I was up and out the door early, to deliver art to The Met, in Freeport, Maine. I continued on to Portland, to attempt a shot or two from places I have been before, that were unsuccessful for one reason or another. At sunset, I drove over to Bug Light park, and a spot not far from the Coastguard, but the skies were washed out, offering no sunset colors. So, I called it a day, and headed into the city to check into my hotel, and out for dinner at Empire, a consistent favorite of mine.

After checking in, I took the short walk a few blocks to the waterfront, to scout my morning photo, at an iconic location I have been to many times, but never attained an image worthy of the gallery wall. I then sauntered over to Empire, where I enjoyed soft, sweet, steamed barbecue pork Bao’s, their special fried garlic green beans, and some chive shiitake potstickers, accompanied by their unique signature drink I have had many times, the frothy, creamy Dragon’s Milk cocktail, made with coconut milk, green tea-infused gin, pandan syrup and muddled Thai basil leaves. As always everything was sooo good! Fat and happy, I walked back to the hotel and settled in for the evening. I set my alarm for 4:00am, to have adequate time to get ready, and out to my spot at least a half hour before sunrise.

I love Portland, and have spent so many wonderful days and nights, but it can be a bit sketchy walking back alleys with expensive camera gear, in the dark early hours. And while my walk and location had it’s share of night walkers, things went smooth as usual. I arrived, immediately set up my tripod, and did a couple lens changes, looking at different compositions. I finally settled on the strongest composition, with my favorite 50mm f1.4. I liked the star effect created from the boats lights, using a small f-stop, and the fact there was just enough illumination to light the surrounding docks and buildings.

I began to take some test exposures, and liked the looks of the emerging colors of sunrise on the clouds. Before I knew it, it had developed into a full POW of color in the sky, while reflecting off the harbor waters. I made sure to attain a couple horizontal pics, before also attaining a vertical image (rare to get both from one scene). Satisfied with my results, I stuck around a bit longer, to see if I would get more color, but it just faded away. Happy with my results, I trudged back to the hotel, and enjoyed a nice breakfast, before heading home. Mission accomplished:)!