Get Up, It’s Worth It!

It’s 4:30am and my alarm goes off. The overnight low was 31°F and I could see the condensation of my breath from inside the tent. I was already super tired from driving all day, staying up late shooting the Milky Way and hanging around the campfire. 

As I turned my body, I felt the cold air seep into my sleeping bag 🥶. Oh my god, it’s f*cking freezing! Maybe I should just skip sunrise and sleep in. It’s not worth it! 

After a few minutes and mental fortitude, I quickly put on my snow jacket and some jeans over my pajamas, hurried from the tent to my car and turned the heater on full blast. 

As I arrived to location, I hesitated to leave the warmth of the car for the cold alpine air filled with hungry mosquitoes. Maybe I should just sit in my car and shoot it from here 🫤. I tried to find every excuse not to brave the cold, but I told myself I was here already. 

Hurry up, it’s happening!

I’ve watched in awe as the first beams of light hit the highest peaks. The alpenglow happened in less than a minute, a fluorescent pink turned glowing orange. If you aren’t looking, you’ll miss it. Wow, that’s beyond words. 

Everything stood still in that moment. I forgot my hands were frozen even with gloves on and I could barely press the shutter button. I forgot I was anxiously waiting to finally feel the warmth of the morning sun on my face. I forgot my teeth were chattering uncontrollably. This is what we live for.

October 11, 2020 | Photography & Art