"Vancouver Island doesn't have any mountains." - I've heard this said many times, and not an ounce of it reigns true. The pristine mountain ranges of the Island call me back every year, and every year I find myself wanting to explore more.
This particular photo was exactly what I was after: a nightscape image of the moon-rise backlighting the peaks. However, What I didn't plan for was the appearance of the Milky Way. I initially thought that the moon would wash out the details of the Milky Way core, however, the moon stayed low along the horizon for the majority of the night, so the Milky Way stayed visible. I personally love how it helps balance the scene and directs the eye diagonally towards the mountains.
This composition is mind-blowingly good. Very pleasing on the eye.