It always amazes me to see people leaving when I show up at the beach before sunset. To my way of thinking the best is yet to come, yet to scores of others it’s time to load up the car and leave. I guess that’s understandable especially if you have small kids or commitments. After the exodus there are two types of people left, folks like me who came for the sunset and, the rest of the beach stragglers that will not leave until they’ve seen the final act. In the end I suppose all that matters is that we all had fun and got what we came for.
Board Park at Sunrise
Bradenton Riverwalk board park at sunrise. Sunrise is the only time I’ve seen this place deserted. This park attracts crowds from all over and quite frankly I’ve never stepped foot on it. But since there was no one here I took the opportunity to take a few photos. Sure enough, before I was done the first boarder showed up; and then another and another.
Pier Before Dawn
The Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach Florida. The bridge is adjacent to the pier and so at this early hour a few early commuters are crossing the bridge on the way to work. I took this about a month back just as the pier re-opened from an extensive renovation. A great place to hang out if you’re ever in the area. And if you do come in the morning there is a restaurant here that opens early so you can sit with your cup of coffee and enjoy the scenery.
After the Rain
The best time to get out and take photos of nature is right after it rains. There are pools and ponds to create reflections and of course everything feels refreshed. I’ve posted other shots from this exact spot but lucky for me the clouds are always different. Clyde Butcher, perhaps Florida’s most well known photographer, said that the clouds are our mountains. It’s true, the clouds here are spectacular and ever changing throughout the seasons. The main thing is to get outside after the rain and you will not be disappointed.
Into the Light
I believe we are so much more than we think. That we are intrinsically light and that while here in this life we have an affinity with things that remind us of that. We stare at the fire, watch the sun go down and marvel at the colors of the clouds. It’s more than just that, I believe that the light is love and so we are drawn to reminders of love also. I see love in eyes. Eyes of people, but undeniably eyes of animals. My best friend passed today, my four legged sidekick named Marley. He gave me and so many more unconditional love. And today he returns into the light.
Last Rays of the Sun
The last rays of the day before dusk at Fort DeSoto park in St Petersburg Florida. Everything was idyllic on this evening and I thought this is a moment I want to remember. Of course I was busy taking pictures, but I have this souvenir. For me, just being there to take the picture was enjoyment enough.
Pier Before the Fall
This is one in a series of broken down piers in Bradenton Beach. Actually, there are big barriers in front to keep people off, but I’m sure that doesn’t apply to fishermen or photographers, right? In any case, this is one of the last shots you’ll see because they are deconstructing and removing them all. I think that’s kind of sad because I feel they add character, but that’s just me. I’m sure the beach will look even more pristine once they’re gone. In general, I’m all for piers, they give us all a chance to go out over the water with very little effort. And of course I like taking pictures of them at sunset. I guess I’ll just have to focus on something else.
Morning Light in Tom Bennett Park
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I’m posting this to remind myself to get outside after it stops raining. That’s when we get great light and as everyone knows, photographers love unusual shades and hues of light. Right after a storm is one of those times. In any case, this was taken in the morning after an evening of rain and with any luck I’ll get out again today or tomorrow morning for some similar shots. In the meantime, have a great day everyone.
Sunshine Skyway Clouds
It’s warm and humid here in central Florida and this evening the clouds were heavy and thick. So I headed over to the Skyway Bridge to capture this. As I was here some dolphins swam by, ships passed under the bridge, and pelicans looked for scraps from the fishermen. All in all, just another lazy Sunday evening.
Grove by the Road
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A roadside grove in central Florida. As we drove by we noticed how the sun illuminated the tops of these grasses from behind. They looked ethereal swaying in the wind as I crouched low to include the tall poplar trees in the frame. The is a common sight for central Florida, nonetheless we just happen to see is at the right moment and decided to stop long enough to preserve it in a photo.