Capturing the sunset at Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park, just east of Edmonton, is a quiet and rewarding experience that highlights the subtle beauty of Alberta’s landscapes. As the sun lowers toward the horizon, warm light spreads across the lake, turning the water into a smooth reflective surface that mirrors the changing sky. Soft oranges and gentle pinks blend with cooler blues, while scattered clouds catch the last rays of daylight, adding texture and depth to the scene. The tree-lined shoreline and small islands within the lake slowly fall into silhouette, creating strong natural framing elements that guide the eye across the photograph. Along the water’s edge, reeds and grasses glow briefly before fading into shadow, offering foreground interest and a sense of scale. Timing is essential, as the most striking colors often appear moments after the sun has set, when the sky deepens and reflections become richer and more dramatic. Wildlife frequently enhances the moment, with the distant call of birds or the subtle movement of water adding life to the otherwise still setting. Careful exposure choices help preserve detail in both the sky and its reflection, allowing the mood of the evening to remain intact. As twilight settles in, the park’s dark sky designation becomes apparent, and the first stars begin to emerge above the soft afterglow of dusk. Capturing the sunset at Astotin Lake is about more than technical precision; it is about slowing down, observing the rhythm of light, and preserving a peaceful moment where nature gently transitions from day to night.