Susie Post-Rust. Banks of Lago de Atitlan.

The morning I took this picture, I woke up well before sunrise to make my way to the banks of Lago de Atitlan, a sparkling blue lake just north of Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City. I wanted to be there before the sun came over the ridge, golden and crisp. To my disappointment at the time, the overcast morning muted the sunrise, which could barely even be seen. I am struck now that it was hard for me to see the beauty that stood before me. I expected something different.

Susie Post-Rust loves producing narrative documentary stories. After almost 20 years of working as a documentary photographer in more than 20 countries, she changed pace to teach at Duke University and document life closer to home.

Follow Susie on Instagram @susiepostrust.