshot overall at the fair this year, beating me. I’m proud of him.”