Bellamy Harbor, Rome, NY

There was a sliver of light in the sky Sunday morning. The forecast didn’t look good for the rest of the day, but I wanted to capture colors. I wanted the sunrise. I drove to Bellamy Harbor in the hope I could capture both.

The light was changing fast as the clouds were fighting the rising sun. I could see it already, my normal view down the canal with the sun providing the color against the gathering clouds. It was going to be a good one.

This time of year the sun rises to the right of the Mill St. bridge as I look east down the Barge Canal. When I arrived at the harbor my first choice was to setup at the water’s edge near the pedestrian bridge over the Mohawk River. I would be looking straight into the sunrise and could include rocks with river debris as foreground elements.

Not a terrible image but not the one I had in my head. Time to move to “my spot” next to the water control gates at the opening of the harbor.

Damn.

The city fixed the fence again. Not sure what my thought process is or why I think this way, but I have no issue going around the fence if someone else has made the opening. I refuse to do it myself. It is a small difference but I stick to it.

Now what?

There is still a view to capture. Keep working the area.

Maybe the view looking down the canal framed by tree branches and the over growth? It could work. I’m not a fan of obscuring the sky but at least give it a try. Placement of the camera is important for this one. Too low on the bank and all you get is the over growth. Too high and the branches from the tree invade the harbor view. There it is…

Still not the one. The light is changing too. Closer to sunrise. Next option?

An elevated view? Same spot in the harbor as the first image but from the top of the bank. I’ll still be looking into the sunrise. The light will be centered.

Almost. Is it getting darker? No, my eyes must be playing a trick on me. Any other thoughts for your sunrise?

Something with out the over growth in the foreground?

Wow! Look at that color. Definitely a view with more water to get the color reflection. From the pedestrian bridge? That could work.

Damn. It’s cold out this morning. Fingers are getting a little numb.

One more. Back to the water’s edge. Look at those colors.

As you can probably tell, the last two images are my favorites. I didn’t know what I would find for an image but I stayed with it. I didn’t get the image in my head but I didn’t walk away. The light was constantly changing providing new and different opportunities..

Looking at the last two images, I wish I had used a neutral density (ND) filter. It would have slowed down my shutter and created smoother, silkier water. It could plus these images or maybe not. The option for me as I processed the captures would have been nice. Next time…

Don’t give up on a scene, especially if an obstacle prevents you from the planned image in your head. Don’t be tied to that vision, create a new one.