Shutter Sisters

Before Dawn

By

“I’ve always liked the time before dawn because there’s no one around to remind me who I’m supposed to be, so it’s easier to remember who I am.” Story People

I am a big fan of the afternoon light and the so called “golden hour”. But one of the greatest things I’ve also come to enjoy as a photographer is the time just before dawn. Now, big shoots are scheduled early in the morning to allow time for setting up before the sun is out. And even if I am flying solo, shooting for myself, I find great peace in tip-toeing out of the house when there is barely any light and driving to the beach or whatever location I’m headed to for the day. Something about the car all packed with gear, that first cup of coffee, a scone to go, thoughts and images swirling gently through my mind, creativity, clarity, freshness, the crisp air, the sky brightening slowly and the silent drive…  I feel whole. I feel right.

How about you? Are you a morning shooter, an all-day-play kind of girl or you’d rather sleep in and save energy for an afternoon delight?

Regardless… Today, why don’t you share with us some shots of your favorite time of day?

Comments

  1. Now that is just such a gorgeous image. There's just something about those abandoned boats that speaks to me – they seem so lonely yet waiting with hope for their crews.

    We get little enough summer and sun in Norway that I tend to love bright sunlight in the middle of the day. I enjoy the possibility for e.g. strong colours and shadows
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/85057042@N00/4866440530/
    or silver on the water when the sun peeks through the clouds
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/85057042@N00/4863621674/ .

  3. We're currently on our way to our annual beach vacation. I have plans for many a dawn photoshoot! Thanks for the inspiration!

  9. oh how i love to shoot late….but now the mosquitos eat us alive.
    so morning has to be the time now….no more sleeping in !

  12. hmmm… i never really thought about it. i think i shoot mostly in the early evening. but i enjoy mornings too. in fact, it's morning now, and i'm off to the farmers market to shoot some produce.

    your photo is very peaceful and moody. beautiful.

  13. What a lovely shot – I love how the color of the boats really pops in contrast to the background.

    I wish I were a morning person but, I'm not. So, I take advantage of as many sunsets as I can…I love how the color of light changes over time. Here's one of my favorites from my time on the Oregon coast.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/52055227@N07/4912687089/

  23. Night is my favorite but my other love is early morning. I love getting up extremely early because it always reminds me of all of the trips I went on when I was a child. My Dad used to get us up around 4am to 5am, sometimes earlier, to head to Pismo Beach, Las Vegas, Disneyland, wherever we were going….. He always wanted to beat traffic and get there early so we wouldn't waste our days, and he was totally right, it was worth it. Still is <3

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ninarevenant/4914012358/

  33. I love your early morning image and love how you feel about getting out for that early morning capture.

    I used to be that way about morning and somehow, in the hubub I've gotten away from that. I'm still up early but am always so busy here to sneak out in the early morning hours anymore. I have embraced the golden hour for that reason but still am entranced by the early mornings.

  34. I love creeping out of the house before sunrise. Not many people are willing to venture out so early in the morning. I even did it while on vacation. We were staying in a cabin near Bryce Canyon National Park. I awoke at 3:30am to grab my gear and head into the park. I was not alone at Sunrise Point so I ventured further on a trail towards Inspiration Point. I was rewarded with this image, one of my favorites: http://www.pkphotographyblog.us/2010/07/branching-out-in-the-sunrise/