On Monday, I posted an image of the Old Faithful Geyser and talked about one of the challenges of landscape photographers, namely getting up early. In case those of you who think I am crazy for getting up so early, this image is the reason why.
We were staying in Jackson, Wyoming and the alarm clock went off at 4 am. By 4:30 am, I staggered into the lobby to get a quick bite to eat with the other photographers. Wheels were up at 5:00 am for the drive to the Blacktail Ponds Overlook. Sunrise was scheduled for 6:00 am and we wanted to be fully set up before the sun peaked above the horizon. We all thanked God that there were these wonderful clouds in the sky because we knew that they would light up as the sun rose in the sky. I shot this image just as the peaks were getting their first touch of soft sunlight.
You may be asking yourself, why not get there a little later, get a little more sleep and still get the shot. The answer is that this light probably lasts 5-10 minutes tops and then it is gone. There is always time to sleep in the afternoon when the light is harsh.