Just Another Sunset
"Just another sunset"... that was the reaction I got from a friend when I previewed this image. Now I know he was joking, but it really got me thinking. Are we that jaded with images showing special moments in nature that we don't even appreciate them anymore? Jaded means "lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something". Do we not get excited at a spectacular sunset image simply because we have seen so many highly saturated, over-processed sunset photos on Instagram, or Facebook, or the Internet? How about the real thing? Are we so flooded with photos that we don't even slow down the car when we see the real sunset?
I hope not! Each special moment is unique, and worth noticing. We can afford a few minutes to stop the car, or stop what we are doing, and witness the beauty in something as everyday as the sunset.
We were on the gulf coast of Florida visiting close friends when I created this image. Not only did we stop the car, but our friends purposefully made dinner reservations for thirty minutes after sunset so we would have time to stand on the beach and watch the sun sink below the horizon. And for the second day in a row, we were on the dividing line with clear skies to the north and clouds to the south... giving us this beautiful mix of clouds and sunlight and color that simply could not be seen anywhere else. At least fifty other people took the time to stand on the beach with us and watch the colorful ending to a beautiful winter day down south.
Thanks for bearing with me as I share just anther sunset photo. Maybe next month I'll get back to a more meaningful image! :)