06 June 2014

Things I'm Loving: welcoming the dawn at Seatoun Pier with long exposure photography


It was a big effort getting out of bed at 6am on a crisp 3 degree morning on a chance and possibility. The chance to practice my night photography with long exposure shots in a Wellington location that I hoped would do my efforts justice.

Seatoun Pier at dawn

It was a whim I was willing to indulge. So in spite of the stinking head cold I'd been fighting all week, I donned 47 layers of clothing, puffer jacket, warm hat and mittens and hit the road at 6.10am.

Seatoun at dawn


I'd seen the long range forecast and knew that the forecast for all three days of the long weekend was for fine, frosty weather and no wind. That's unheard of in these parts.


Fishermen at Seatoun Pier


To start with it was just me and the pier. Until I had to share it with some fishermen who were very dedicated to the cause (or crazy like me) being out this early in the freezing cold.


Early morning light Seatoun


The curve of the bay made for wonderful reflections of street lights in water.


Seatoun from the Pier


Call me slow to the party but this is really the first time I'd tried out long exposures with this light (or lack of). I think somewhere along the way I'd convinced myself that either my equipment wasn't up to scratch (not true) or I didn't have it in me. Either way I hoped I was wrong.


Fishermen on Seatoun Pier


Setting up a long exposure shot isn't just about pointing and shooting so it does take a little more effort. And shooting in manual mode is something I'm only just now getting the hang of which makes me a bit of a slow learner I know since I've actually had a DSLR for 3 years now (ahem!). Better late than never I suppose.

Seatoun Pier


As well as setting up all the long exposure shots, I had to quickly tweak some dials to catch the first ferry of the day chug her way out of the harbour leaving a trail of smoke billowing behind her as she went.


Interislander Ferry leaving Seatoun



Seatoun from the pier


The pier proved itself more than worthy a photo subject during the time I was there.


Black and white Seatoun Pier



Seatoun Pier at dawn


After an hour with stiff and frozen finger tips that no amount of blowing or rubbing would fix, I was more than ready to call it a day.


Seatoun Beach before sunrise


But just at that moment the sun rose.




And I couldn't bring myself to leave.


Seatoun Pier at sunrise


Not yet anyway.


Condensation on a winter's morning Seatoun Pier


My fingers would just have to hold on for a while longer.


Seatoun Pier low angle


They managed to tweak a few dials and set up a few more shots which I think were worth the extra wait.

I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what is happening in your life, there is always something you can be thankful for..no matter how simple it is. 

Here's how you can join in this week:

Link up below with your blog post telling us what you're loving, and grab the Things I'm Loving button below for your post too. Don't forget to share the love by visiting all the other lovelies who have joined in - the linky is open till same time next week!









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