“Selah”

Location:
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
43°39'59.1"N 110°39'50.6"W
https://goo.gl/maps/wtSx8YidgSc5GW738

Time: 21:23 MDT (17 minutes after sunset)
Date: June 14th, 2022

Camera & Settings:
Nikon D810, NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G, Tripod
ISO 64, 70 mm, f/11, 1.0 sec

Summary:
I couldn’t believe I was the only one to photograph this fleeting moment of illuminated clouds in front of the famous Moulton Barn of “Mormon Row”. Where were the crowds from the morning when the light illuminated the mountain range? But nobody could have predicted the clouds to glow. I almost missed out on this shot, too.

The sun had set. I was scouting out the landscape for tomorrow morning. Not prepared to capture a photograph worth saving, let alone adding to my portfolio. The wind, gusty throughout most of the day had calmed down. The nearby town of Jackson was packed with tourists escaping the historic flooding of Yellowstone National Park. It was a chaotic day.

I was both surprised to be alone, but grateful because as soon as I saw the clouds glow, I bolted to my car to grab my tripod. Nobody to distract me from my task except my own clumsiness. My heart raced as I quickly extended the tripod legs and set up my camera. I was racing against the clock. Clouds only stay illuminated for brief moments. In less than five minutes, the glow had receded.

Catching my breath, I reviewed my images on the back of the camera’s LCD. Yes! I had captured the glowing clouds right before they disappeared. What a way to end the day!

-Brendan