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Description

A Revealing Fog

Over two hundred years ago our fledgling nation stood, bravely, against the mightiest empire on earth and declared its independence. Needless to say it was a murky period in our history that was ripe with uncertainty and fear. Defeat seemed a far more realistic conclusion than freedom but, conviction is a powerful thing.

This past weekend we celebrated our 238th birthday as a free country. For my own personal observance I decided to rise early and photograph a sunrise at Nubble Light in York, Maine. I envisioned a colorful sunrise set against an iconic symbol of strength and perseverance. I left my house with a specific image in mind and high hopes that the clearing storm would add further drama to my vision. Mother Nature had other plans.

I got to Nubble Light about 20 minutes before sunrise and my spirits quickly faded. The fog was so thick that I could not even see the lighthouse. Dejected, I sat in my truck with my last few sips of coffee and cursed my misfortune. I spent the time thinking of the patriots that forged this country and what July 4th was all about. I imagined their fierce determination despite numerous setbacks and overwhelming odds. I am sure they had many mornings like mine where they wanted to give up. I was still in my truck when the fog suddenly, and magically, lifted. Everything was a blur as I quickly grabbed a camera, one lens, and a tripod. Hurrying down the rocks I found a vantage spot and managed 8 frames before the fog once again enclosed the entire scene. My moment was gone but, my personal celebration was intact.

Lesson learned; again. Don’t give up on your vision. Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself when things don’t go as planned. Stick to what, and who, you believe in and make each moment work to the best of your ability. Life is not all pretty, colorful sunrises. Just like 238 years ago, even murky, uncertain days can give you treasures.

Photograph What You Feel

Murky Sunrise

Nikon D610
Nikon 24-70 f2.8 lens
ISO: 100
APT: f7.1
10 stop ND Filter

© Don Toothaker

Description

A Revealing Fog

Over two hundred years ago our fledgling nation stood, bravely, against the mightiest empire on earth and declared its independence. Needless to say it was a murky period in our history that was ripe with uncertainty and fear. Defeat seemed a far more realistic conclusion than freedom but, conviction is a powerful thing.

This past weekend we celebrated our 238th birthday as a free country. For my own personal observance I decided to rise early and photograph a sunrise at Nubble Light in York, Maine. I envisioned a colorful sunrise set against an iconic symbol of strength and perseverance. I left my house with a specific image in mind and high hopes that the clearing storm would add further drama to my vision. Mother Nature had other plans.

I got to Nubble Light about 20 minutes before sunrise and my spirits quickly faded. The fog was so thick that I could not even see the lighthouse. Dejected, I sat in my truck with my last few sips of coffee and cursed my misfortune. I spent the time thinking of the patriots that forged this country and what July 4th was all about. I imagined their fierce determination despite numerous setbacks and overwhelming odds. I am sure they had many mornings like mine where they wanted to give up. I was still in my truck when the fog suddenly, and magically, lifted. Everything was a blur as I quickly grabbed a camera, one lens, and a tripod. Hurrying down the rocks I found a vantage spot and managed 8 frames before the fog once again enclosed the entire scene. My moment was gone but, my personal celebration was intact.

Lesson learned; again. Don’t give up on your vision. Don’t sit around feeling sorry for yourself when things don’t go as planned. Stick to what, and who, you believe in and make each moment work to the best of your ability. Life is not all pretty, colorful sunrises. Just like 238 years ago, even murky, uncertain days can give you treasures.

Photograph What You Feel

Murky Sunrise

Nikon D610
Nikon 24-70 f2.8 lens
ISO: 100
APT: f7.1
10 stop ND Filter

© Don Toothaker