I sometimes forget the age-old adage that practice makes perfect. And sometimes I’m reminded that a planned shoot might not go the way I had hoped. This photo represents both of those things, as well as the reminder that getting out, exploring, and capturing memories is the most important thing.

When I saw we had high-altitude clouds blanketing the valley, I quickly gathered up my gear and drove out to an area that I like to explore in hopes of an explosive sunset photograph. I decided to be thoughtful and practice a composition that I don’t typically shoot a lot, and that led to the inherent need to focus stack - something else I don’t practice a lot.

When I saw the clouds breaking and leaving, I was worried I wasn’t going to get the sunrise I hoped for. I would be right. Instead, I adapted and got this beautiful bracketed exposure.