So it’s a balmy 8 degrees outside and the alarm goes off. It’s still dark and the warmth of my bed beckons me to stay in it. However, I don’t give in. I get up and dressed, pack up my camera gear, boil some water for tea on the go and grab a bite for the car ride. Off I go to catch sunrise at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado. I leave with plenty of time for the drive as there is still snow and ice on the roads from yesterday’s storm. When I arrive at the park, I bundle up to be prepared for the cold that is about to hit me. I grab my gear and get it ready. As I unscrew the legs for my tripod which is essential for early morning photography, one of the legs break. Oh boy. This is going to be a fun morning I tell myself. Well, I push on and manage with a shorter tripod. It is still steady, but forces me to kneel in the snow to see through the camera. I find a nice spot in the snow in the meadow and get ready to photograph. The Flatirons are still pretty dark even though it is past civil twilight and I can’t wait for the morning sun to hit them and create the beautiful pink. The snow makes them feel extra majestic because as you probably know the Flatirons are always beautiful. It’s not a long wait and suddenly the white snow is glowing pink! This is why I get up early in the dark and trek out with my camera in tow. It is magical, breath taking and awe-inspiring. I love it and it makes me be in the moment. All else is forgotten – the cold, broken tripod and anything other worries. My fingers are getting pretty chilled, but I manage to keep snapping photos. You never know which one will be THE one you love. Once the whole meadow is lit up from the sun, I pack up and head off. Hopefully, this gives you an idea of what I do to capture a scene despite the weather. You be the judge. Is it worth getting up before sunrise to capture the beauty even in frigid temperatures?
