Capturing this image was quite challenging as it took place at the 1,011 foot summit of Pinnacle Mountain in Roland, Arkansas. I was carrying a camera bag, an umbrella, a light stand, and two Godox V850 flashes. I shot the image using a Fujifilm X-T1 with a vintage Takumar 200mm f/3.5 (1959) and a Lens Turbo II. Due to the slow EVF, nailing the focus was critical, especially since the shot was taken just a few minutes after sunset. Using focus peaking was the best option.
The subject was only a few days away from her due date, which made the hike even more concerning. It took us nearly 2.5 hours to reach the top, and I was constantly worried that her water might break during the climb. My camera bag also contained a Helios 58mm f/2 and a Pentacon 135mm f/2.8, adding significant weight and making the hike even more intense.
After the shoot, we had another 2.5-hour trek back down. The next day, I was completely exhausted, staying in bed to recover from the summer heat and body aches. While the image is a beautiful capture and a cherished memory… I will never attempt this again.