Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains of Oregon lies the stunning Crater Lake, an otherworldly landscape formed by the explosive collapse of a volcanic peak. As one of the country's deepest and most pristine lakes, it's no wonder why this natural wonder attracts visitors from all over the world. In the winter months, the lake transforms into a winter wonderland, blanketed by snow and surrounded by towering peaks dusted with frost.

It was on one such winter excursion that I had the privilege of capturing the beauty of Crater Lake with my camera. I was on a road trip with my good friend Jesse Brackenbury, and we made a stop at this iconic location. I will never forget the awe-inspiring experience of snowshoeing around Crater Lake staring at the beauty of Wizard Island, a cinder cone in the middle of the lake. The serene silence of the snow-covered landscape was only interrupted by the occasional crunch of snow under our feet.

As the sun slowly rose in the sky, I was struck by the beauty of this natural wonder and knew I had to capture it. I remember the thrill of seeing this picture featured on KGW news on Thanksgiving morning in 2019. It was a proud moment for me and a testament to the power of capturing and preserving the beauty of nature through photography.