Sunrise reflecting across wet sand beneath Oak Island Pier in Brunswick County, North Carolina, as dramatic morning clouds catch the first light of day.

Coffee To Go, Please

When I don’t have a market or a photography trip planned, my mornings are pretty predictable.

I get up, pour a cup of coffee, and sit down to work the crossword puzzle. It’s one of my favorite ways to start a slow morning.

This was supposed to be one of those mornings.

I walked into the kitchen, poured my coffee, and happened to glance out the window.

Photographers have a love-hate relationship with clouds.

Too few clouds, and a sunrise can feel flat and uninteresting.

Too many clouds, and the sunlight never has a chance to do its job.

But when I looked outside that morning, I knew immediately.

It was perfect.

There were enough clouds to give the sky texture, but enough openings to let the sunlight paint across them.

I looked at Robin and said,

“I’ll take my coffee to go, please.”

Then I headed straight for my office to grab my camera gear.

A few minutes later, I was standing on the beach watching the sky do exactly what I’d hoped it would.

If you ever happen to see a photographer sprinting down the beach before sunrise with a camera over one shoulder and a tripod over the other…

There’s a pretty good chance they weren’t planning on being there that morning.

Sometimes the best photographs aren’t the ones you spend weeks planning.

Sometimes they’re the ones that start with a cup of coffee.

About This Photograph

Location: Brunswick County, North Carolina

Subject: Sunrise at Ocean Isle Pier

Category: Coastal Landscape Photography

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