Moonset

 

The culmination of a moon setting, the sun rising, fog, a lake reflection, a silhouette, and the end of autumn peak colors allowed for quite a scene to photograph. It was a tricky one too, especially doing it in a single frame without overprocessing the image in post-processing. The additional challenge of keeping the moon sharp but being able to pick up the colors of the rest of the scene and maintain a silhouette.

Speaking of the scene, the pastels of the sky, the fog, the sunrise, and the moon all create emotions in this photograph. This scene evokes a bit of a mixed pallet of them: The hope of a new day, but still a bit melancholy. Peace from the calm of the scene and the reflection mimicking reflectiveness and profound thought. The wonder of a full moon. The mystery and decisiveness of a silhouette. The awe of the colors of the trees. I could go on and on. What emotions come up for you? 

Crisp Autumn Morning

I woke groggily at my campsite at Governor Dodge State Park on a crisp 35° F autumn day.  It was still dark out and as I stepped outside my tent was the chill was apparent quickly.  I made coffee in my mid-century "camping" percolator to help me wake up and warm my chilled self.  I brought the coffee and a snack to my first location that I scouted the day before hoping the weather and light would cooperate.  The morning was still from a wind perspective and the very beginning of dawn was starting to break as I set up for my first shot.  Since Governor Dodge State Park is quite hilly,  I went to a higher spot first to capture the breaking of dawn rolling over the hills. 

Dawn Breaking on the Hills of Governor Dodge

After working quickly, I made my way to Twin Valley Hollow Lake.  I was pleasantly surprised by the light fog and mist as well as the geese that were out on the lake.  The water on the lake was quite still even with the activity of the geese.  It made the water move just a little to make the ripples interesting but not distract from the very striking reflection of the fall peak I came to photograph.       

Twin Valley Lake Sunrise and Fog

Twin Valley Lake at Sunrise

As you can imagine these photographs would be quite blah without the morning light and fog interest. I scouted the locations the day before and came prepared that morning and Mother Nature delivered.    

Sunny Outlook

The nature of a sunrise or sunset has the ability to stop most in their tracks and to produce a feeling of awe. The star that is responsible for maintaining life on earth can also produce such beauty as it begins and ends our days.  No sunrise or sunset is the same even if the surrounding characteristics are the same as each day is different and never to be repeated.  Including water can dramatize the final product as you have the added benefit of a reflection.  Equally as dramatic is capturing a silhouette for a strong graphic composition.  Finally, clouds and Mother Nature's timing create incredible results.  Here are some of my favorites:  

Fox River.  Brookfield, WI. 

Lake Michigan.  Milwaukee, WI

Siesta Key Beach. Sarasota, FL

 Fox River.  Brookfield, WI