Photo Journal: When Mother Nature Paints With Fire And Ice
I love a good sunrise. I have to admit as a nature and wildlife photographer there is nothing quite like them. The sense of peace I feel in the wilderness with few others around as the sun makes its grand appearence is a wonderful contrast to 40 years of working behind a desk in investment banking and asset management!
The snow was deeper than we expected, which made getting to a good spot more work than usual. By the time we found this view along the river, I was questioning whether it was worth the effort.
Then the light started to change.
The clouds opened up for maybe 10-15 minutes, and suddenly everything looked completely different. The way the sunrise lit up the snow on those spruces, and how the river kept flowing despite everything being frozen around it – it was one of those moments that reminded me why I enjoy getting out with my camera.
The sun sending a God beam straight in the air as if created in a movie seen was spectacular. So special to me that this is an image hanging on the wall in my home..to help remind me of that beautiful morning.
A beautiful winter sunrise breaks the silence on the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park. Photo © copyright by Vincent Mistretta.
Winter photography isn't always comfortable, but moments like this make it worthwhile. There's something satisfying about being out when most people are still asleep, experiencing these quiet scenes that most folks never see. In the winter you actually can hear sunrise. As the sun touches the frost and snow, you can hear things you dont hear any other time in the day!
Sometimes the best part isn't even the photo – it's just being there when nature does something unexpected.