Tybee Island, GA, 2024

I am thankful for all the spectacular sunrises I’ve seen, many and varied.

For 25-30 years Barbara and I have decamped from Savannah to Tybee for Thanksgiving weekend, for a little getaway that does not require airline travel, or a long drive. It is, none the less, a serious production. On the Wednesday before, we load up my Jeep with a couple of coolers and several bags of food, wine, and whisky for a big turkey dinner, and feasting the rest of the long weekend, shared with various family members over the years.

Thursday morning this year we woke early and noticed the first light in the sky portending an interesting sunrise. We dressed quickly and headed to the beach. As we walked the boardwalk crossing the dunes this scene came together. A quick two frames and it was gone.

Granted, sunsets can be pretty, but sunrises require more commitment. Anybody can be out at 6, 7, 8 PM to see a sunset. Getting up really early and going out in the dark is an act of faith. Sometimes it’s good; sometimes less so, but I heard two different pieces of advice at a couple of different photo workshops long ago, that work as a couplet I think. “If you just get up and get yourself out there, good things will happen for you,” and, “So what if the hoped for photo doesn’t happen. Isn’t it nice just to be there?”

For more of Bill’s photographs, go to https://www.billdurrence.com/index