I have probably spent more time in my favorite park this summer than in any other year, but I have definitely struggled with carving out opportunities for early morning adventures with the camera that I enjoy so much. I know it’s no excuse, but the sun does rise awfully early during the summer months in this part of the world, and I just haven’t done a good job at all with making the pre-dawn start needed to catch the good light. However, as my last couple of posts have shown, I recently broke the slump and “forced” myself to obey the alarm clock and experience a classic Acadia sunrise again – and it felt good, very good. This post includes a sampling of photographs I made on my wonderful morning in Acadia (these are the ones I haven’t shared yet).
Stories from home 
The sun certainly DOES come up early in these parts! But I am beginning to notice a subtle change, the cats aren’t waking me up at 4 a.m. anymore! I actually enjoyed a sunrise along the shore path in Bar Harbor yesterday. It was so nice having the town almost all to myself for even a little while!
Soon the days will start getting noticeably shorter and then it accelerates pretty fast. It won’t be long now until you’ll need a jacket for that early morning walk.
That is fine by me!! My body deals with cold much better than it does with heat. Don’t forget to stock up on your handwarmers for this winter……AND remember to use them!
I’ve got a feeling we’re going to pay for how mild it was last season and for the beautiful summer we’ve had.
Wow, David. These are really beautiful – especially the last one. The only time I was on that beach at sunrise there were thirty other photographers present. Since the early arrivers had set up so far back, I couldn’t set up where you have taken that shot. I would dearly love to have the beach to myself at sunrise with color on the eastern horizon. Well done!
Thanks Rick. I usually hit this location up 5 or 6 times per year, and the most I’ve ever encountered is maybe one other photographer. Perhaps a workshop was in town when you were there? Or maybe I’m just lucky 😉
Great photos, David. Just fantastic… I guess I should credit the Maker for providing such great subjects, too.
Thanks Rick. It sure is a pretty place.
Well worth the effort of an early rise!
Ed… there’s nothing quite like being on the edge of the ocean as the sun comes up.
Great pictures…and it’s good to see some others with the summer time, morning motivational issues!
Thanks Joe… yeah, my time out with the camera definitely slowed down this summer, but hopefully as the fall foliage season comes around I’ll be able to get out more.
great pics as always
Thank you very much!
it certainly helps me when the sun gets up later in the morning, i am not myself at 4am, 🙂 MJ
It’s definitely tough to get going that early, but once you smell the ocean air all is good 🙂
Stunning photographs! I love what the timed exposure does to the flowing water… creates a mysterious attitude.
Thanks Carol… it’s amazing what a slow shutter will do to moving water, though it can be equally as interesting to see the effect of a faster shutter speed. Each decision can obviously impact the photograph significantly, and I often find in interesting to experiment.
I am definitely a late sleeper. I’m not human before noon. I keep trying to recapture my mornings but so far it has not worked. These are lovely photos… I think I’ll enjoy whatever you post… morning, noon or evening…
Thanks Merrill. I’m lucky because I have relatively easy access to a national park, and I know just how amazing it is to stand here at sunrise.
They’re all beautiful, David…I know they’re “just” pictures of rocks and waves and sky, but you treat them so gently…they are transformed into incredible images….
Thanks so much for the expressive and kind comment Scott… that means a lot to me.
You’re welcome, Dave…they were heart-felt words. 🙂
David, you are a brave man getting up that EARLY!!! (Guess why I prefer the evening light!)
The first and the last photo – they are stunning!
Thanks Truels. It’s really not that hard to get up early 🙂
These are really gorgeous. Hard to pick my favorite, but I believe it’s the last one because of the colors and composition. So wonderful.
Thanks Robin. That last one is growing on me too.
these are lovely … i was in Acadia a couple of months ago and really enjoyed my visit its a great spot and your pic more than do it justice
m.
Thanks Margo… I notice that you live in a beautiful part of the world too.
I’m glad you obey the alarm clock, these photos are wonderful !
Thanks Jocelyn… it’s well worth the effort to get up early and see the day start in a place like this.