Light On The Horizon
I was in southern NJ two weeks ago exploring some new areas of the Pinelands to photograph and looking for new places to kayak in the spring. I know it's only January, but you can never be too early to think about Spring. And look outside... it's still light at 5:30!!
After a long day of driving in cloudy lousy light (not the forecast!), I was heading home on a small road with only a vague idea of where I was. But I did see a large area of water on the GPS and I saw a small road on the map that went to the water's edge. I was already passed it and didn't feel like turning the Jeep around. A couple miles later there was another small dirt road that led to the water. This time I took it. It was not in great condition and the holes in the road made me drive at a painfully slow pace.
I emerged on the shore of the Delaware Bay looking west toward a faint glimmer of light on the horizon. There was an abandoned decaying dock in the water and I took a few photos even though the light was still terrible. But, I was excited because I knew this would be an area to return to in better light and so I saved the location coordinates in my app for that return trip. I went back out to the main road, drove a couple miles and decided to explore another road to the Bay. When I got to the water, I could see that small band of dim light on the horizon was getting larger and more orange. Damn... I need to get back to that old dock... and quick!!
The Jeep was bouncing all over as I went a bit too fast down the pothole filled road. But I made it. I got my camera and tripod and ran out onto the beach. I ran back and forth three times - each time forgetting an important piece of equipment! I finally had everything I needed, and proceeded to spend the next hour until almost dark taking photos under some pretty nice light!