I love this photo as the early light of dawn breaks over the mountains and bathes the valley in gold. It is a companion image to photo SV3738. I also love it because it shows the rewards of hard work, patience, and the benefits of planning and effort.

The previous afternoon, I went for a walk across these same acres of tulips hoping to locate a prime shot. I spied this location, but at that moment the midday light was harsh, and tourists were everywhere snapping their own photos. There was nothing terribly spectacular about this spot at that moment; but given the eastern facing orientation of the barn, I thought this area could be something special at dawn.

The next morning my alarm went off at 3:30 AM--my last day in Skagit Valley. It was pitch black when I left the hotel. To my dismay, I soon discovered that finding a specific location in a sea of darkness within a grid of nearly identical country roads was quite the challenge. Eventually, I found my intended spot and lugged my tripod and equipment about a quarter of a mile over dirt paths in the midst of the pre-dawn tulip fields. I then waited in 38 degree weather for 45 minutes for the light to arrive.

After wondering if all my effort would ever pay off, some wonderful golden light finally appeared. It lasted for only a couple of minutes, but Providence blessed me most handsomely for my efforts on this day with the image pictured above. And for that, I am most grateful. Lesson: Be persistent!