The image is not a crisp and clear as I would like but without the serendipitous front lighting of the sailboat by the lightning strike...the photo would have been impossible.2 summers ago at San Diego. I was staying on the bay looking out past Coronado Island towards open water. You could feel the electric in the air. A front had moved in...the clash of the different temperatures caused the temperature and humidity to spike abnormally high even for the locals. That evening I was attempting to capture the beautiful display of heat lightning... those delicate spider web like fingers stretching from one edge of the horizon to the other almost constantly illuminating the sky.
I know nothing about navigating the seas but I remember wondering why the sailboat would venture out in such a volatile weather pattern. I took dozens of pictures but this is the only one that turned out. Soon after the lightening strike so close to the boat, it began a slow wide turn back to the docks. Safely docked on shore, I'm certain the passengers were already calling home to relay the close call to family.
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5 comments:
I'm enjoying your blog of interesting and well executed photography as well as the thoughts and storu that go into them.
This last photograph speaks to me about how small we are in and around the power and beauty, mystery, and dangers of the elements that we refer to as Mother Nature. Often we are electrified and revitalized by being so close to the danger and power of the Earth. A new found sense of life and motivation can be had by being so close to death, and in this photograph i can gather and feel those moments.
Wonderful work.
WOW! I'm in awe at the execution of this photograph! It almost looks fake! Too bad we have so much technology now-a-days that photographs taken that look like this can even be suspected as fake...I mean, it's good to have the technology, but at the same time it takes away from the art of truly taking a great photo. Awesome story!
Thanks Gary and I appreciate your comment. You are right, whether it is the Oklahoma flatlands in late May, virgin snowboarding from a helicopter, or staying in your home when hurricanes approach..it's always very risky when you challenge and confront nature...much bigger than the both of us.
Dan
Dani,
Ever since Forest Gump, I think it is always a good idea to have a healthy skepticism when it comes to video or photography! I did have to lighten the sailboat in order to have it contrast against the dark background in such dark conditions.
Dan
the photograph may not be perfect. but it has captured the moment that is really difficult to snap.
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