A few years ago, I decided to get a sunrise photo on New Year’s Day. At this time of year in the northern hemisphere, the sun rises at a leisurely hour, at about 8 am, so getting up in time was not a hardship. But dealing with snowy roads and frigid temperatures is hard. Wearing two pairs of gloves plus mittens when using a camera is hard, and windchill requires a full scarf that covers most of my face and threatens to steam up my glasses.
Fortunately it was not too windy this particular Jan 1st and the sunrise was glorious. I chose just one location, under the harbour bridge, where I could park close at hand. I was using the fixed lens Fujifilm X100 and set up my camera before I left the house. I arrived before the sun rose and stayed 20 minutes, then hopped back into the car to warm up.
But when the car wouldn’t start I began to panic. I called CAA and their estimated waiting time was 40 minutes. The temperature was -25 Celsius and I was already chilled from being outdoors. I tried to decide whether to walk or wait. And then I decided to try starting the car again. Big sigh of relief – the car started!
Since then I haven’t gotten out for every New Year’s sunrise, but I have collected a few favourites. There is something about heading out in adverse weather that makes the images more precious to me.
When I woke up in time for sunrise this year, it was snowing. The roads looked sketchy. So I decided not to drive; I bundled up and walked to the nearest intersection, and then trudged home again. I didn’t get very far this year, but I still got my New Year’s sunrise photo!
Leave a Reply