Without doubt the most photogenic mountains anywhere on this blue marble are the Grand Tetons, and they're probably photographed and painted more than any other mountain range.  With twelve peaks over 12,000 feet, and over 900 flowering plants, if you can't find something to photograph in Grand Teton National Park then you will be the only one of the million or so that will.  I've always wanted to get my perfect shot of the Grand Tetons since I first saw them when I was just fourteen, and had taken who knows how many rolls of film of the iconic range.  Your picture of the mountain will of course differ from what I had in mind, and that's the way it is up in the Tetons, it's never the same for very long.

     It was 4:30 in the morning, and my colitis was flaring up, and I wasn't in my cabin in the canyon; I was in a very nice motel in Jackson Hole.  Suffering with this agonizing pain is something I've learned to tolerate, but being here in this mountain retreat was supposed to be an adventure, and I was sick yet again.  I said out loud to my wonderful wife, "I wish we could leave right now and shoot the mountains."  But I was doubled over in pain and didn't think I was going anywhere.  My wife had the motivation that morning to convince me to get out of the room and drive out in the dark and catch the Grand Tetons at sunrise.  When that crisp fall, high-country mountain air hit my body I really did feel better, and as the stars gave way in what was to become a magical morning I forgot about how sick I was.  Apparently nothing is as good for you as good mountain air, that's the way it is in the Tetons. 

    The trees had to be golden, and the sky azure, with the peaks just that special color; god knows the image had been in my mind for over forty years.  I'd been part of elk hunts and summer getaways up at the Tetons, so I knew my way around a little, so I pulled into a small road and found the right spot.  The Tetons never disappoint anyone with patience, so just sit like Ansel Adams did and wait.  It was cold, big surprise, but then the sun kissed the peaks and all the troubles in the world seemed to disappear; that's what happens to you in the Tetons, you will see the world in a good light, and the light was good.

    As you've noticed, I love the Tetons and they hold a very special place in my heart for some very personal reasons.  Special things can happen way up there for you too, you just have to get out and let nature wash away your troubles.  The shoot went great and the digital files were going to be fun to work on, so I could find my picture of the Grand Tetons.  This photograph of the Grand Tetons was worked in a new version of Canon's supplied software, Digital Photo Professional, so the software was "free."  Make plans to go up and find your personal vision of Grand Teton National Park, and make it your mountain, too.

Photograph shot with a Canon 7D and a 28-135mm Canon zoom lens, with a tripod of some unknown origin.  And as always, remember to keep your camera ready!