“SUCCESS COMES TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE WILLPOWER TO WIN OVER THEIR SNOOZE BUTTONS”

One of my absolute favorite memories from family vacations has to be waking up early with my mom to experience the breathtaking beauty of a sunrise. My fondest recollection of this cherished tradition happened during a delightful trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We were visiting the stunning Smoky Mountain National Park when my mom gently woke me up one morning and asked if I would like to go for a peaceful walk and watch the magnificent sunrise together. I vividly remember stepping outside of our cozy lodging, gazing up at the horizon, and seeing a sky that looked just like fluffy cotton candy, painted in soft pinks and oranges. It is truly something I will never forget. My one small regret is that I didn’t have a camera with me at that moment to capture the sheer magic. Fast forward 30 years, and waking up for sunrise has become one thing that fills me with immense excitement. It does not matter whether I am on vacation or just enjoying a peaceful weekend getaway. If I check the weather forecast and feel that it’s going to be a spectacular morning, you can bet that I will be up and out the door while it is still pitch black outside. One particularly memorable experience was when I captured "Pink Sunrise" on an incredibly cold morning in Longmont, Colorado. This lake has become one of my absolute favorite places to visit throughout the year. In this stunning photo, you can see how the lake was transformed, with its frozen surface forming intricate and beautiful designs and textures. If you’ve ever had the chance to sit beside a frozen lake, you might agree that it seems to talk to you. The shifting of the ice creates loud, cracking noises that disrupt what would otherwise be a perfectly calm and serene environment. That particular morning, I just had this strong feeling that the sky was going to light up spectacularly. The cloud report looked promising, and I certainly wasn’t let down. I must have taken around 300 photos that morning, with the sky becoming more and more vibrant every second as the sun gradually began to rise. The stillness and the brilliant colors made it a truly magical scene. When the sun finally peeked over the horizon, its warmth enveloped me, making me feel wonderful. I credit this beautiful photo to my mom; if she hadn’t shared the enchanting beauty of a sunrise with me while I was just a kid, I doubt I would be as motivated as I am today to capture moments like this one.

Location: Longmont, Colorado