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

DESTINATION :: Fishing South Florida Style

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Chip Bunnell PhotographyTo many, a day fishing means finding a quiet lake or stream and enjoy the competition between man and fish.  A simple pole is all that stands between them.  Okay, there’s obviously more to it than that, but you get the feel. In South Florida, a day fishing requires just a bit more equipment. For starters, how about a 35’ offshore boat with inboard diesel engines and a “Tuna Tour” 20 feet above the waterline. Add to it a well-trained captain or very experienced owner, a wide selection of bait and lures and, of course, plenty of beverages to keep you well hydrated. It’s still the competition between man and fish, just with a whole lot more stuff and a little bigger price tag.

One of my favorite places is a marina. I enjoy seeing the various vessels as we prepare for a day on the ocean. The anticipation builds, fueled by the wonder of what we will find. On a recent dive trip I found myself able to simply take in the mood as we got underway for our journey to the Atlantic. The water in the marina was calm and filled with reflections from the boats still at dock. Passing clouds painted an interesting sky with the palm trees flowing high overhead. It was the perfect start to a wonderful day and a reminder of why we call our home paradise. This image was made to capture that moment and feeling.

Single Frame, Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com