There are times that are just perfect in nature - where you feel so much peace and awe amidst your surroundings and you feel absolutely content and fulfilled. This feeling is what originally led me into photography. I was already spending so much time in incredible places camping, hiking, and backpacking, and wanted to capture these moments so I could hold on to them forever.
This was one of those mornings. Quiet mornings along the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park are very rare at Oxbow Bend. Yet, I must have been early enough in June that the crowds weren't out yet. It was very cold and the flowers I had come to photograph with the sunrise had also decided to postpone their appearance due to the temperatures in the 30s F. I had to wait another couple of hours before they showed up. I sat at the water's edge for well over an hour as blue hour turned to incredible pink skies, and watched as pelicans swam by and elk crossed the river behind me. It was a morning I will never forget in my favorite place.
Photographed on June 15th, 2022
