Sunrise Reflections

The Sun Rises Early!

I never know what I’m going to get with a sunrise.  I’ve enjoyed countless sunrises over the years:  the majority from getting up early, not coming in late, although there’s been a few of those, too.  For the past decade, or so, the sun risings I’ve witnessed follow on the heels of simple planning.  But in spite of the planning there’s no way I can know what scene will unfold in the eastern sky.  I’m always in the dark on that and leaving home at dark-thirty doesn’t help, either!  Sunsets are different and I can anticipate and see the event unfold;  I’m waiting on it to happen.  Sunrises are so different!

Best Made Plans?

It’s an easy matter to catch the nightly weather forecasts to get an idea of what the weather is predicted to be five to seven days in advance.  But gee whiz, I live in Southwest Oklahoma where moist warm air rising from the Gulf and dry arctic air sweeping down the Plains from Canada can ruin the best meteorologist’s forecast in a matter of hours.   Experience has taught me to check the forecast late the night before and then don’t bet any money on what it’s going to do.  It’s also easy to get the forecast for things like the times for Nautical Twilight, Civil Twilight, and actual time of sunrise, percent of cloud cover, probability of precipitation, direction and velocity of wind, and temperature at any given hour.  There are also plenty of simple software programs that will tell you the precise degree from North that the sun will actually rise on the horizon based on your geographical location.  I use a free one called “Ephemeris.  I plug in the angle of declination for Lawton, or any other location, and then every time I open it I have the time and angles for the rising and setting of the sun and moon on that particular day.  It’s very handy.  Now, with all that in hand a reasonable person would think it’s just a matter of getting out of bed.  “Not so Sherlock!”

Serendipity Happens!

What I’ve come to realize is the only thing I have control of in this situation is the time I get out of bed and the time I leave the house! I’m amazed how far weather predictions made only a few hours ago can miss the mark.  I’m probably expecting too much, but when I’m planning on taking macros of wild flowers and the forecast calls for winds to be 1-2 mph at 7:00 AM, and in reality it’s 5-6 mph, that’s a big deal!   Or I’m trying to catch reflections off lakes and the slight breeze is causing too many ripples.  Sometimes, the 10% cloud cover happens to be on the horizon and totally blocks my sight of the rising sun.   Or, I’m hoping for the predicted cloud cover to create one of those absolutely incredibly beautiful scenes that color the entire eastern sky in hues of pink and blue and it winds up being cloudless, small, orange orb.  What I’ve come to realize is that I’m in the dark in more ways than one when it comes to making photographs in the early morning light of a  sunrise.  I’m surprised every time, without fail.  Only GOD knows how He wants to begin a new day and I’m quickly reminded how little control I have over the situation; a NEW DAY is dawning and I am only a witness.

However, having learned this, over time, doesn’t mean I’ve thrown my planning and preparation out the window.  Oh no, in fact it means I’m must be prepared for something better.  When my intentionally planned goal falls short and the image I’ve created in my mind never materializes, I don’t leave the field and head for the house full of disappointment.  Oh no, no, no!  I say a quick little prayer, “Thank you LORD, now show me what YOU want me to see.  What’s here that I’m missing?  Please, help me to see it!”  An eagerness replaces any disappointment and my eyes are open to all possibilities.  Sometimes it isn’t where I’m at, and I have to leave that spot to search in another.  And there’s always an urgency because the early morning light doesn’t last long and this tends to heighten all my senses.  I’m looking for that next great opportunity!  Sometimes I need to turn around and look behind me.  I can’t tell you the number of times the best light and the best image was when I looked back!

The situation I’ve described happens to me more often, than not.  Because of this, I pack my backpack with every lens and accessory I think I can carry because I don’t know what I may need when I discover the image I’m supposed to capture.  The above image was made on a morning that began with another failed attempt to photograph a sunrise.  The sunrise just didn’t work; it wasn’t there.  The day began several miles from Jed Johnson Lake as I was waiting for an image to materialize that never did.  When my sunrise expectations flopped, I said my prayer, and the real fun began.  I reached Jed Johnson Lake almost 30 minutes after sunrise and the light was changing rapidly.  I quickly swung my backpack into place and secured the straps feeling the weight of the pack settle into place.  With tripod over my shoulder and walking staff in hand, I started down the trail from the parking lot.  This was not the first image I made.  In fact I made several others from different spots and different perspectives.  They were okay, but none seemed to satisfy.  I kept looking for the next best picture.  I knew I hadn’t found it yet.  Finally, I stepped out on this sand bar and knew this was the picture I was looking for this morning.  This was the reason I was there.  With tripod splayed almost flat on the ground, my 16-80 mm set at 20mm, f18, and ISO at 160, I took seven images 1 EV apart beginning in 1/40.  Later, at home, I combined six of the images into one for tonemapping, continued with some post processing to put some finishing touches and wound up with the above image.  I hope you enjoy!

Turning to the Light

There are times when we cannot see what waits around the bend, because we are unable to see things ahead in time.  The images I made of Quartz Mountain Flyer’s railway is an example of that.  Two days earlier I was traveling from Mangum to Hobart on SH 44, which passes by the Quartz Mountains State Park in Greer and Kiowa counties of Southwest Oklahoma.  The highway skirts around the southern end of Lake Altus-Lugert as it makes its way north to Lone Wolf.  Glancing toward the lake at every opening between the trees, I was captured by what I thought would make a wonderful HDR (high dynamic range) image under the right lighting conditions.  Due to the recent and abundant rains, the lake was full of deep blue water creating islands of several ancient granite peaks.  For me this has always been a mystical scene but on this day, at this time, it was magical, too.  I wanted badly to stop, if only for a minute, but couldn’t because my time was very short and I still had to drive on to Anadarko after stopping in Hobart.  However, I did begin plans to return on Saturday.  Saturday was two days away and difficult to see, much like things around a bend.Not being able to forget about Lake Altus-Lugert in the Quartz Mountains, I recreated the scene in my mind’s eye and considered different lighting options.  Sunrise seemed to be the best lighting opportunity and since I’m an early morning person, it would work out best for me.  It meant I’d have to get out of bed about 4:15 AM and be on the road by 5:00 AM, to be ready for the sunrise at 6:38 AM.  I packed the necessary gear Friday night to save time Saturday morning;  I’d be ready to go as soon as I got dressed and the coffee was finished brewing.

Saturday morning arrives and I’m up and ready to go!  I leave the house in Lawton on time and head west Quanah Parker Trailway (SH 62).  Reaching Altus, I take the Veterans Parkway north to SH 283, bypassing the main part of town.  I pass through the still sleeping Blair and glance at the “Backdoor to the Wichitas”, a very good steakhouse, right on the highway.  Excitement begins to rise  as I draw closer to the Quartz Mountains and the sky around grows lighter and lighter as the time for the sunrise creeps closer and closer.  As I reach the mountains and am now on the familiar SH 44, I’m anticipating and hoping I can find a good place to pull of the highway that provides me access to the lake.  I see a place that appears to be used extensively by fishermen.  I pull off the highway and onto a dirt road with mud puddles cutting all the way across.  I stop while I contemplate whether to chance getting stuck in the mud, or not.  Oh well, never the one to shy away from a risk, I picked out the least likely spot to cause trouble and plowed ahead.  After a couple of slips and slides I was through and on dry ground and deep ruts.  I eased up the incline onto higher ground that became a levy and the southern bank of Lake Altus-Lugert.  From this point I could enjoy a full view of what I was hoping to photograph.  Aagh!  It didn’t look the same!  The light was all wrong, the water was choppy, it wasn’t what I was wanting!  I was very disappointed.  However, I learned a long time ago, “Don’t be so focused on one thing that you don’t see the other possibilities.”

We always need to be looking for the other possibilities.  I began to look around for other “possibilities”.  What I saw were these wonderful railroad tracks of the Quartz Mountain Flyer, interesting light on the hills for a background, the sun rising, a blue sky with hints of clouds.  What more could I want!  My enthusiasm and excitement began to rise up in me just like the sun was rising in the east.  My canvas was spreading out before me and I could no sooner finish one “possibility” before another would appear.  I spent the next 1 1/2 hours totally absorbed and caught up as GOD unfolded a new day of creation before me.

Sonny Nevaquaya plays at Medicine Park's 102 B-Day Bash

“59 & 102″

What do they have in Common?

Medicine Park and I both celebrated our birthdays on Saturday, July 10.  For Medicine Park it was their 102nd, having been founded on July 4, 1908, and for this Baby Boomer it was my 59th.  Well, since I consider my “birth day” as the most important day of my life, I make it a personal celebration whether anyone else gives a hoot, or not!  Since it occurs most often during the work week, I always take leave on my birthday.  This means I nearly always spend the day by myself, but that’s okay because this is something special I do for myself; it’s a gift to myself.  However, when my day falls on the weekend and there’s a big celebration going on somewhere, I’m not opposed to glomming on and letting someone else help me celebrate.  Well, with Medicine Park celebrating its 102nd Birthday Bash, six days late,  on Saturday, July 10, and Sherry offering to take me out to dinner for my 59th, I couldn’t let such an opportunity go to waste.  (Oh by the by, did I mention the best birthday gift I’ve ever received was when my son, Brandon, was born on my birthday in 1978?  I mean, after that everything else falls short… right?)

Sherry and I left Lawton about 3:30 PM with intentions of catching the rest of the day’s festivities including live bands, the Rubber Duck Race, Native American music played by Calvert Nevaquaya, a great meal at The Old Plantation Restaurant , and a fireworks display for a great finale.  We knew it was going to be hot and humid, but knowing it and experiencing it are two different things!  Mercy!  Where is the Oklahoma wind when you really need it in July?  I can tell you where it was not – Medicine Park, Oklahoma!  Being born and raised in Southwest Oklahoma, I’m supposed to be used to this so I’m not really complaining.  It’s just that I don’t perspire, I SWEAT, and Saturday sweat was running out of my shoes. 

But, you know what?  I had a very good time.  The first band we heard was “Brothers Dupree”, and I thought they were pretty good.  They play an interesting mixture of rock.  I came away with a few cool pictures even if the temperature wasn’t.  Next we bought tickets for Rubber Duck Race.  However, there wasn’t any race.     Because of the recent heavy rains, the flood gates on the dam of Lake Lawtonka, less than a mile to the north, were open and the current of Medicine Creek was too swift.  There was the fear all the rubber duckies would be swept downstream and perish.  So instead, the dumped all the rubber ducks into a large plastic sack and drew for the winning duck.  Sherry and I had 6 ducks in the bag, but didn’t win a thing.  I took some video of all this with my Sony Webbie and will something posted soon.  After this the evening began to pick up and the temperature began to drop a little tiny bit.

It was now 6:30 PM and the Native American Flute performance was due to begin.  I was really looking forward to this since I was already familiar with Calvert Nevaquaya’s abilities.  What I wasn’t expecting is that Sonny, his older brother was also going to perform.  This was a special treat for me.  Also, with them that evening was David Moore from Apache who would also perform.  I quickly changed attached my 70-200mm f/2.8, and headed for the stage.  I politely gestured with my camera for permission to take pictures and was delighted when Sonny acknowledged with a nod of his head.  With sweet mellow tones from flutes floating on the moist and heavy air along Medicine Creek, stories were told with deep meanings and I was happy just to be…

Following an outstanding performance by the three outstanding musicians, it was time to eat.  We gathered up our stuff and walked up the street to The Old Plantation Restaurant.  I already knew what I was going to order:  12oz Ribeye Steak, medium rare, garlic mashed potatoes, and blue cheese dressing on my salad.  I am never disappointed with their steaks and this was no exception.  I know everyone has different tastes and likes when it comes to their steak, but for me, The Old Plantation consistently has mine just right!  Oh, and the service is excellent.  If you haven’t been, you need to go sometime, soon!  Is there any better way to cap off an already great birthday than with an excellent meal?  Well, how about some fireworks?

After leaving The Old Plantation, we discussed where would be the best place to watch the fireworks display.  If you’ve never been to Medicine Park, Medicine Creek creates a valley between granite hills with the town built on both banks and up the hillsides.  Not knowing where the display was being set up we had no idea where to go to watch it.  I suggested we drive up to the Winery of the Wichitas and sit on their outside deck.  It’s located at the top of a granite hill at the soutwest edge of Medicine Park.  I was certain from there we would have a good view.  Boy, was that an understatement!  The parking lot was packed but we were able to find a space alongside their long gravel driveway.  We gathered our lawn chairs just in case there were no empty seats available headed for the door.  Upon entering we could see the inside was packed and through the windows we could see a lot of people already on the deck.  A man approached me and said they had just cleared an area around the firepit on the deck and we could set up our lawn chairs there.  We did just that.  A band was playing on the deck and we were sitting right in front of them.  The lead guitar was very good, and the bass player was barely able to stand up.  I never did catch the name of the five member band, but they were pretty good and everyone was having a good time.  When the first firework shell shot into the sky and burst into a colorful display, I suddenly became aware they were set up right next to The Winery!  It was like having a fireworks show in our own backyard.  To see them well we had to look straight up, literally.  It was a very nice display and outstanding way to finish off my 59th Birthday!  I wish you all could have been there!

Contentment is wherever you can find it.

Quanah Parker was the last War Chief of the Comanche Nation.  This beautiful lake on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was named in his honor.  This image is a High Dynamic Range (HDR) image created by tonemapping seven exposures.  The breeze was very slight but it was enough to provide a sense of movement among the cattails and reeds.  I entitled this image “Contentment” because of the wash of peace I felt, first upon finding this spot and recognizing the opportunity, and then, even more when the image was captured and I had done my best.  For me, that’s contentment:  recognizing an opportunity and knowing I put forth my best effort to rise to the call.

Sunrise on Crater Lake

During the months of March—May, when many different wildflowers are blooming in Southwest Oklahoma, the wind is blowing, too, making macro photography difficult!  Couple that with the fact I only get into the field on weekends and getting good images of these early Spring wildflowers can be almost impossible.  What I wish for is a Saturday morning weather forecast that it won’t be raining and the wind velocity range will not exceed 1—2 mph.  A wish like that in Southwest Oklahoma will draw questionable looks from the natives!  It isn’t the rain part, but the low wind velocity that gets the attention.  About the only time you can find that calm a breeze is sunrise or sunset.  And that doesn’t happen everyday for sure, let alone on Saturday morning.  Everybody knows the best weather conditions for enjoying your favorite pastime are during the week when you’re working.  Friday night’s forecast for Saturday did not make my wish come true, but it wasn’t far off.  At 7:00 AM, a little bit after sunrise, it was something like 70% cloud cover, 30% chance of rain, and a 4 mph SW wind.  Well, that’s about as good as I’m ever going to get, so I put everything together Friday night before I went to bed.

I hate the sound of my alarm clock regardless of the time, but at 5:15 am on Saturday morning it’s a lot more than annoying.  Sunrise would be at 6:30 am, so I forced myself to get up after I had hit the snooze button twice.  I had gotten the coffee ready the night before, so all I had to do was hit the button to get it going.  A few minutes later, as I was getting my daily medications together, the wonderful smell of fresh brewing coffee came wafting through the air.  My clothes were already laid out, so all I had to do was rub a “Deep Woods Off” soaked towelette over my bare legs, arms, neck, and shoulders and finish getting dressed.  I really do hate Deet, but not as bad as I hate ticks and they must be the most abundant form of wildlife on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.  Since that was where I was heading and most of my time would be stretched out prone on the ground, I had to just buck-up and take it.

Finally dressed, cup of coffee under my belt, camera gear, thermos of coffee, and bottles of water loaded in my 1993 Toy truck, I’m off to the WMWR.  Well, I have to make a quick stop by McDonald’s at 31st and Cache Road for a “sausage and egg biscuit, but then it’s up 38th to Roger’s Lane then westbound and down.  Yahoo!

Heading west on Quanah Parker Trailway, eating my biscuit, sipping hot coffee, and the fresh morning air filling the cab through the driver side window lowered about six inches, I can’t help thinking, “Life is good and I am Blessed!”  In less than 20 minutes I’ll be driving across the cattle guards that stretch across Hwy. 115, north of Cache.  Using this entrance onto the Refuge was a choice I made only after noticing the day was well into Civil Twilight and the surrounding pastures and the low hanging heavy cloud cover were becoming easier to see in the increasing light of day.  It was only then that the idea of possibly capturing an interesting sunrise surfaced.  I thought there just might be a chance of the sun showing itself just as it climbed above the horizon.  In Southwest Oklahoma a view of the horizon is one of the easiest views to position yourself for; finding something to use for an interesting foreground is not!  As I turned north onto Hwy. 115, I began to glance every few seconds to the east checking the sky for the rising sun’s progress and also considering every hill, tree, and fence post as a foreground possibility.  I’ve done this so many times before knowing I wouldn’t find anything, but still trying thinking maybe I would notice something, this time, I’d never seen before.

“Brrmp, Brrmp”, was the sound the tires made crossing the cattle guard as I entered the WMWR.  By this time I was certain the sun would be on the verge of topping the horizon, if it hadn’t already.  I also knew the first chance I would have to tell for sure wouldn’t be until I reached Crater Lake.  I always respect the 45 mph speed limit on the Refuge, so I just had to control the butterflies of anticipation and relax.  I swivel-headed from side to peering into the darkness for glimpses of elk, bison, deer, turkey, or maybe even a coyote or wild pig.  Even though it would be too dark to take any decent pictures, I still look every time because I’m fascinated by all living thing on the Refuge and I’ve seen them all, many times before, along this same stretch of highway.  Even though I had restrained my urge to speed ahead, I was not able to curb an eagerness to scan the eastern horizon currently hidden by granite hills.  I knew if there was any chance to include the sunrise in an image, it would be at Crater Lake.  I also knew the sun would rise at 60° ENE because I had checked last night.  Finally the hills ended and the turnoff to Crater Lake was just ahead.  I could see an orange glow on the eastern horizon and I knew dawn was ready to proclaim a new day!  I was going to have to move quickly, my options were limited,  one, maybe two chances were all I’d get, but I was ready for “the first thing” this morning.

HDR photograph using 3 exposures (-2, 0, +2).  Sony A700, Carl Zeiss  16-80 f3.5-4.5 ZA (16mm, f22, 1/40s), Manfrotto 055XPROB w/3030 head, 1000s remote release cable.

Clouds Through My Window

I’ve visited this cabin located on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (WMWR) many times over the years.  I’ve always wanted to take pictures from the inside looking out through these windows but always knew the result would be very disappointing.  The problem was the darkness of the interior in contrast to the bright outdoors.  I would never be able to achieve what I wanted until High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography came onto the scene.  This time when I visited this great little cabin, I was exhilarated with expectations of the possibilities.  I learned some things from this experience and am sure I can make some technical improvements.  This image was made using five exposures.  I needed to use more, maybe seven.  I’m satisfied with what I have now, and await my next visit.

Clouds Reflected on Mirror Surface

Rare are the words, “There’s no wind”, heard in Southwest Oklahoma.  Even more rare are the times when it’s actually true, with nary a breeze astir.  The morning I came upon this scene at Caddo Lake on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was about as close as it comes.  My timing was perfect, which is rare for me also, and I knew I would have to hurry to capture the scene as I found it.  My sense to make haste proved true, because within fifteen minutes, I could feel a breeze whispering on my cheek and see the delicate wildflower heads beginning to nod.