Anticipation

It was the coldest morning I have ever experienced during fall in Grand Teton National Park at 18 degrees. I arrived at this location an hour before sunrise to make sure I could set up at my favorite spot along the shoreline. As I waited for the light, I sat in anticipation of what sunrise might bring. So many times, the conditions don't align and I walk away with nothing. It is always a waiting game to see what will happen and that feeling each morning of not knowing is something I live for. Through the dark, I could see that there were at least clouds to go along with the moonset I was hoping to capture and the water seemed still enough for a reflection. As darkness gave way to light, the clouds lit up in a brilliant pink that reflected perfectly in the water. The contrasting colors of pinks and blues with the hues of orange and yellow seemed to almost contradict each other, yet created the most stunning scene I have ever witnessed in the park. My anticipation turned to pure joy and I walked away with my favorite shot from the Tetons.