There’s something uniquely powerful about the first light hitting the Canadian Rockies, especially when it breaks through stormy skies. Randy captured this image just after dawn in Canmore, Alberta, standing quietly as snow clouds gathered over the mountain. The warm sunlight cut across the rugged face of the mountains, igniting the rock with golden light while the shadows deepened the drama below.

The contrast between fleeting warmth and encroaching storm tells the story of that morning perfectly—one of anticipation, stillness, and nature's raw beauty.

The image went on to earn a Gold Award from the Master Photographers International (MPI) for its evocative light, composition, and emotional impact.