LOCATION :: Soft Moody Morning

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Moody beach morning by Chip Bunnell PhotographyThere is no doubt that I am fortunate enough to live in, what I feel is, paradise. The famed rich blue waters and soft sandy beaches are the the stars of countless postcards. Perpetual sun and fun in the belief of how many live their lives in South Florida. For some, that is actually pretty accurate. We are blessed with the climate and natural resources to make that belief a reality. But is every day really like that? Is it really 365 of sun and calm blue oceans? Hardly, but is that really a bad thing? All good questions….

The answer, in my humble opinion, is no, it is not a bad thing to have a few windy, rainy days. That may sound kind of crazy, but stay with me. You see, without the rainy days, the truly spectacular sunfilled moments would become nothing short of routine. Without a few days of gray, the blue would be the norm and not appreciated or enjoyed. But does that mean there is no beauty in the gray days and we should wait for the sun? Again, the answer is no. Confused? How can a gray, windy day still have beauty?

I like this image as it shows a blend of a not-so-postcard day (and trust me, that is being kind), while at the same time showing the beauty from the textures. The long exposure changes the waves from menacing swirls of fury to a soft frosty flow. The thick clouds flowed overhead with a hint of a hidden colorful sunrise revealed on the edges. The solid pier gives a stationary reference point as the forces move about. While this may not be a sunny postcard day, there is still beauty in the moment fueled by anticipation of the next spectacular postcard scene to come.

Photo Stuff: Single frame with a variable ND filter, Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com

LOCATION :: Waiting to Sail

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Sailboat at dock by Chip Bunnell PhotographyFriday morning and the storms have passed. Blue sky with puffy clouds are seen from horizon to horizon. The wind has picked up and the sea ebbs and flows on the shore. Only the imagination limits the journey of where this scene will take you.

At this very same moment, every want-to-be pirate trapped in his cubical during these last few hours of the work week is dreaming of casting off the lines, hoisting the mainsail and heading into adventure. The ship may be more modern and a more brightly colored than the real pirates of days gone by, but the love of the sea and riding on her waves remains the same. Whether she is a 80’ luxury schooner or a modest 20’ sloop, there is often a Jolly Roger flying to bring out the pirate spirit. Of course, Jimmy Buffett is playing in the background. …Isn’t that a given?

To me, this image captured these feelings. She is patiently tied at dock, flanked by two feathered sentinels watching over her. The clouds added great texture to the sky with the tropical landscape dividing them from the calm waters below. I exaggerated the colors slightly to show the wonderful blend of blue, yellow and green in their respective places. Whether its an afternoon on the ocean or a week in the Keys, she is ready for her captain to guide her next run.

Photo Stuff: Single frame, Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com