Well before the dramatic dawn light began falling over Dream Lake and Hallett Peak, I set out from the trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, in the pre-dawn darkness.
Hiking by headlamp along the winding, snow-dusted trail, the only sounds were the crunch of boots and rustling wind through the trees. As the trail climbed, the first hints of color began to seep into the sky—subtle pinks and purples that promised a spectacular show. Reaching the edge of Dream Lake, the world opened up to a breathtaking alpine vista.
The air was crisp, and the lake shore was still partially snow-covered beneath the imposing silhouette of Hallett Peak. I briefly scouted the shoreline in search of a compelling composition with an engaging foreground and what I hoped would be a colorful reflection as the sky lit the mountain peaks.
Enjoying the moment, I set up my tripod and waited for the moment when the colors began to take shape behind Hallett Peak. As the peak’s reflection fell across the still water, it created this colorful and moody sunrise image.
