This image was shot without any tripod. I hiked down from a hill in Death Valley after taking some images and lighted a cigarette while waiting for my friends to settle down. I immediately saw a bunch of people standing at a hill in front of me, with a beautifully gradient sky at the background. I saw a couple, a daughter and her father, and a guy who was just gazing up. When I followed his gaze I saw the crescent moon emerging from the sky with sky going from orange to blue.

I had no doubts in my mind that this is one composition that just can't be ignored. I immediately pointed my 100-400 glass at the hill hoping for the guy to continue his gaze up at the moon at just took the shot. I was not even sure of my exposure, as it was the composition that was important. Luckily I got my exposure correct, with very minor adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop. Only after taking the image I realized that I burnt my hand with the cigarette that was still between my lips.