Daybreak

This photo reminds me of the saying, “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” ⁣⁣

I discovered this composition the night before. But when I arrived in the morning, my curiosity got the better of me. What’s over there on the rocky outcrop across the lake? The composition potential looked good. Do I stay here and wait, or go for it? I donned my chest waders. ⁣⁣⁣

Location scouting is all about following your intuition, so why not? Plus, I still had time before the sun came up. Near the middle, the water rose to the top of my waders, and thick sludge on the lake bed made each step harder than the last. Camera and tripod overhead, the realization came—I’m stuck in quicksand. I couldn’t move, and every time I tried, my feet became more entrapped. I couldn’t use my hands because they were busy holding my camera and gear. I couldn’t lean over because the water would rush in my waders and I would drown.⁣

As this was happening, two thoughts popped in my mind: “Now I will miss the sunrise,” and “My camera will get wet!” Determined, I yanked at my feet so hard it pulled my water shoes off, leaving them trapped in the mud. Shoulders burning from everything overhead, I trudged back to where I came from. ⁣⁣⁣

Exhausted but out of time, I ran back to the original spot just in time to capture the sun pouring into the scene.

Settings: f/13, ISO 64, 1/10 second