I love a good sunrise (or sunset). The light and colors are the best of the day, and the scene signifies a beginning of a day with promise or the ending of a day well-spent. My favorite time of day to take photos is during the hour or so before the sun rises. I took these iconic sunrises and sunsets during that time, when the light was soft and the conditions—thanks to a combination of luck and circumstance—were ideal.
Sunset on the Kona Coast
We visited the Big Island in 2014 and stayed at a resort that was on the coast just south of town. I found a spot where I could frame the photo with a tree arching across the top. I can remember walking into town from the resort. We were hot, sweaty, and tired at the end of our days, but it was a great trip!
Carlsbad Beach
In 2017, I decided it was time to catch a sunset in Carlsbad. I grabbed my Nikon and headed out, wandered the village in downtown Carlsbad and eventually ended up on the beach for the sunset. Mother Nature rewarded me that evening. She didn’t fog me. And she did provide a great sunset.
Sunrise on Kauai at Nukoliʻi Beach
This is one of my favorite sunrise photos that I’ve ever taken. The colors were simply stunning and, quite frankly, the photo doesn’t do it justice. If you ever get to Kauai, this spot at Nukoliʻi Beach is the one with the best sunrises on the island. The beach faces directly east and you can get as close to the water as you’d like.
2019 Departing Sydney
Our cruise on the MS Noordam began in Sydney at high tide, which occurred in the late afternoon. By the time we were passing under the Harbor Bay Bridge, sunset was upon us. Yay! My first sunset shot on the cruise!
2019 Auckland skyline
During dinner in the main dining room on the MS Noordam, I looked out. Most of the diners were oblivious to the sunset, but we’d scored a window seat that evening. Once again, the only camera I had with me was my phone, so I pressed it against the glass and hoped for the best.
2019 Sydney Opera House
It was early morning when the MS Noordam returned to port in Sydney. Our cabin was on the port side, and when I looked out, I was struck by the silhouetted building’s beauty. I immediately pulled out my phone and snapped a photo because I knew that by the time I’d retrieved my camera, the light would have changed. When you’re in love with iconic sunrises, you live by the adage, the best camera you own is the one you have with you!
Did you see my last photo post? You can find it at One visit, two amazing ships—life on the high seas. Click here to view more Friday Morning Post entries, or you can follow me on Twitter.
