My final stop before heading home was the mesmerizing Alabama Hills in Lone Pine, CA—a place where the surreal rock formations create an otherworldly landscape. The rugged red rocks, juxtaposed against the sprawling Sierra Nevada mountains, form a breathtaking backdrop that feels like a photographer’s paradise. “Shadow and Light,” captures that essence through a dramatic black and white photograph.

As I navigated through the hills, I noticed the sun slowly positioning itself to set just behind a towering peak. The potential for an unforgettable shot was undeniable. I quickly set up my camera and tripod, framing the scene in my mind and anticipating the magical glow that would soon envelop the landscape. Time seemed to stretch as I waited, and finally, the sun dipped behind the peak, casting an ethereal light that transformed the view.

Aware that my backlit vantage point could wash out the colors, I chose to convert the image to black and white. This decision highlighted the dramatic contrast between light and shadow, giving the photograph a timeless, evocative quality that captured the essence of the moment.