Sunrise on Lake Cassidy

Photographer: Anne Julson, Marysville

Photo taken: June 27, Lake Cassidy, Snohomish County

Photographer's description: "I went to Lake Cassidy to hopefully catch a beautiful sunrise, and was amazed at how beautiful it turned out to be. I used a Canon EOS Rebel XTi."

Expert says: "Light is truly a photographer's best friend. This sunrise lit up Lake Cassidy with a warm, orange glow that wouldn't have been present during a different time of day. Planning a photo shoot according to natural-lighting conditions is a great way to control mood in a photograph. This picture is amazing because the photographer used the light to transform a simple scene into a breathtaking image."

— Jessica Oyanagi, Seattle Times

photo production specialist

weekendphotos. We'll judge the year's best in December (and award a prize). See more photos at seattletimes.com/traveloutdoors.