One of the pleasures of nature photography is unexpected encounters with other nature photographers that turn into shared memorable experiences.

I arrived at Red Jack Lake just as the clouds were awash in the pastel pinks of sunrise. Two photographers were already set up capturing what was one of the most amazing mornings I have witnessed - the water as smooth as glass, bright sun striking the distant shore lighting up the glory of the autumn forest, clouds dense and ominous blowing by at such a pace we could not understand how the lake remained like a mirror.

We worked furiously to capture what we were sure was an ephemeral scene. But the beauty, instead of disappearing, merely morphed from one glorious vision into another. Every so often one of us would stop shooting, stand back to take it in and comment to the others on the impossibility of this light. Adam said the light made it worth coming this morning. John said it made the whole trip. I agreed.

Location: Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan.