Mogshade Hill, 3 January 2025 8:00
Frosty Sunrise
A typical bitterly cold early January morning and in the pre-dawn gloam, I was taken aback by the number of cars already parked near Canadian Memorial until I came upon a group of photographers gathered at the perfect sunrise spot by Mogshade Pond. Happily ensconced with their tripods already set up and their lenses aimed optimistically towards the soon-to-be-rising sun, they must have arrived well before dawn to stake out this spot.
The air was crisp but the cloudless sky promised no more than a prosaic sunrise with a predictably progressive shift from deep pre-dawn blue to the familiar gradation of red, orange and yellow shades of a sun rising into a cloudless sky. Having been here before photographing a similar scene many times, the appeal for this one was slight so I continued along the path, leaving them to their vigil.
Returning some time later, my back now to the rising sun, they were still huddled on their spot, coffee flasks out, eyes and lenses trained on the last fading red remains of the sunrise. I couldn't help noticing that they must have been so focused on the hoped-for blaze of light in front of them that they were missing the spectacle unfolding on the other side of the valley.
In front of me and behind them, the sky was an intense wash of pink, a vibrant glow that rose and faded in a brief minute or two. I only had my iPhone with me, but the old adage that the best camera for the job is the one you happen to have with you, not for the first time, held true.
So, whether you're a photographer or simply out for an enjoyable walk, expect the unexpected, keep your eyes open and don't forget to look behind you as you never know what you may find, hiding in plain sight.
Photo details - iPhone 16 Pro 6.8mm f1.8 1/60sec ISO 100. Processed in Apple photos (basic light adjustments, sharpening)
The air was crisp but the cloudless sky promised no more than a prosaic sunrise with a predictably progressive shift from deep pre-dawn blue to the familiar gradation of red, orange and yellow shades of a sun rising into a cloudless sky. Having been here before photographing a similar scene many times, the appeal for this one was slight so I continued along the path, leaving them to their vigil.
Returning some time later, my back now to the rising sun, they were still huddled on their spot, coffee flasks out, eyes and lenses trained on the last fading red remains of the sunrise. I couldn't help noticing that they must have been so focused on the hoped-for blaze of light in front of them that they were missing the spectacle unfolding on the other side of the valley.
In front of me and behind them, the sky was an intense wash of pink, a vibrant glow that rose and faded in a brief minute or two. I only had my iPhone with me, but the old adage that the best camera for the job is the one you happen to have with you, not for the first time, held true.
So, whether you're a photographer or simply out for an enjoyable walk, expect the unexpected, keep your eyes open and don't forget to look behind you as you never know what you may find, hiding in plain sight.
Photo details - iPhone 16 Pro 6.8mm f1.8 1/60sec ISO 100. Processed in Apple photos (basic light adjustments, sharpening)