Morning adventures - Week #2

[FlyingSquirrel]

Morning adventures - Week #2

For those that don’t know, I’ve committed to become an “early bird.” I’ve always been a “night owl” but I decided that I’ve had enough of that and want to change the direction of things. Among the many reasons, of course, are the excellent photographic opportunities in the early hours.

This series will document my early morning adventures from each weekend. Week #1 can be found by clicking here A new weekly series - Morning adventures - Week #1

This week is a bit different…the shot I am going to share is, contradictory to the series theme, actually an evening shot. The story goes like so:

I was up before sunrise last Sunday the 13th (which happened to also be my birthday) and I was on location at sunrise. My goal was to get some wildlife shots, so I brought the 400mm, tripod, gimbal, and wore camo. After slogging through a swampy area, I sat in the mud, rather uncomfortably, and to my disappointment the time continued on only to reveal dark and overcast lighting. The small pond I was at had some young mergansers, but the light was so bad I couldn’t get anything usable. I waited as long as possible, then moved on to scout other areas of the wetland. Basically, it was terrible, but I don’t consider it a complete failure, because I learned some things.

Although I have no morning shots to show, I can tell you that I was in fact up early (and have been every day since the day I made the decision to do so). In case anyone is wondering how that is going, it is going better than I could have imagined. What seems to have happened, at some point recently, is that I got enough emotional leverage on myself regarding moving to an early schedule. In fact, it was almost like a switch was flipped on, and it has not been much of a struggle. The benefits are many, which is helping condition this as a new way of life for me, and making it really enjoyable. I’m already adjusted, each day gets easier, and I wouldn't even consider staying up late or getting up late! IMHO, changing your sleep schedule is not a matter of capability, but a matter of motivation (as is the case with virtually any change one would make in their life, whether or not we choose to accept it or not).

The shot I am sharing is from Saturday evening near the same location. C&C appreciated, always looking to improve. Full size view for best details. Thanks

[Stagecoach]

Really not much to say about these Matt other than the beautiful colours complement these great images

[Donald]

Basically, it was terrible, but I don’t consider it a complete failure, because I learned some things.

And that, I suggest, is why it was so successful. We are conditioned to think that we have the capture 'the greatest image ever made' every time we go out. Sometimes it just doesn't work out. But if we go out with the sort of attitude that you have - that we will learn something - then every occasion will be positive and successful in some way.

It may be that what we learn, for example, is that the light is not what we expected in any given location (I know I've anticipated what the impact of light from a particular direction might be in a specific location, gone there and found it doesn't work well at all).

The benefits are many, which is helping condition this as a new way of life for me, and making it really enjoyable.

Good on you, Matt.

[Mike Buckley]

I'm having a difficult time deciding whether I'm enjoying your narrative or your photos more. Fortunately, I don't have to decide.

[Nancy Moran G]

Beautiful lighting, cute subject, nice background effect!
Glad you are getting to see a whole new part of life, it is beautiful.
Nancy

[Brownbear]

Wonderful images accompanied by a great story...

[Digital]

Great images Matt.


Bruce

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thank you all for your comments. I look forward to sharing the next installment...