Day 137 of 366: Capturing a Sun Dog After a Busy Morning

A Busy Morning and a Needed Rest:

Today started with a flurry of activity as I spent the morning milking cows and helping to set up the Kiama Shellharbour Camera Club Exhibition at the Old Fire Station in Kiama. By the time I returned home, I was exhausted from the morning's work and decided to take a well-deserved rest. The morning's hustle and bustle had left me physically drained, but the satisfaction of contributing to the local camera club's exhibition brought a sense of accomplishment.

Discovering the Sun Dog:

As the afternoon progressed, my thoughts turned to capturing today's image. Stepping out the front door, I was greeted by an extraordinary sight—a sun dog had formed in the sky. This optical phenomenon, which occurs when ice crystals in the atmosphere refract sunlight, creates the illusion of a second or third sun, often accompanied by a rainbow-like halo. The sight was mesmerizing, with the sun dog glowing brightly next to the sun, casting a surreal aura across the sky. Eager not to miss this moment, I hurried back inside to grab my camera, my fatigue momentarily forgotten in the face of such a rare and beautiful occurrence.

Capturing the Phenomenon:

With my camera equipped with a wide-angle lens, I aimed to capture the stunning clouds along with the sun dog. I took a series of shots, adjusting the exposure to manage the bright highlights of the illusion of the double sun. The expansive sky, with its intricate cloud patterns and the ethereal quality of the sun dog, created a breathtaking scene that I was determined to preserve. As I positioned myself to get the best angle, I marvelled at the sky's transformation—how it could shift from a simple blue expanse to a canvas of natural artistry within moments.

Editing the Image:

Returning inside, I began the editing process with a sense of anticipation. The primary task was correcting the exposure to ensure that the sun dog and the surrounding clouds were well-defined. Adjusting the highlights and shadows helped bring out the details in the clouds, while a slight crop maintained the sense of the vast autumnal sky while focusing attention on the sun dog. The editing process also involved enhancing the colours to ensure the rainbow halo stood out without appearing artificial. The final image highlighted the dramatic beauty of this rare natural phenomenon, capturing not just the visual spectacle but the feeling of awe it inspired.

Reflecting on the Experience:

Today's unexpected encounter with a sun dog was a perfect reminder of the surprises nature can offer, even on the busiest of days. After a hectic morning, taking the time to capture and appreciate this moment felt especially rewarding. It reinforced the importance of staying alert to the wonders around us, ready to seize photographic opportunities as they arise. This experience also underscored the joy of photography—the ability to find beauty in the everyday and to capture fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Have you ever witnessed a sun dog or any other rare atmospheric phenomenon? How do you ensure you're ready to capture these fleeting moments? Share your experiences and photos in the comments below! Let's celebrate the beauty and unpredictability of nature together. Your stories and images are a testament to the magic that surrounds us, encouraging us all to look up and appreciate the sky's ever-changing canvas.