The first post of 2024 - Spring sunrise at the beach

I feel the urge to scream HAPPY NEW YEAR seeing as this is the first post of 2024. Work has been jolly busy and I've some time off for Easter which means making time for things I don't do very often.

1. Heading to the beach with my camera
2. Sharing the results with you all

Getting up early wasn't too much of an issue as ... well, I generally don't sleep well. Added to that is the fact I have man flu. As per usual I book some time off and end up coming down with a snotty cold within hours. My view was some fresh air would do me some good. In hindsight wearing shorts on a rather chilly morning probably wasn't so wise.

The sunrise in this whereabouts as at 06:24 today. Once I was up and had fed the cats it was going to be a little tight to get to the beach on time by foot, so I hopped in the car. The dog was a little miffed that her walk would have to wait until I got home.

It was a semi clear morning, the best kind in my opinion. I decided to try some black and white pictures, the first taken before the sun had broken the horizon. Armed with the tripod I was also able to take some shots with a slow shutter. It was still a little tricky as I'd forgotten my remote shutter release.

The slower shutter speed works wonderfully with the tide lapping up and over the rocks. It gives that milky, foamy effect.

I got a little creative with the post processing this time and bought out the highlights in the foreground rocks. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out as naturally they'd be in shadow. I don't think it looks too odd though.

The first sign of day break with a cloudy horizon, always comes in the form of some wonderfully colourful clouds.

I loved the little letter box of light in this one, with the little bit of spray. Once again thought to make it a B/W image.

The rest really don't need any explaining (to be fair, neither did the others!). The sun did it's thing, I took some more and then headed home to take Lola for her walk and have a giant mug of tea. A bacon sandwich may also have been consumed!