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

 

NATURE :: Morning Foliage on Delray Beach

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Beach foliage on Delray Beach captured by Chip Bunnell PhotographyAfter weeks of rain, we finally woke to a truly picture perfect morning in South Florida! Flat seas, no breeze and some light clouds in the distance set the stage for the star entrance of the sunrise. The normal cast of morning beach walkers seemed to have a little more of smile on their face and pep in their step. The soft sand breathed in the morning warmth and reflected the changing colors from light show of oranges, yellows and blues in the sky high above. Finally, as the climax of the roughly 30 minute show had passed and I slowly walked across the soft sand to my awaiting car. But was that really all?

Long ago, I learned the simple phrase, “…turn around.” As I walked up the sandy path, the ocean at my back, I followed those inspired words and turned around to see what else was happening around me. At that moment I saw how the rising sun was casting warm colors on the thick surrounding beach foliage. The leaves of the sea grapes showed their rich green colors with a mix of shadows and highlights giving shape and definition. A palm tree stood tall and framed the lifeguard stand in the background. The simple blue sky completed the color pallet.  It was truly worthy of a few more moments of my time.  I was richly rewarded in a memory that will last the day and beyond.

If I had continued to walk the path ahead of me and kept blinders towards my next stop of the day, I would have missed a moment that will never be repeated exactly the same. Instead, I captured a wonderful scene because I simply turned around to see what else there was to see.

3 Frame HDR, Processed in LR, Photomatix Pro and PS

www.ChipBunnell.com