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 :: Windy Fall Road

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Windy Fall Road by Chip Bunnell PhotographyA recent assignment took me to the mountains surrounding Asheville, NC. I was fortunate to be there during the height of “leaf peeping” season. Being a self-professed, modern day beach enthusiast, I have had little experience in peeping on leaves, but was excited to see what all the fuss was about. I am happy to report the adventure did not disappoint.

The leaves were at their peak. Everywhere I looked I had traded my familiar flowing palms for tall, majestic trees covered in florescent orange and fiery gold leaves. There was just enough wind to send some of leafy colors to the ground like huge pieces of confetti celebrating the season. The thick forest had a rich contrast as I scanned from the individual tree textures to the large trunks that seemed to go on into infinity. Being a car enthusiast, some of my favorites scenes were the windy roads as I climbed and descended along the rugged mountain sides. One particular scene stands out.

Just over the South Carolina boarder I found myself on a quiet 2-lane road. The tight corners and hair pin turns seemed to go on and on. I pulled over to admire a curvy stretch and make a few final frames of the wonderful fall colors. In the distance, I heard the familiar sound of a finely tuned classic German sports car. Seconds later, a beautiful maintained Porsche 911 gracefully passed me as it confidently handled each corner with the greatest of ease. I could swear I caught a glimpse of the driver’s face, smiling with an almost childlike joy, as he piloted his dream car through a perfectly picturesque setting. As he vanished around the distant bend, I couldn’t help thinking back to my own times behind the wheel of my dream cars image the feelings of freedom I felt.

Such a simple moment became a true gift I enjoyed and captured. This windy fall road once again proves my belief that the journey is greater than the destination.

Photo Stuff:  Single frame, Processed in LR

www.ChipBunnell.com