Tag Archives: Ocean

NATURE :: Sunrise Ocean Lightning

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Sunrise Ocean Lightning by Chip Bunnell Photography

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The ocean never ceases to amazing me. One minute I can be deep in slumber, knowing that just on the other side of the bedroom walls are the gentle waves lapping on the beach. Just seconds later I can awaken to wall-rattling booms of thunder, as lightning illuminates the entire room in a brilliant flash. Long before the rooster alarm sounded, that was exactly how our morning started.

At first, I seemed to be in a foggy state as I walked along the beach, surrounded by body-rumbling bangs. In my dream, they seemed to go on and on. After what seemed like hours, but was really only a few minutes, I realized I was sleeping through a delightfully powerful storm. Once I gathered my bearings, I finally grasped the rare opportunity to see lightning over the ocean during sunrise. With my trusty non-metal tripod in hand, I ventured on to the balcony to see if I could capture the magic of nature in my lens.

I made several interesting images, but this was my favorite. I loved the texture of the cloud ceiling with the morning sun forcing its way through. On the left, a single unstoppable bolt blasts the waiting ocean below. No lightning trigger or other such tool was available.   Once again, I am reminded that timing and preparation get results…with a little luck thrown in for good measure.

Photo Stuff: Single frame on a tripod, Processed in LR, PS and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com
(c) 2014 All Rights Reserved

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