Some of us are blessed to have careers in fields that we
love. Commuting to work is not the
stereotypical grind that it seems to be for so many. We are headed to a day full of effort that
will yield many rewards.
As a photographer, my commute usually starts very
early. I am often out of bed several
hours before dawn. When I am exploring
Downeast Maine in the summer, this often means getting up at 3AM to be in place
for the earliest sunrise in the United States.
In late June, the sun
rises in Eastern Maine at approximately 4:48 AM. A good photographer will be on location long
before that. Approximately forty five
minutes before sunrise is when some of the best light will begin to glow across
the sky. Over the next twenty five
minutes, the light will intensify until it reaches its peak approximately ten
to fifteen minutes before sunrise.
Getting to the location often involves driving and sometimes
hiking. Careful planning accounts for
the length of the commute and leaves a little room for error. Scouting the location in advance is highly
recommended. Tramping around in the
dark in unfamiliar territory is not safe or easy. There is a confidence that is gained from
knowing exactly where you are headed.
The image accompanying this article is titled “The Morning
Commute”. I was fortunate to be on
location in Corea, Maine to witness two fishermen on their morning
commute. They were paddling a rowboat
through one of the most beautiful harbors in Maine. Their unique method of getting to work
certainly caught my attention.
The fishermen were making their commute just after sunrise
and the harbor was shining with beautiful golden light. I was able to silhouette them in the morning
sun as they headed to their lobster boat.
In a few moments they were off to sea to check their traps. As they left, I knew that I had witnessed a
truly quintessential New England moment.
It had been worth it to be up while everyone else was still asleep!
Tip of the Month: Get
up early to enjoy the best light of the day.
The golden hours happen just before and after sunrise. These times are usually the very best time of
the day to photograph. The soft, warm,
golden light often yields fantastic results.
Many photographers are so enraptured by this light, that they will only
make images at the fringe of the day.
