I captured this shot during an early spring backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I had just finished a grueling day and decided to cowboy camp on the Hanging Rock outcropping. It overlooks the Tye River Valley and offers an incredible vista. After setting up camp, I sat down for dinner and witnessed the setting sun ignite the river valley in golden light.
As a hiker, I rarely get to slow down and take my time composing and immersing myself in a shot because I have to get to my next campsite, resupply, etc. So it was refreshing to be able to not just capture a beautiful sunset, but also experience it without the lens.
