Sprague Lake Sunrise must be one of the most peaceful beauties to watch develop in front of your eyes.
I wasn't positive about what to expect from this location. It was a peaceful morning. I can hear the stream running into the lake and the ducks diving into the water. Can hear my footsteps as I walked the boardwalk pathway over the marshy grassland surrounding the lake. I set out a goal to get the perfect golden sunrise with a reflection off the lake.
I try to visit Rocky Mountain National Park as often as I can since it is under 2 hours for me to drive there. But to get a beautiful sunrise that means leaving at 2-3 in the morning.
I knew which direction the sun would be rising. I knew what kind of reflections I was going to get. I knew what camera settings I needed to capture the sun rays bursting over the mountain tops.
Luckily it is a very short hike from the parking area to Sprague Lake because walking in complete darkness when you can run into bears, or a moose keeps you on guard.
After walking up and down the boardwalk framing different compositions with my cell phone and calculating where the sun would be rising, I discovered my composition. I set myself up for success and took several images before, during and after the sunrise.
The rewards of watching the sunrise in this beautiful setting are well worth getting up early and getting out.
