04 December 2012
Lens:
I. September 2012
1. Stormy Sunset, Nikon DSLR, September 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
II. October 2012
2. Sunset, iPhone 4s, October 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
III. November 2012
3. Sunset, iPhone 4s, November 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
IV. December 2012
4. Sunset, iPhone December 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
5. Sunset, iPhone 4s, December 2012; © Sally W. Donatello and Lens and Pens by Sally, 2012
Let me know which you prefer and why.
Pens:
Over the last few weeks an accumulation of sunsets have paved the way for the kinds of scenes that force you to hold tight with awe. The drama is palpable, even when the sky is gray and the sunset struggles for attention.
Think: painterly, impressionistic, dazzling, quietly stellar, tenuous, heroic, ricocheting beams, glistening rays, vibrant hues…The soundless splendor is no less monumental.
Each display seduces in its own performance: the aesthetics in the convergence of nature’s forces. And so I’ve begun to bookend my day between the illusive sunrise and the unexpected sunsets.
For a quick explanation of why autumn and winter sunsets are more colorful, see a video from weather.com. Click here. The short rendition from the weather channel: “During this time of year, weather patterns allow for dry, clean Canadian air to sweep across country, and more colors of the spectrum make it through to our eyes without getting scattered by particles in the air, producing brilliant sunsets and sunrises that can look red, orange, yellow or even pink.”
No two setting suns mimic each other. Each carves itself into the sky and into my mind. Sometimes they are barely there for mental saturation, but they still project an identity that is unique to the day’s atmosphere and weather. Their moodiness spikes my adrenalin.
This proliferation of explosive dances has more than dazzled my personal lens. In a world of dislocation and unsettling events, they mark moments of peace and tranquility.
Sunsets seem a perfect counterpoint to my photography. Each are a source of quieting my mind, each stills the vision before me.
Nature spirits my way, opens me for an emotional response. As important, nature reassures me that there’s hope for another golden day.
Note: As always I welcome comments about this post or any part of my blog. For a recent post about sunsets, click here.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
WHOW, WHOW, WHOW – TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR WORDS!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Marialla, thank you so much for your comment. I truly appreciate your visit.
The many unforgettable facets of amazing Sunsets captured in the most inspiring way. The first was like wow! Powerful and moving. Wishing you and your family all the wonderful blessings of the holidays.
It’s going to rain for days and sunsets will be invisible, but they continue to inspire me. Happy weekend and thanks.
I like number 5 best. It is the little squiggle shapes to the right of the sun which add an extra element of interest.
Yes, the effects were changing every few minutes, and those extras caught my attention too. Thanks.
The photos are all good. I prefer the last one which seems to have more impact that the other ones. Just a personal preference. I also think the last photo is the prettiest.
I really enjoy reading about your preference. Each of us sees the world from an individual vantage point, which always informs me. Thanks.
Very nice collection of sunset photos, Sally. And thanks for the very informative part as well.
My pleasure and thank you.
I like the first two best, no 01 because you wouldn’t automatically assume that sunsets work in b/w, too. but this one does. no 02 is captivating for the rays of light piercing the clouds in such a dramatic fashion 🙂
I agree. It seems that sunsets should be seen in color. But sometimes they defy the logical. Many thanks.