I awoke on my last day in Grand Teton National Park to almost sub-freezing temperatures and heavy falling snow. The snowstorm didn’t just bring cold and snow, it also brought incredibly atmospheric conditions to shoot in. At the start of the morning, I was quite skeptical of coming away with any photos but I saw the potential the conditions provided. At first sight, the entire Teton mountain range was completely socked in with clouds which only confirmed my doubts for the morning. After an hour or so of driving around with nothing but cloud in sight, I accepted the fact that no photos of the mountains were going to be taken. So I tried my best to look for abstract and intimate scenes in the falling snow while also just simply enjoying my last morning of the trip.

Another hour had passed and I only had minor success in finding a scene to photograph. Although it was frustrating to be in the middle of such a beautiful snowstorm and not being able to find anything really compelling to photograph, I still really enjoyed the morning. After more failed attempts at photographing, it was, unfortunately, time for me to head out of the park to get ready for the long drive home. I began my drive out of the park, holding on to a sliver of hope that the mountains would show themselves one last time. As luck would have it the clouds began to part, revealing the mountain tops for only a second. I couldn’t let this opportunity go to the wayside, so I hurried myself to one of the many roadside pull outs to attempt a huge panorama. In my head I pictured the clouds parting to reveal the entire mountain range with fresh snow and low hanging cloud, perfect for a big pano.

Twenty-five more minutes had passed and nothing but a tiny piece of the mountain tops were visible. I was glad I at least gave it a try, but it seemed this last shoot wasn’t meant to be. I continued my final drive out of the park when to my pleasant surprise the clouds began to part way and the peaks of the mountains began to show. I was in complete awe as the clouds and mountains performed what seemed like a choreographed dance in the sky. More and more of the mountains began to show themselves as the clouds swirled around them. In almost a panic I rushed to the nearest pull-out, switched to my telephoto lens, and began to shoot. I was more than glad I made the decision to stick it out that morning. In a way, this photo was the Teton’s way of saying good-bye after a short but incredible visit.

If you made it this far I know what you’re thinking, why such a long story for such a rather boring adventure in one of the most photographed places in the world? I didn’t have to climb a mountain or hike through heavy snow for this photo, in reality, most of the time I was sat in the comfort of a warm car. I wanted this story to be a reminder to stay patient, keep a little bit of hope, and always strive for unique photos even when in a place like the Tetons. But the biggest take away from this story should be to always get out early and stay out late, no matter the conditions and no matter the location. You never know, you may just get lucky like I did on this very wintry June morning.