Tag Archives: South Florida

NATURE :: Waves of Power

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Sunrise Waves by Chip Bunnell PhotographyEven though I had roughly another hour, my body decided it was ready to awaken…mostly. This morning was to be a rare treat – a wonderful sunrise to practice my craft and my beautiful bride sharing it by my side. As I thought of our adventure, I had no specific destination in mind. Like Luke in 1977, I would use “The Force” and was confident we would find something amazing!

As we approached the pre-dawn highway, I asked my bride if we should go to Miami or Jupiter? She quickly said Jupiter…North it was! Looking to the sky, a thick cloud blanket made me question the wisdom of our trek. Having faith we would find something to fill the frame, we began our journey. A rain shower along the way made us again question our plan, but we pressed onward with the confidence there would be a reward.

As we approached our target, we could see the outline of patchy clouds in the darkness. We had found a hole in the low hanging blanket. Visions of spectacular sunrises were now filling my head. A number of fellow photographers where already at this beach when we arrived. A friendly nod to each and I went to work.

The easterly wind created a constant stream of waves. One by one, they crashed on the resolute rocks. Ironically, the greatest waves rolling in did not make the greatest impact. Instead, it was the quiet ones that had the greatest strength. They seemed to approach with natural stealth and then explode with incredible force just feet in front of us.  Water sprayed from all sides of the rigid coral formations creating a spectacular show.

This caused me to reflect on the upcoming week. Will we approach it with loud intentions, but give out before completion? Or will we have a quiet, determined focus while embracing opportunities with great force and resolve? Ultimately, that is a decision for each of us to make….  Like the example of these powerful waves, here’s to an eye on the goal as we meet new challenges head on, with strength and enthusiasm.

Single exposure, Processed in LR and Topaz Clarity

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www.ChipBunnell.com

SEASCAPE :: Lighthouse Morning Light

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Hillsboro Lighthouse at sunrise by Chip Bunnell Photography

Click to Enlarge – See the Details

For years, I have had a fascination with lighthouses. They have stood as a beacon for seagoing explorers to find their way safely back to shore through the centuries, They act as the single point that connects hundreds or thousands of miles of open water to our firm, dry land. Most are now completely automated, but their vital and purpose still remains true.

My morning adventures took me to the Hillsboro Lighthouse in Pompano Beach. Shocked that I had not taken the opportunity to capture this icon previously, I resigned myself to correct that wrong. The day before, I scouted the area to find an entry point to make my art. Like most waterfront areas, this inlet was boarded by magnificent mansions and high-rise condos with no way for the public to access the beaches. Finally, I did discover a small city park where I could make my morning entry.

I arrived in darkness, lit only by dim lights surrounding the walkways. The lighthouse stood in the distance as a humble giant, sending its powerful light eastward to the on coming vessels. The inlet was calm with only a very few small boats headed out for a morning of fishing. Every 30 seconds the light beam would rotate over my head, light the top edges of the surrounding buildings and then return to the sea. Just as the morning sun broke through the thick morning cloud bank, the towering sentinel extinguished its light. It was as if it knew its job was complete and it passed the security and safety of the awaiting vessels to a much more powerful heavenly light source. It had done its duty and was ready for a well deserved rest, only to again awaken when the sunlight moves on to other oceans around our world.

3 Frame HDR Image, Processed in LR, PS and Topaz Clarity

www.ChipBunnell.com