Make sure to always do this when you are out shooting a sunset.
It is a simple thing to do but many people miss some spectacular photographs by not doing this – and it is not at all technical. Keep your eyes moving, scanning your surroundings. Pay attention to the entire sky – not just the setting sun. Look to your right, look to your left and always, always look directly behind you. That’s it.
Excalibur Condominium in an Ocean City Sunset
You should always be on the lookout for the “big picture” – looking all around you. There are changing light conditions throughout the sky and the area whenever the sun is rising or setting. Some of those changes are not remarkable but some can prove to be quite dramatic. Don’t fall victim to missing a shot by becoming fixated on the main event, so to speak.
Snow Geese? Some comments received on this photograph indicated there appeared to be a flock of snow geese flying over the Excalibur Condominium. The white “lights” in the sky are actually a reflection of ceiling lights in the restaurant where we were dining when this special scene lighting appeared against the dark sky. We were seated by a large window at Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Ocean City at 131st Street, bayside.
For more photographs of Ocean City and the beach resort area be sure to visit the Ocean City Gallery online.
When the darkness of night falls, a stunning sight is often unveiled.
“When the darkness of night falls, a stunning sight is unveiled in cities around the world. The city lights bring to life a magical display of neon streaks against the dark backdrop of a night sky. From towering skyscrapers to smaller city blocks, these lights can create a dazzling spectacle that captivates the eye and awakens the soul. Neon lights have long been associated with bustling nightlife and urban living, becoming an iconic symbol of cities everywhere.”
City Lights and Neon Streaks
An unintentional abstract photograph…
Actually, this light display is not as described in the opening paragraph. While that is what can be seen in a large city with a camera on a tripod, this display was shot handheld at a Christmas lights display and created with intentional camera movement.
The result came out surprisingly effective but I was at a loss of ideas for a title. To alleviate that “situation” I turned to Facebook friends for suggestions of a title for this photograph.
Here are several of their title suggestions…
Linda – Confetti Lights
Susan – Winterfest Fairy Lights
Cindy – Sir Lights-a-Lot
Nick – Should Auld Acquaintance
Christina – December Fireworks
Brad – Meteor Gawking on Acid
Bob – Luminous Galaxy
Paula – Kaleidoscope of Lights
Sandi – Neon Nancy
Paula – Kaleidoscope
Judi – Celebration!
Mike – Dispersion
Chris – And then, it happened.
Mary – Lines of Color
Tom – Purple Rain
Bob – Colorful Camera Jitters (Close to being a good description)
Kathy – Parade of Colors
Ric – City Rain
Christina – Fireworks in December
Doug – Colorful Scribbles
Renata – Stars Fell from the Sky
Mary – Cosmic Flutter
Peggy – Neon Rain
Cindy – Crazy Little Thing Called Lights
Curtis – Acid Lashes, Trip the Lights Fantastic, Light Motion Dome, Color Amphitheater, Fireworks, Gun Powder Flower, Night Lights, Spectrum Wheel, Array of Lights, Array Awry, Awry Array, Speed oFlight and Chaos in Motion
Judy – The Abyss
Kathy – Abstract Fire Flies
Richard – Speed of Light
Whew, what a list of suggestions. Nearly all of them would fit – at least by my way of thinking. I like to keep it simple but I have not yet uploaded this to my gallery – but I will soon. Then I’ll have to make a choice – or – maybe mash up a simple idea or two. Many thanks go out to those who responded to my simple plea on social media. I appreciate your contributions and are hereby giving mention to all our your input.
OK – a decision has been reached. As a twist on the popular song “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen – I’m going with “Crazy Little Thing Called Lights.”
Created with Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography
November and December are the months when most people order calendars for the new year. Plan for 2023. #ShopEarly Assateague Ponies, Ocean City, Indian River Bridge and Fire Control Towers are what I have created from my photographs and offer for sale at the amazing “Zazzle.” Click the image or the link below the image to browse of shop…
