Day 138 of 366: Chasing the Morning Sun and Seafoam
The Search for a Stunning Sunrise:
This morning, I set out with the hope of capturing a beautiful sunrise. The predawn sky offered little colour, so I decided to head to Gerroa in search of better photographic opportunities. Upon arriving, I found the western sky quite pretty, but the photos I took didn't quite capture the mood of the morning as I had hoped. The light was subtle, casting gentle hues across the sky, but it lacked the vibrancy I was looking for.
Exploring Berry Beach:
Determined to find the perfect shot, I continued my journey down Seven Mile Beach to Berry Beach. By this time, the sun was already up, and I thought there might be an interesting scene to capture with the sun reflecting on the water. As I walked onto the beach, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight—the morning fog was illuminated by the rising sun, creating a golden glow that spread across the landscape. Additionally, two iridescent rainbows appeared in the clouds near the sun. Although not quite forming full sun dogs like I had captured yesterday, the effect was mesmerising and ethereal.
Capturing the Moment:
I walked down to the water's edge, getting close to the waves to capture the delicate bubbles of seafoam glistening in the sunlight. The combination of the sun's golden rays, the mist, and the subtle rainbows created a magical atmosphere. The gentle waves lapped at the shore, each one bringing a fresh layer of foam that sparkled in the light. I took a series of shots, adjusting my camera settings to capture the bright highlights and the intricate details of the seafoam. The low angle of the sun cast long shadows, adding depth and texture to the scene.
Editing the Images:
Back home, I began the editing process with anticipation. My primary focus was fixing the exposure and enhancing the colours to accurately reflect the stunning scene I had witnessed. Adjusting the highlights and shadows helped bring out the depth and texture of the image, while enhancing the colours ensured the iridescent rainbows and the warm glow of the sun were prominent. I also worked on balancing the contrast to ensure the seafoam's delicate details were not lost. A slight crop helped focus on the most compelling elements of the scene, creating a balanced and visually striking composition. The final image captured the serene beauty of the morning, with the fog, rainbows, and shimmering seafoam coming together in a harmonious tableau.
Reflecting on the Experience:
Today’s adventure reminded me of the importance of persistence and exploration in photography. Despite the initial lack of vibrant colours in the predawn sky, continuing my search led to an unexpectedly beautiful scene at Berry Beach. The illuminated fog, the subtle rainbows, and the shimmering seafoam were a testament to the magic that can be found when we venture just a little further. This experience reinforced my passion for capturing the ever-changing beauty of nature. It also underscored the value of being adaptable and open to new possibilities, as sometimes the most captivating moments are found in unexpected places.