I'm not sure if the light is "dramatic" but the overall image sure is. Very nice. Love the range of tones and composition.

I consider this lighting extremely dramatic - the sun is about to burst over the horizon and spread warmth across the cold and dark tundra. The image promises hope, but also shows that beauty is fleeting. It's a spectacular shot AbsolutelyN, you should be very proud. I hope and assume you've printed this. There must be a lot of detail that we're not getting to see in a tiny JPG.

Aren't red filters wonderful?...assuming his was shot orignally in black and whie on medium format (or larger) film. Very good work, indeed. Congratulations.

Also, I second Flatline's remarks.