Look behind you

Sunset in the Wind River Range

On our third night in the Wind River Range, we camped by Shadow Lake, on the “back” side of the popular Cirque of the Towers.

I was hoping for a colorful sunset, and we were fortunate to get one – with the peaks illuminated bright orange and the clouds illuminated pink and orange, contrasting with the ominous grey-blue clouds further in the distance.

Alpenglow on the back of the Cirque of the Towers behind Shadow Lake
Alpenglow on the back of the Cirque of the Towers behind Shadow Lake

I had a specific vision in mind for the photo and was focused on snapping multiple shots as the colors changed, using longer exposures to smoothen out the choppiness of the lake. While I was mesmerized by the light show evolving in front of me, I fortunately remembered to look around and behind me.

What a treat.

The sky behind me was even more dramatic, with bright pink, orange and purple clouds reflecting the colors that were creating the light show at Shadow Lake.

So when you’re out there focused on getting that shot, remember to look around and behind you, because you never know what you might be missing.