San Diego Bay Sunrise

One of the notable advantages of being an early riser is the opportunity to capture moments like the one depicted in this photograph. Kathy and I were staying on Shelter Island, located on the San Diego Bay. We hold Shelter Island in high regard. It is a mere 10-minute drive from downtown San Diego yet offers a serene escape, free from the prevalent urban challenges encountered across the bay. Fortunately, Shelter Island boasts three hotels that cater to our preferences and are reasonably priced.

On this exceptionally early morning, I awoke just before 4:00 AM and endeavored to dress discreetly, refraining from illuminating the room to avoid disturbing Kathy, who was still asleep. Once dressed, I fumbled in the darkness, searching for my cameras and lenses. Once located, I made my way to the door and exited the room. The darkness persisted outside as I proceeded to the parking lot, passing my car on my way.

Crossing the street, I headed towards the water’s edge. A faint pink hue was already emanating from the eastern sky, a harbinger of an exceptional sunrise that morning. I was determined not to miss this celestial spectacle. At this early hour, the streets were sparsely populated. I observed a few fishermen at the pier, their fishing lines already cast into the water.

Selecting a suitable location, I set up my cameras and prepared to await the arrival of the sunrise. A harbor police car slowly passed by, its driver likely observing my activities. There was no indication of any illegal or nefarious conduct here; I was merely a photography enthusiast attempting to capture a memorable moment.

As time elapsed, the eastern sky intensified in brightness, transitioning into a mesmerizing blend of reddish-orange hues. I commenced capturing images. After a while, convinced that I had captured the desired composition, I moved closer to the pier and captured additional shots from that elevated vantage point.