Yosemite Sunrise - El Capitan

Sunrise at Yosemite National Park - El Capitan. To get this picture we arrived at 415 am for a 640 sunrise. We did this to make sure we got the perfect spot for...
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Sunrise at Yosemite National Park - El Capitan. To get this picture we arrived at 415 am for a 640 sunrise. We did this to make sure we got the perfect spot for our shot believing multiple other photographers would be there battling for position...one other guy showed up with his wife and baby around 5 minutes before sunrise. He stayed near or in his car most of the time. Back to 415am. In the black of night I hopped from stone to stone holding my camera and set up with my Tripod in the water just inches above the water to maximize the reflection of the sky. I then attempted to stand-sit on a 2 foot wide rock for 2 hours waiting for the sun to rise. Sitting on the tiny rock, trying not to get wet in 38 degree weather, while bending over to compose the image took it's toll on my back and Psyche. Eventually I gave up, took off my shoes and let my feet go into the Ice cold water so I could sit more comfortably. I barely avoided frostbite and was thankful when the sun finally "rose" as I captured my image. As I walked back to the car, proud of myself for "nailing" the shot, the man with his wife smirked at me as he said "The sun is finally lighting up the rock" I turned and realized he was correct. Because of the angle of sunrise and height of the mountains, the sun was just starting to hit El Capitan 45 minutes after sunrise! He looked at me confidently - knowing he had beat me at my own game. Little did he know how crazy I was as I walked right back out to my previous spot, sat in ice cold water again, and captured the image you see here. I hope you enjoy the Image!
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