I rose early, for the third day in a row, in order to capture some shots of the elk that frequently populate the river in the mornings. Since my previous attempts had been unsuccessful, I began to wonder why I should bother. Then suddenly I realized, I don’t get that many chances to photograph in Yellowstone, and I won’t  know what I may be missing if I don’t get up and go!

The Madison has several hot water springs  that run into the cold river and create a beautiful steamy fog. I was the first to arrive that morning and it was quite a surreal setting. I felt alone in the wilderness; peaceful and solitary in my own natural utopia. I was enjoying the crisp September air and the warmth of the rising sun when I captured this scene.

I hope that other people can view this photo and experience the feeling of being alone with the early morning fog, in the stillness of nature at peace in the dawn of a new day.