Dream Lake Alpine Glow Sunrise (Rocky Mountain N.P.)

After spending several hours in 20 degree weather with 30-50 mph winds (with some partially frozen toes), those difficult elements seemed to just float away in my mind, as the warmth of happiness encapsulated my body as I was photographing the beautiful alpine glow upon Hallett Peak and the surrounding mountain tops. These moments are what drives me and keeps my internal photography flame burning strong … Keeps my passion blooming and desire to wake up at 2am to go hike up a mountain to photograph a scene. 
During the actual moments of me capturing this scene, I had to really stay focused and calm. I was literally freaking out how beautiful and amazing the scene in front of me was unfolding. I knew the light would change quickly and I wanted to capture it with few different perspectives/angles, so the thoughts running through my head was that of a famous John Wooden quote … ‘Be Quick, But Don’t Hurry’ … And that’s exactly what I did, as I captured this photograph as quickly as my shutter would allow me.