When Life Gives You Lemons...

I'm sure everyone has heard the phrase "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."  Well that's just what I've had to do recently -- twice -- in one month!

The first time was at the beach. We typically go to Brigantine, NJ for a few days each year and I look forward to early morning walks by myself where I can reflect and enjoy the quiet solitude. I also enjoy capturing sunrise images and what better place than at the beach?  Our first morning there I just couldn't drag myself out of bed that early, but the forecast looked positive and I had a few more days, so I slept in.  There's also another saying that goes, "Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today" and I should have heeded that advice!

When I finally got up early enough to catch a sunrise on my third day, it was cloudy and overcast. I decided to go out anyway because you never know if there will be a break in the clouds and you just might get a perfect shot of the sun coming up over the horizon.  I set up and waited, and waited, and waited, but the clouds never cleared. I decided to stay and focus on other things, and I'm glad I did! The clouds were amazing, the sea grasses were swaying in the wind, and I had the place to myself.  Even though I didn't get my sunrise shot, I got some amazing images that day!

The next time was just a few weeks later in the Finger Lakes region of New York. I was looking forward to capturing some of the iconic waterfall images at Watkins Glen State Park, but Mother Nature had other ideas in the form of torrential rain and floods the day we arrived!  The Gorge Trail at the park was closed for a few days, but we were able to hike the upper trail one day and on our last day there, we had access to part of the gorge trail.  Again, not what I had hoped for, but I was able to get some decent shots along the trail and the surrounding area.

On our last evening there, I decided to try for a shot with the sun setting over the lake. Again, just as at the beach, I picked my spot, set up the tripod and waited, and waited, and waited, hoping for a break in the clouds. Nothing! But we all know what happens to the sky during the hour after the sun sets - the blue hour!  I stayed out a bit longer and braved the mosquitoes, waited for the lights to come on in the marina, and was able to capture the magic of the water and reflections at night.

So, when the weather or lighting is not cooperating, have a glass of lemonade and take a look around to see what else is out there. There's beauty in everything - enjoy it!

A few of my favorite images from these two trips are posted throughout the site. Enjoy browsing and thanks for taking the time to read this!