Sun Rise

Often times, it's hard to choose between getting those extra hours of sleep on the weekend or experience the sun rise by the lake.

One aspect in the art of photography is finding that right light that's suitable to take your photographs.  When I do landscape photography especially, that usually requires me to wake up an hour before the sun rise in order to catch the sun rise by the lake.  True, there is equipment that you can use, like a polarizing filter, to help shield off the sun or control lighting at different times of the day.  But photography at sun rise (or pre-dawn) is special.  The colours and the calmness are unparalleled by any other time of the day, except perhaps the sun set hours.  But watching the sun sets often comes with a certain sadness - for me anyways. :)  Sun rise is much more uplifting.

I have to admit that I haven't yet developed the discipline to wake up early to catch the sun rise every weekend.  In the summer time, the sun comes out so early that it almost feels impossible.  Then in the winter time, it's so cold outside, it always feels better to just stay home and keep warm.  :)

But, on occasions, there are days that I do make myself go out early.  And when I do, every time, without fail, I get rewarded by the beautiful scenary of the nature working its magic.  The above image (entitled "Serenity") is probably one of my favorite shots thus far.  (For a full version of the image, please click here)

So how would you choose?  Sleep or experience the beauty of nature?

Cheers,

JN