PORTRAIT :: Brittany at Sunrise

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Sunrise Portrait by Chip Bunnell PhotographyWhat do you call a young, determined, successful woman with a giving heart and joyful smile?  In addition to a thirst for adventure and travel, she is also excited about trying wholesome new experiences.  The world knows her as Brittany.  I am one of the lucky that is able to call her my friend.

On one particularly wonderful spring morning, she agreed to be my willing model for a sunrise beach photo session.  We arrived  just as the sky was a rich, deep blue, about 30 mins before the sun would meet the new day.  After a quick survey of the conditions and an overview of upcoming fun, we took our positions – me behind the camera and the lovely talent on the soft cool sandy beach.  The waves gently rolled in and out, adding to the feeling of the true paradise we were standing in.  As the sun slowly began its climb, Brittany found her “zone.”  Pose after pose, she showed grace, playfulness and even a little teasing look to taunt her would-be suiters.  I limited our session to only 1 hour which forced me to quickly make the images I knew she would enjoy.  It also allowed us to keep our growling stomachs in check as the smell of fresh bacon and pancakes wafted down the beach from a near by diner.

…and yes, the bacon and pancakes were amazing!  After all, you must have a treat to reward your hard work, right?

Photo Stuff:  Single frame, with off camera speedlite fill flash on the subject.  Processed in LR5

www.ChipBunnell.com

 

LOCATION :: A Birthday Sunrise

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Sunrise Beach Lifeguard Stand by Chip Bunnell Photography

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Thursday…a day like many others.  It does not have quite the fanfare of, say a Friday and chants of TGIF, or Saturday for a wild night on the town or even a relaxing Sunday morning brunch.  Wednesday is at least hump day leading to the weekend and Monday has the title of being the single most dreaded day of the week.  No, Thursday is simply a day to hold a place when completing a 7 day week.  So what makes this normally uncelebrated Thursday so special?  Well, its my birthday.

This special morning, my wife gave me the wonderful gift of watching the sunrise together on our favorite beach.  As the sun peaked above the horizon, it lit the clouds and cast a soft golden glow on all it touched.  A soft tropical breeze blew upon our faces.  One by one I made my images and thought that this sunrise seemed a little more special.

It was a mark in time to reflect on my past and ponder my future.  Today is not a significant milestone such as 18, 40 or even 50, but it is a time to reflect and set goals to reach before the next milestone reaches my door.  What seemed so distant, now seems so close.  It is a realization that time is a precious gift that cannot be wasted or taken for granted.  Like this iconic Delray lifeguard stand, I show a bit of wear, but plan on being here for many years to come.

Mostly, on this normally uncelebrated day of the week, I am grateful for my loving wife, supportive family, dear friends and all those that have touched my path and helped shape who I am today.  This, this first sunrise of my new year is the start of many wonderful adventures, challenges and successes to come!

Photo Stuff:  3 Frame HDR Image.  Processed in LR, PS and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com