Anatomy of a Composition - A Mystic Dawn

Another sunrise over Mt. Princeton, in the heart of the Collegiate Peaks. One of the many iconic views that draw in visitors, settlers and natives alike time and time again, and cause us all to inhale deeply and exhale gently in appreciation of this journey just a bit more.

I first saw this view 33 years ago - I was just 21, and couldn’t believe anything this incredible actually existed. Descending through the curves of Highway 24 the first time, and driving up the Arkansas Valley was a truly surreal experience. Following the highway north, the heart of the Rocky Mountains passed along to my left, I felt the potential of a new and unknown future unfolding.

That spring and summer were full of pure exploration; skiing in the highest points possible, climbing my first set of 14’ers, spending every night that summer in a tent and many just under the stars. Countless miles were hiked, and a few hail-storms weathered, in all the sunrises and sunsets one thing always resonated through - this was the most beautiful place I’d ever seen. 

So happy to still be so awestruck and inspired after all that time by this view. Through the interceding years exploration has been the constant theme, the moments on top of the mountains continued, piles of fresh snow and mystic dawns punctuated the seasons. Freezing time now affords a different set of experiences, where the point is the moment.

February, 2021 - As always, thank you for the support and thank you for joining me on this journey.

For more thoughts on some of these images, head over to www.wordpress.com/alma175w  

Anatomy of a Composition - A mystic dawn - ISO 200 • F/4 • 1/50 sec. FE 24-105G