Yesterday was one of the few days that Roxborough State Park opened early enough to allow people to shoot the sunrise. They opened at 5:00AM for the 5:35AM sunrise. I've been wanting to catch one of these sunrise openings. The early openings in April and May were raining, overcast days. Today was the day!
I made sure I got there about 4:30AM so that I stood a good chance of getting the spot I scouted out during my last trip (see Scouting Roxborough). I was the third in line at the gate. Over the next 40 minutes (yes, the ranger was late), the line of cars waiting grew to 13. It felt like a race - not a relaxing morning of hiking and shooting! Once we all got to the parking lot, I grabbed by camera bag and tripod. The ranger asked me if I'd seen the bear as we were driving in. I had - it was a good size bruin. Too bad it was too far away to get a photo. Somebody used that diversion to get to the spot I scouted out. However, this second choice of place is not too bad either.
The whole time I was here and taking shots, I keep thinking to myself that I was missing the real show. The sky to the east had a fair amounts of clouds and looked like it may be the best sight. I decided to stay where I was because I didn't know of any good spots from which to shoot the eastern sky.
As with most photo trips I take, I learned something: when scouting a location, look for other possible alternative angles/shots depending on possible alternative weather and light conditions.
After capturing a number of versions of this popular composition, I hiked around a bit looking for compositions and subjects that express my style a bit more. Some of these photos are sure to appear in future posts.
Oh, and the title? That’s the horrible time that I had to wake up at in order to get this shot…
Be sure to visit Scenic Sundays!
I made sure I got there about 4:30AM so that I stood a good chance of getting the spot I scouted out during my last trip (see Scouting Roxborough). I was the third in line at the gate. Over the next 40 minutes (yes, the ranger was late), the line of cars waiting grew to 13. It felt like a race - not a relaxing morning of hiking and shooting! Once we all got to the parking lot, I grabbed by camera bag and tripod. The ranger asked me if I'd seen the bear as we were driving in. I had - it was a good size bruin. Too bad it was too far away to get a photo. Somebody used that diversion to get to the spot I scouted out. However, this second choice of place is not too bad either.
The whole time I was here and taking shots, I keep thinking to myself that I was missing the real show. The sky to the east had a fair amounts of clouds and looked like it may be the best sight. I decided to stay where I was because I didn't know of any good spots from which to shoot the eastern sky.
As with most photo trips I take, I learned something: when scouting a location, look for other possible alternative angles/shots depending on possible alternative weather and light conditions.
After capturing a number of versions of this popular composition, I hiked around a bit looking for compositions and subjects that express my style a bit more. Some of these photos are sure to appear in future posts.
Oh, and the title? That’s the horrible time that I had to wake up at in order to get this shot…
Be sure to visit Scenic Sundays!
10 comments:
I sure that Ms Toast Burner will be relieved that this lesson didn't involve flip-flops. :)
So you succeeded! What a beauty. The lighting is spectacular at that time of morning and the sky cooperated perfectly! It would be interesting to be able to see the shots that your fellow photographers shot along side you, wouldn't it? This valley is so green and the colors of the rocks, sky, and surroundings really come out spectacularly. I don't know what the view from your number one spot would have looked like, but your alternate spot provides a lovely vista. Looking forward to seeing what else you captured.
Fantastic. Thank you for setting the alarm clock so early! Can you see animals on the rock like I do?
Sly ranger - was he in cahoots with the opportunist who grabbed your spot? The greens in this photo are amazing, both the ones in the valley and the ones already warmified by the bright, hot thing in the sky.
lol! I'm well impressed, Russ! ;-)
Also, very impressed with this photo! That is absolutely stunning, looking forward to seeing more shots.
As for the missed bear... by coincidence, I have a bear related thing on my blog that might make up for it... Well, no it won't as seeing bears live is wonderful but the bloggy thing is somewhat amusing.
Thanks for getting up at 2.30am!
That is great light.
Such sacrifice and dedication! Impressive shot. I must check out this Roxborough.
Only passion can drive a photographer to wake up at 4.30am, Russ! Thank you for the story and for sharing this beautiful image. I had to sigh a happy sigh when I look at it!
That is a truly magnificent view! Well worth the wait!
Thanks everyone!
cieldequimper - now I don't see any animal... What animals do you see?
Did any of you see the couple of houses in the picture?
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