My Story Behind The Image
Waking before dawn along the Oregon Coast for sunrise is always special. The sand under your feet is fresh, as the tide has washed away all the footprints from the previous day under the cover of night. And it's always a great morning when your eyes and mind get the opportunity to stare into the mesmerizing sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean's waves crashing upon the rugged shoreline, while your body soaks up the wet, sea-salt air as it breezes through you and delicately leaves its salt residue upon your soul.
Many of you know (either as Oregonian's or people who have visited), scene’s like this one, on any morning, might mean the absent of the sun and its light; as the lush, green state of Oregon and its coastline has many overcast mornings. So, when you wake and find that the clouds are parting and the brightness of the sun’s rays will be beaming its gorgeous tones upon the rock croppings of Bandon’s pristine beach line, you're giddy like a child. You smile at the rocks. You skip in the sand. You talk to the waves. And hope that something, anything can hear and share this beautiful moment in time with you. And although there wasn’t a physical person along the shore on this morning, I felt like the souls who have gone before me where near as I was squatting within in the wetness of the beautiful textures of the sand ripples left behind by that overnight tide.
My Technique/Tips For Photographing Sunrise
Getting Ready for the Sunrise
Preparing for a sunrise shoot begins well before the sun rises. Sometimes the night before and sometimes days, weeks or even months before the moment. Researching the exact time of sunrise is crucial. Try an app for exact morning sunrise for the days that you'll be in Bandon and then plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before that so you can scout the area and find the best spots. The dramatic rock formations dotting the coastline provide numerous opportunities for stunning shots.
Composition, Composition, Composition
Is that clear enough? You always have to be thinking ahead about how to frame your shots, as even then best sunrises can be ruined with bad composition.
Experimenting with angles is also important. During my shoot, I switched between eye-level and low angles. For example, in the image above I'm low to the sand to help emphasize the ripples in the sand and let the viewers eyes wonder up into the rock cropping and beautiful light and clouds above it.
Utilizing Natural Light
The beauty of landscape photography—especially at sunrise—lies in the ever-changing natural light. The golden hour offers the warmth of tones and soft shadows that are essential for stunning photographs.
Clouds always enhance your images by adding depth and texture. In the image above, the puffy clouds painted the sky in a breathtaking display of colors.
Reflections on the Experience
Every sunrise offers a unique spectacle, and capturing the perfect moment requires both creativity and patience. By planning your shoot in advance, mastering composition, and utilizing the natural light wisely, you can significantly elevate your photography and turn a sunrise scene from just okay into a portfolio image that can hang on your walls.
I love Bandon, Oregon as it's one of my favorite places on earth. And I always look forward to heading back to this magical place.
Oregon Photography Workshop Adventure
Interested in visiting Bandon on a photography adaventure to see and photograph this amazing place? Consider joining my upcoming Oregon Photography Workshop Adventure. Click the link below for more details.
Purchase A Print of Ripple Sunrise, Bandon Oregon
If you're interested in the image above, CLICK THE LINK BELOW to purchase a print. Limited Edition, Museum Grade Acrylic Prints are also available. If you don't see this particular scene in that portfolio on my website, email me and I'll open up this series for you.
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