The Scene: This horizontal landscape captures the iconic snow-dusted peaks of the Maroon Bells at sunset. The jagged, dark granite faces of the mountains are highlighted by a soft dusting of early winter snow, standing in stark contrast to the brilliant, fiery orange and amber clouds that fill the sky directly behind them. Below the peaks, the slopes are a tapestry of autumn transition, with dark green evergreens and vibrant yellow aspen groves descending toward the shore of a calm mountain lake. The foreground features a rocky, dark shoreline, framing the golden reflection of the sky on the water's surface.
 
Artistic Note: The strength of this composition lies in its Atmospheric Contrast and Tonal Depth. By capturing the mountains at the precise moment of "golden hour," the image utilizes the warm, diffused backlighting to create a silhouette-like effect on the lower slopes, while emphasizing the sharp, crystalline texture of the snow on the summits. The rich, saturated oranges of the turbulent sky provide a dramatic, almost painterly backdrop that elevates the scene from a standard mountain vista into a powerful study of light and elemental power.
 
2:3 Aspect Ratio