So, what does a house have to do with the makings of a sunset? This was the starting point for my post-work walk last night, DSLR in hand. Located directly on Sarasota Bay, the Selby mansion is now part of the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. When I spotted this light glowing at the gate before sunset, for some reason, I thought this was going to be a good walk.
Rounding the corner on the bayfront near the mooring field, I noticed that while it was partly cloudy, the cloud formation had the potential for a perfect sunset. The sun just needed to dip slightly below the clouds, then there would be clear sky with dark clouds above. Very picturesque. But…in order to get into position for a good sunset shot I had to hoof (read: hoof!) about 1.5 miles to that bridge way in the distance, maneuvering around runners, bikers and other walkers. Time was of the essence! I was up for the challenge.
When I hit the base of the Ringling Bridge, everything was in motion. Contrary to what it looks like in this shot, the bridge was very busy with people enjoying the gorgeous evening. Runners (some who looked like they were training for a marathon) were even pausing to pull out their cell phones to snap a quick pic of this sunset.
I was a quarter of the way up the bridge, overlooking the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier, when I realized this probably was going to be the most vibrant sunset I've ever seen from downtown Sarasota. I just needed Mother Nature to let the orange really pop.
Within minutes, Mother Nature delivered this scene. This is SOOC (straight out of the camera) -- no post production tweaks. Breathtaking! I was shooting pictures not only with my DSLR but also my cell phone, and I guess I was so busy I didn't notice the ripples on the water at the time. Looking at them now, in relation to the sun and horizon, with the swath of light cutting across the bay, I like the symmetry. When the last bit of orange disappeared, a faint burst of salmon spattered across the sky for a brief moment... and that was it. The sky was dark…show over. And, that's the makings of a Sarasota sunset. So glad I hoofed it!
9 comments:
Wow, every one, but Wowest of all, the sunset( Another made-up word when all others fail)
Glamorous sunset! It's freezing cold here and thanks to your photos I thought I could feel things warming up.
The mansion is a beauty, and what a sunset!
You nailed it, Jan. And it is so much fun to see the progression (and the work/racing it took to accomplish it). I am often at a beach or other sunset site and see the crowds turn and head for the cars the instant the sun falls below the horizon. I feel like yelling at them, "Wait another 15 - 20 minutes, that is when it is going to get really good!"
How beautiful! The colors are gorgeous!
Wow, that last photo is spectacular! I also love the one with the palm trees on the bridge. Your new header looks great too!
Such a beautiful sunset.
Gorgeous shots!
Bravo! Every inch of that hoofing was worth it, in my humble opinion. These are gorgeous shots! And I agree with Jack: it's those extra minutes that make the wait worth it.
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