Heart Lake view of Mount Shasta

This photo was taken from the southern point of Heart Lake, looking northeast toward Mount Shasta. To get this perspective, it's about a 1.3 mile trek from the Castle Lake parking lot. After parking, enter the trail marked by a "Heart Lake" sign at the left. Follow the trail until you see a creek. Once you've hiked to the creek, turn right toward the steep forested trail. Hike for about 8-10 minutes until the trees starts to disappear and the trail starts to scatter. In this area, there's no clear trail reaching the lake, but to reach Heart Lake, follow any one of the trails right toward the steep ridge in the distance. Continue down toward the off-beaten trail until you get to Heart Lake. You can also reference the GPS coordinates to check your location. Once you've reached the lake, make your way around (on the south side) until you see Mount Shasta fall perfectly in between the framed hills.

The weather tends to be a bit warmer in the summer than it is in the fall and winter. Also, the trees won't be bare in the summer months, so you'll be able to photograph a lusher landscape.

At sunrise, the soft lighting will work in your favor. The pristine, early-morning water will also add an element to the lake, creating a sunrise reflection against Mount Shasta.

Be sure not to touch the water so you can have a perfect reflection. If there are other people at the lake, wait until the water has completely calmed down from any movement.

I think it's best to try and stick with a 40-60mm range for your focal length. With this length, the perspective of the landscape will be neither too wide nor too compressed.

I think it looks best to have the subject walking across the middle of the frame for the most natural movement. This positioning will add a sense of symmetry, too.

On your way back to the parking lot, make sure to spend time at Castle Lake. It's quite a bit bigger than Heart Lake and it's just as photogenic!