I had set off before dawn to photograph the trees of the Yarra Ranges. Only to find the way to my hike padlocked and closed for winter.

With daybreak fast approaching, I took a gamble on an unexplored expanse of native forest. (And as you can already tell by this frame, I’m stoked I did.)

As I waded through the undergrowth the rising sun began to ignite the morning mist. First in a deep scarlet, then shifting to a golden glow that illuminated the forest.

Us landscape photographers often talk about stunning sunrises and magical moments. (And I can be as guilty of hyperbole as most.)

But in that moment I found myself overwhelmed with pure awe at the scene unfolding around me. I composed myself to fire off a few frames, with this one easily climbing to the top of my portfolio.

So to mix metaphors, when two roads diverge in the woods, follow the light.