The Many Shades of Light

On a recent trip to the beach, I was amazed at the changing light and the effect fog had on the morning.  I went to photograph surfers in a competition.  I was there with other photographers as part of an outreach program.   They had the long lenses, so I figured the action shots of the surfers were in their wheelhouse.  I decided to use my 24-120mm and document people enjoying the event and all the possibilities around them.  We all kept saying the overcast skies were there to stay, and for most of the morning, they did.  But for a brief moment, some of the clouds parted and let in a hint of blue sky.   Standing near the shore, I noticed how that impacted the light.  When I turned toward the light, it was like I was in a black-and-white movie.  Totally white/grey skies and nothing but silhouettes of all the beach goers.   When I put my back to the light, that shade of blue sky matched the water, warming the sand to a golden hue.  I stood next to another photographer and pointed out - look this way - black & white.  Turn this way, all in color.  It was like The Wizard of Oz, and with just a turn, we went from tornado-impacted Kansas to Emerald City.   I’m always amazed at God’s beautiful creations.  He is the Master of Light and with His brush, paints us beautiful scenes all the time.  We just have to pay attention.   I posted several images on my Instagram page.   I took SO many shots that day, but each movement of a child, a parent, or a surfer brought forth another painting.