As many of you know, when you go out to photograph something, or you want to test a new method, you may not get what you expected.
The other evening around 5:30, we decided to go over to Epworth (a favorite spot for sunset pictures) to see if there might be a pretty sky, and to test out a new procedure for getting more color in the shot.
The sky was overcast, the prospects not real promising, but we went anyway with an attitude of Resignation that it might be a wasted effort.
But at least there was the possibility of a good walk around the grounds after a lot of time in the condo the past few days.
The weather website predicted the sunset at 6:14, and, we know that the 30 minutes before and again after a sunset, constitute the "golden time" where good photographs may appear.
Our Resignation appeared correct as the time for the sunset approached, then arrived, and then moved off. No color, no nothing, just a gray sky with a hint of light.
Then a small glimpse of pink in some clouds up high and to the left.
Then, in the area of the sky immediately above the bridge on the causeway to the Island, a band of red, orange and yellow, filled the sky. It seemed that one moment it was all gray sky, the next bright color in that spot.
Delight took over our mood.
Grabbing my camera from the rear seat, I jumped out to get the shot. Steadying the camera frame on the side of a palm tree, I cranked out a few.
Then the vivid color was gone. Just a slight hint remained as the sky darkened.
Sitting in the front seat, I previewed the shots with Carolyn and discovered the bridge framed by an Orange sunset. In the camera, on the small rear screen, the shots looked good.
In the car going home, glad that we had gone, I had a thought. My tripod was in the trunk, but I was in such a hurry to get the color, I did not take the time to get it and set it up. I hoped that the camera was steady enough against the tree that the shot would be sharp.
As I put the shots into the computer at home later, my fears were partially recognized. The smaller the picture, the sharper the image of the bridge appeared. With magnification, I could see the lines were blurred.
Chagrin...
If I had only taken the time to set up the tripod....
"Be Prepared". My mind remembered the Boy Scout motto.
The sky was gorgeous, the colors in the shot were also.
But a sharper image would have shown them off much better..
Next time.....
Still gorgeous. Some of my best sunrise and sunset photos have been reflections in the clouds.
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