After Dusk at Lost Twin

Some nights in the backcountry don't need a spectacular celestial event to become unforgettable.

On July 2, 2023, while backpacking through Wyoming's Cloud Peak Wilderness with my best friend, we spent the night at the iconic Lost Twin Lakes. Surrounded by the immense granite walls of the cirque, the lower lake became completely still as the last traces of daylight disappeared from the Bighorn Mountains.

This 10-second exposure was captured after dusk, as the first stars began filling the deep blue sky and the landscape settled into night. Just beyond the frame, an almost-full Buck Moon was approaching its July 3 peak, casting enough ambient light across the landscape to reveal the texture of the cliffs, lingering patches of snow and subtle reflections across the water.

What I love most about this photograph is how quiet it feels. There was no dramatic aurora or brilliant Milky Way core commanding the scene, just a remote alpine lake, towering rock walls, a sky slowly filling with stars, and the stillness that comes after hiking deep enough into the wilderness to leave almost everything else behind.

• Classic Borderless Frameless Prints – Printed on museum-grade cotton rag paper in a lustre finish, perfect for custom framing. These have an archival life of 100 years in typical display conditions and 200 years in dark storage. This style does NOT come with a frame.

• Metal Print – Satin-finish vibrancy and vibrant color depth and detail; edge-to-edge imagery on aluminum with sleek, modern finish. Mounted on a 3/4" float mount with pre-cut hanging holes. This medium style does NOT come with a frame.

• Float Frame Canvas Pro – Museum-grade artistry and timeless presentation; printed on archival fine art canvas with exceptional color accuracy, depth, and texture. Each piece is hand-stretched and expertly mounted within a refined floating frame that creates the illusion of the image “suspended” inside the frame. Crafted in Italy, these canvases combine traditional craftsmanship with modern precision for unmatched quality and longevity. Ready to hang and built to last, this premium format brings warmth, dimension, and a gallery-level finish to any space.

• Each print:

  • Ships ready to display (canvas and metal only come ready to hang)

  • Printed using archival-quality materials for 100+ year longevity

📅 Shipping Timeline:
Please allow 2–6 weeks for production and delivery for float frame wall art. Please allow 2 weeks for metals and classic borderless prints for production and delivery. Each piece is made-to-order and carefully inspected for quality before shipping.

📐 Custom Sizing:
Custom sizes or special installation inquiries are welcome. Please contact Ellen directly for bespoke sizing, framing, or large-scale project options either through my contact page or emailing ellenscollection@gmail.com

🕯️ Care & Longevity:
Each piece is crafted using archival materials for 100+ years of display life. To preserve the integrity of your artwork, display it away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth as needed.