Daniel Ameer-Beg, Mirror Lakes-Mount Cook (Places)

This image was captured at Lake Mathieson on the perfect Spring morning in the depths of New Zealand's South Island. I traveled to New Zealand for this exact image. The whispy sky and the perfect reflection on one of New Zealand's most iconic lakes. After driving through the night to get to the destination before sunrise, I had no idea what to expect when shooting. Whilst standing on the little pier in the cold, the sun pierced through the ghost-like clouds at first light providing me the perfect capture! Transforming the image to Monochrome provides the dramatic contrast and highlights the amazing morning had to offer. Every time I look at this photo I get goosebumps and feel the fresh air hit me like I was still standing on the lake's edge.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.