A late start to the morning.  Somehow, I misread the clock and thought it was an hour earlier.  Not to be deterred, I headed out regardless of the oversight.  The forecast wasn’t a sure thing as it was predicted to be an 89% cloud cover for most of the day.  So far, we have had several snowstorms, some sleet, and this week a few days in the upper 50s and as of this writing we got another inch of snow and are back into the freezing temperatures again.  So, nothing is predictable this season.

 I am always a fan of the gray days, but it would be nice to catch a dramatic sunrise this Winter.  As I am driving to the location, I can already see a break in the clouds but it’s hard to know where that break will be before I arrive at the beach.  I finally arrive at the destination. There are several other photogs already here to get their photos for the day.  The other three photographers are all gathered around the pier. There is still some time before the Sun is in position, so I have some time to find a composition away from the pier, strangely there is an old piece of driftwood further down the beach that no one seems to be interested in.  The long-twisted wretch is partially buried in the sand with its tip stretching skyward. 

I like this piece of wood, hopefully it will remain here for a few more weeks to revisit.  As I am framing up the shot and waiting for the light to begin peaking, I ponder why no one has considered this weathered piece of wood for their subject this morning.  I consider it may be the many footprints around it from the various walkers this morning.  True, some may find the footprints “distracting” but there is a story there as well.  The remains of this old tree, lying lifeless along the shore while the footprints of the invisible living are spread around its carcass.   

Many photographers would have you chase the aesthetic beauty of a scene free of imperfections.  Even the most remote beach may not have human footprints but look closer, there are footprints from crabs, seagulls, and other shore creatures.  Seaweed and shells, sticks and twigs, these are all the things that make up the shoreline environment.  Sure, it’s fine to eliminate a glaring distraction when possible but aesthetic perfection does not exist and those who seek it are often limited to what they choose to photograph and are often the most disappointed when they venture out.  Always strive for excellence not perfection, the world is a messy place even without man’s intervention.  Embrace the mess, see the beauty within the chaos without letting it overtake your primary subject.    Whatever the reason, I had this subject all to myself this morning, again hopefully it will be here a little while longer. 

After capturing that moment, I wandered down the beach to see if anything else called out to me. After some time, I ended up back near the pier and captured a long exposure to showcase the serenity of the moment, soft clouds, smooth waves, and golden light on the pier.

It would not be long now that the Sun would rise into the encroaching cloud cover. I decided to pack up and leave for the day and prep for where I wanted to shoot for the evening as I would have some free time to do both Sunrise and Sunset today. Upon leaving the glint of the light through the trees caught my eye. A nice scene of the Sun playing peekaboo as the light illuminated the brush around the tree. Truly a good morning.

Turns out that the evening shoot was equally as satisfying. I decided on East Wharf in Madison this time. I arrived well before Sunset and found 3 vantage points to shoot from.

I put on my headset and listened to some inspiring music as the Sun descended, as I stood waiting and enjoying the moment.

This is the time I can just sit back and watch all the elements interact with each other and enjoy the scene as it unfolds. The clouds were moving toward me over Tuxis Island, tonight’s main subject.

Sunrise and Sunset results in one day, always satisfying. You would never know that snow would be on the menu just a day away. Stay tuned for those results.