When the unpredictability of nature and its fleeting magnificence mix to create whole awe. All day, wild winds had swept via the valley as a blanket of thick clouds remained tucked tightly over New Zealand’s highest peak, Mount Cook dinner/Aoraki. Crossing my fingers and toes the gusty situations would finally assist sweep the cloud cowl away at sundown, I hiked to a viewpoint and sat to observe and wait as gentle fell. Darkness crept in shortly although, and with no glimpse in sight, I made a decision to hike again down, getting solely 100m alongside earlier than a pink glow immediately stopped me in my tracks and I turned to see this scene being revealed. Whereas it felt like sluggish movement and included a fast blissful dance, I’ve by no means opened my digicam bag as shortly as I did at that second. This transient window of intense pastel tones appeared for not more than three minutes earlier than clouds rolled again via and the height was tucked in once more for the night time forward. It’s moments like this that make me really feel alive behind the digicam, making any hour spent ready, so utterly price it to witness the great thing about nature.

Lisa Michele Burns is an Australian photographer, editor of The Wandering Lens, and OM SYSTEM ambassador. Her work covers glaciers, deserts, and areas of climatic significance alongside wildlife, writing journey guides, and mentoring fellow journey photographers by way of Journey Pictures Programs.