Back in June it was tough to find good light; though the past 2 or 3 weeks have offered some amazing color and texture, with unrivaled sunset colors, incredible early color, and some really cool shots that came alive because of the light interacting with waves to create texture that literally jumps out of the image.  Hurricane Hanna brushed by us, giving us windy and rainy conditions, though thankfully no serious damage; but she also gave us some  great photographic opportunity just before and a few days after...thanks Hanna!We also closed out our Summer Heat Giveaway this morning, and as promised we would announce a winner, and send you the 25% giveaway discount code for you to use.  First, let's congratulate Heather of Port Aransas, Texas who was selected as the winner of our Summer Heat Giveaway!!!  She has won a 10 X 18 print on aluminum titled "The Red Sky Warning" valued at $148.00...Congratulations Heather!!This code is only valid beginning today, Sunday August 9th through Wednesday August 12th. Shop Now and use coupon code "summerheat" to claim your discount!

Red Sky in the Morning - With Tropical Storm Hanna pushing towards a landfall on Saturday, this morning represented the last chance for a couple days to get out and shoot. Offshore there are seemingly countless shrimp boats working in our offshore waters, and with deteriorating offshore weather, these boats would be quickly seeking a safe harbor. The historically significant Conn Brown Harbor in Aransas Pass would be one of those safe harbors. With the expected influx of shrimp boats steaming for safety, we would be reminded of the days of old, when Aransas Pass was the thriving capital of the Texas shrimp fishery. This morning though, they were instead the host for a large number of shrimp boats simply seeking the safety of the harbor. Knowing this, I was there early this morning taking advantage of this rare photographic opportunity. The red sky provided the visible waning to mariners...the weather is a changing. Stay safe fisherman! 

"The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore." ~ Vincent Van Gogh 

Conn Brown Harbor, Aransas Pass, Texas, July 24, 2020

Sunrise on the Shore - As I got up this morning, I actually considered taking a break from the camera to go fishing, though for my style of fishing I like a little less breeze...so a sunrise hunting I would go instead. Many of my sunrise shots include the well known and oft photographed Horace Caldwell Pier, as it adds some interest to the image; though today the star of the show was a gentle shore break swell and the vivid colors reflecting on the surface...just 10' feet from the pier. Often times we miss opportunity that is right in front of us, seeking the comfort of the known, instead of stretching our boundaries...even if only by a little. 

"Not everything you do is going to be a masterpiece, but you get art there and you try and sometimes it really happens. The other times you’re just stretching your soul." ~ Maya Angelou 

Port Aransas, Texas, August 6, 2020

Fire in the Sky II - Oftentimes I seem to miss the prime time on sunsets, still editing earlier work, reading a book, late dinner...whatever it is, I'll realize that the sky to the east is showing color, which means I missed what was unfolding in the west. Late this afternoon the sky was offering some good hints that it would be an epic sunset, so camera was serviced and waiting in the truck. Always a decision on where to go...Leonabelle Turnbul Birding Center (LTBC), Charlies Pasture, or Robert's Point are pretty much the three hot spots. I found myself alone at LBTC and had plenty of time to set up, and second guess myself...and then it started to happen and just kept getting better. A one second exposure smoothed the water, and the fire in the sky found its match with the fire on the water! Nice way to end an already nice day... 

"The craving for colour is a natural necessity just as for water and fire. Colour is a raw material indispensable to life. At every era of his existence and his history, the human being has associated colour with his joys, his actions and his pleasures."  ~ Fernand Leger 

Port Aransas, Texas, July 27, 2020

The Three Amigos and a Best Friend - Wow, so after yesterday's crazy good sunset, one had to wonder what nature had in store for us this morning. I opted for the park and a short walk to the pier, enjoying the relative coolness of the early hour to check out the proverbial blue hour opportunities. Though there were some worthy shots, it was hard to pass up these three friends as they began their sunrise surf session, along with the dog frolicking's in those same waves. 

"We want but two or three friends, but these we cannot do without, and they serve us in every thought we think."~ Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Port Aransas, Texas, July 28, 2020

Last Call - We were blessed this day with an amazing sunrise and a stunning sunset. As that sunset continued to unfold, one could only wonder when it would end; would there be a last call, a last opportunity to capture its grandeur.  Look back and acknowledge that every day is a gift. Though it may not be the day that you had hoped for, you were given the opportunity to make better. "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Port Aransas, Texas, August 1, 2020