Tag Archives: Pier

NATURE :: Sunrise Do Over

Image

Juno Beach Sunrise by Chip Bunnell PhotographyIt is no secret that sunrise is my most favorite part of the day. Unlike a single holiday, it is a celebration that happens 365 times a year. It is a time of excitement and filled with hope. Just like a massive curtain rising, the sunrise is the signal of the start to the world’s largest play.

Just think, within hours the morning sky slowly moves from cold dark blues to the introductions of warmer oranges and yellows. Almost as a powerful cleanser, the sunrise breaks through the darkness and allows us another try. In many respects, a sunrise wipes the slate clean and allows us to do today better than we did yesterday. Whether we look out and see a corn field in Kansas, a distant mountain range in Montana, a virtual sea of skyscrapers in Chicago or the flowing ocean of South Florida, we each have a new day and a new chance.

I made this image on one of the northern Palm Beaches. It was a quiet morning. The clouds gave a defusement to the rising sun while adding interest beyond the ocean’s edge. The pier adds a man-made element that directs your eye to explore the frame.

Regardless of the trials and tribulations we experience during any given day, there is comfort in knowing the sun will rise again. Like when we played as children, a “do over” is allowed…if we allow it.

Single Frame, Processed in LR

www.ChipBunnell.com

NATURE :: Never Miss Anything in Juno

Image

Chip Bunnell Photography Juno Beach Palm Beach FloridaProfessional baseball players all learn at a very young age to “respect the streak,” Having played baseball for a number of my young years, I learned that lesson as well. So, after my 5 day streak of awakening long before the sunrise to greet the day with a camera in my hand, I felt there needed to be a 6th. I am happy to report that by respecting the streak, I was richly rewarded.

The weather reports all said it will be a cloudy, rainy day. The question was could I beat the odds and find that little break in the clouds to allow the sun to come through. As I made the hour long trek north to the Juno Beach Pier, I kept a watchful eye on the eastern horizon. Little by little the clouds began to show their faint outline. At one point I even thought to myself that this would be a bust and that I would be better served under the warm covers on my waiting bed. On an impulse, I exited the highway to make a U-Turn home. Fortunately, I had to wait for a light which gave me a moment to remember the words by which I laughingly have lived my life: “I hate to miss anything!” As this is an “anything”, I would hate to miss it, so back to the highway I went.

When I arrived at the pier, the clouds were heavy, but there was a faint hint of orange right at the horizon line. I made a few frames and began my exploration down the beach. As the sun began its climb, it was indeed behind the thick clouds, but today, the sunrise itself was not the exciting story. Instead, I was able to look down the beach towards the pier and see the most incredible reflections of those very same massive mountains of clouds. The low tide left a glossy, reflective surface that showcased the rich blue and white contrasts from above. Rather than the clouds hiding my subject, they become the subject and the star of this morning’s play.

…and it’s all because I respected the streak and I hate to miss anything!

3 Frame HDR, Processed in LR and Photomatix Pro

www. ChipBunnell.com