Flotsum - Stomping around on a cold winter's morning in the tidepools often feels right at home. The tide slowly pouring back in was hitting reset on how so many of these pools had settled. The contrast in colors between the sky and rocky foreground was one obvious layer. What served as a distraction; was how subtly each second formed stark changes in the sand, was also casting a slow trickling spell on the sky!
Cotton Sky - If I could pick one place in Maine to take in a sunset from, this beach would be on a shortlist. At low tide you can hear the crackle and pop of air bubbles in the sand. Rhythmic low crashes of water off in the distance and the bits of gritty sand below my feet. But really, this curved beach pointing to headlands in the distance and a sky screaming, with it's reflection of the sunset in the about facing direction, are simply...wonderful!
After the Storm: This composition came in the aftermath of days long stormy weather. So off to the coast I went, with my mind set on images full of moving water and blaring light. I wasn't disappointed, instead intrigued by what happened as the sky started to brighten. The water was raging, distractingly so; in little pockets along the shelved rocky coastline, swirls of water collected and emptied. Due to the angry splashes, foam was abundant in the slowly leaking pockets. As the light changed the textures in these swirls absorbed and reflected that light in so many interesting ways!
Golden Marsh - This photo was taken during mid summer, on a warm, rainy day. I was contemplating whether or not to catch golden hour over this marsh.After a day of continuous thundering rain, the clouds had just started parting to allow the sun to peek through. I was so happy when I got to this location to see just how perfectly the light was settling over this landscape.
Drama Rocks - This summer was foggy and cool. On this particular day along the coast the winds were a bit high encouraging the rough waters seen in this shot dancing between the rocky shore. The fog in these photos brought the perfect diffusion to the light coming from the sun fighting to peek through. All of this combined to create this dramatic image.
Burning Sunset - I visited this location with my wife and friends celebrating a birthday. As any responsible photographer would, I brought my camera, hoping to capture something spectacular. What a treat to be greeting with these dense dramatic clouds dancing around this sunset. This sheltered Bay in Georgetown, Maine was also calm and quiet with cute small homes littering the rocky shoreline.
Mid Coast - These little islands along Maine's Mid-Coast are bursting with photogenic spots. These interesting rocky textures and fish houses combine to tell the story of what happens in these small towns everyday.
Elephant Rock: This boulder shaped like an elephant staring at me was striking. I got to this spot early on the day hoping for some warm, low light pouring over the low tide water covered rocks. With the sky overblown, black and white was the way to go
Low Tide - This is one of my favorite places to take in sunset. There are so many aspects of life in Maine along Cousin's and Little John islands that remind me of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The island life vibe of folks hanging out from their houses, or walking around chatting with their neighbors as all the wildlife sings their last songs of the day are so homely. Then subtly in the background are the sounds of small boats and a lapping shore. Very peaceful.
Reflection House - This is a popular spot in Cape Porpoise, Maine. Langsford Road has seen many photographers snapping away at this fish house. On this day there were some interesting colors in the sky, and while it was very overcast, the light behind the clouds right before sunset was very reflective. All of this combined to create a spectacular reflection in the calm slightly rippling water.
Curve of the Coast - I spent so many afternoons this summer searching for the perfect coastal scenes. Rock curving coasts with late afternoon sun were the perfect salve for busy weeks.
Glass and Sand - Summer days create unique moments. This one was from a random need to get out after work. I headed down on the Southern Maine coastal beach town of Ogunquit and between the tide pools were these interesting bands of sand. The mood was ideal and this specific moment captured the sense of the place perfectly!
Sky Mirror - I love dramatic clouds. On this day the combination of a warmly lit blue sky, and large slow moving clouds created such a perfect scene. Fortunately, the tide was low enough to allow me to get to eye level with this body of water on the tiny causeway to Little John island and snap this mirror reflection of the sky.
Splash Light - This photo was taken on a hot early August day. Cape Neddick in Maine is one of the most quaint and enjoyable beach towns. This, however, is a popular spot. The Nubble lighthouse is a great place to visit anytime of year.
Holding Firm - Old Orchard Beach, Maine is a popular vacation spot. The Pier in particular is always buzzing with action. I caught this photo during early Fall 2020. It was on a sunset morning, just after the sun rose high enough to cast the shadows of these pylons holding the pier up perfectly through my frame.
Bits Between The Cracks - Winter in 2021 was a bit Jekyll and Hyde. It felt as though some days would be the coldest day we have experienced, and others were so mild it almost felt like Spring was right around the corner. This snap was taken on February 21st. I was standing in the middle of this breakwater, anticipating a deep orange and magenta sunset. Imagine my disappointment when the sky only offered this light pastel sky. The tide was rushing in and naturally because the light was not intense, it was disappearing quickly. I decided a long exposure was the way to go! The snow clung to the contours of these rocks, adhered with the salty water that splashed on the craggy surfaces during high tide.
Nicole & Matt's Morning - This was taken the morning of some of my closest friends, overlooking the spot we were about to celebrate their nuptials from eight hours later. Golden sky, with crashing waves and a sky ready to show off a spectacular day.
Edge of Acadia - Standing between the trees after the sun set with this cotton candy sky was one of the most breathtaking scenes of Summer 2021. I couldn't help but get a long lens out, introduce some compression and this came together beautifully
Water Reeds - Revisiting this spot along the Southern Maine coast. The high tide action with this rising landscape in the background drew me in perfectly! I was obsessed with the colors of this late summer summer.
Otters Steps - Big granite slaps sprawled out ahead of Otter Cliffs along the ocean in Acadia National Park is a great way to start any day. The pine tree littered cliffs shown here made for brilliant contrasty colors.
Dog Rocks - This was my favorite spot of the summer season 2021. The rocks scattered around looked like pups laying down while the sun came up in the background. The clouds were soft and broad in the sky, and the blue tones made this a stunning painterly scene.
Back Splash - These waves spent the morning reminding the rocks they have a worthy opponent. For the first time in about 10 sunrise shoots, I not only picked the correct morning to get out, I also found an ideal location! The timing was on point; that hour or so just after sunrise where the light truly feels as concentrated. But for the air, you could be tricked into thinking a late February morning is offering a kiss of spring.
Coastal colors and movement always provide great scenes and photographic opportunities. I have found that waking up nice and early and getting my camera on a tripod in an ideal spot along the water’s edge never disappoints.