Moody Tetons - Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Many wonder (including my wife) why I like going back to places that I have already been to, and end up shooting many of the same scenes that I have previously shot. The answer is that one of the most important factors in making a great photograph, besides the subject, is the light and atmosphere. The light changes every hour of every day, and you never know what you will get. Clouds many times cover the mountains so that you cannot get a shot of them. We photographers always wish for great golden hour light and light, fluffy cumulus clouds in the sky. We often forget that there is great beauty when clouds don’t block the view, but rather, create an atmosphere that conveys the moodiness that is part of the nature of mountain ranges throughout the year. Yes, it is great to get that golden light, but make sure that you also visit when the light isn’t golden if you can.