What A Great Way To Start The Day
Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
It's always good to keep an eye on the sky - because you never know when you'll get a dramatic sight. And the thing about photographing a great sky is that you have to be really quick, because the subtleties of light change so swiftly.
Last weekend I was up early and noticed some scattered cloud across the east. The sky was lightening and it was still several minutes from sunrise, so I made myself a cup of tea and savoured it. You can take the boy from Darjeeling but you can't take Darjeeling from the boy - I always drink normal tea, rather than the blended tea flavours that are so popular.
After I put the cup down, I picked up my camera, put on a jacket (this is our winter, remember?) and walked outside. Sure enough, in a few minutes, it was as if someone had daubed the freezing winter sky with a flamethrower.
I always like getting a few silhouettes into a sky shot, because I find they provide great value. Rather than detracting from the overall image, I always find they add something to the shot because they give you some idea of perspective. I used a roof line and trees to frame these shots and in about five minutes, the colours had vanished completely.
The rest of the day was grey and cloudy and gusty - but I was so very privileged to see the way it started out.
For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch Friday.
