Northwestern Wyoming is renowned for its scenic landscapes and natural wonders. From pristine alpine meadows to vast expanses of high desert, pastoral homesteads backdropped by jagged peaks to mysterious geysers that hint at the supervolcano below – the region has always attracted my curiosity.

A particular aspect of the greater Yellowstone-Grand Teton region that has always captivated me is the turning of the seasons. The summer months are crowded, the winter is brutally cold, the spring thaw is laden with mud, and the autumn… well… paradise. This spot, located just west of Moran Junction in Grand Teton National Park is one of my all-time favorite spots to photograph. No matter the season, weather, or time of day – you can find inspiration and wonder just by sitting by the headwaters of the Snake River and watching the reflection of Mt. Moran in the distance.

I arrived at the location a little late that autumn morning and the sun was already casting fairly harsh shadows across the Teton Range. You can slightly compensate for this by using a circular polarizer (which brings out the detail in the peaks and adds more contrast to the water and sky). I recommend shooting this shot as close to sunrise as possible to get softer shadows and calmer wind for the reflection. If you are lucky and time it right, you just might see the famous Grizzly 399 and her cubs who frequent the area most years.