Some virtual scouting on Google Earth paid off for this image; I knew I would need to find a vantage point to the north of the Tetons in order to get them in the same frame as the Milky Way, on the night I’d be there. This spot on the shore of Jackson Lake looked to be ideal. Little did I realize that the shore was actually a steep bank dropping nearly 20 feet down to the water! I set up my tripod early and tested the angle while I could still see what I was doing, then carefully (and noisily, in bear country!) went back to it about 2:00 a.m. when the Milky Way was at the angle I wanted. I’m so glad after all that planning that the sky was clear!