What You Carry

I recently learned that a photograph I’d submitted to the Wyoming Wildlife photo contest received an Honorable Mention and would be published in the February issue of the magazine. To say I was thrilled is an understatement.

When the Associate Editor of the magazine contacted me to share the news, I asked which photo had been selected. The image below popped up in his email.

I took this photo on an early morning hike to Cascade Canyon in Grand Teton National Park. Along the way to the canyon you pass Inspiration Point, an outcropping overlooking Jenny Lake. As we were going up the trail, the sun peeked out from the clouds and was perfectly framed by the rocks at the top of the trail. I was carrying my large wildlife lens on this hike and it’s not a good lens for landscape photography, so I snapped a picture with my iPhone.

I really liked the picture. I liked the mood conveyed by an empty trail and the concept of a moment when things seem to align perfectly. I entered it into the competition, without any expectations.

Having it be recognized is amazing. It’s wonderful that others felt the photo conveyed something compelling. It’s also important to note that it was taken without fancy gear. It proves the point that the best camera is the one you carry. Nature can easily take care of the rest.