I recently photographed my elusive “white whale” photo subject, a fog enveloped Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise. You might expect I’d be happy with capturing dozens of photos of this amazing phenomenon, but I’m eager to photograph it again to get a different take on it. I should clarify I am very satisfied with the photos captured including the one shown below, but I have an incredibly strong desire to try something new next time.
What might surprise you is that I almost missed this opportunity out of sheer laziness. I knew conditions were lining up to be good the evening before and I set my alarm for 5am… 40 minutes before sunrise. I had been working on photos until about 1am that morning and when my alarm went off I had a tough time getting my butt in gear. I got up, looked out my window and I could see a clear view above a fog layer in the valley beneath the hill I live on. What this meant is that the fog was receding and hugging the coast making the odds the bridge would be poking out of the fog a near certainty. Even still I got back in bed and after much internal debate I got myself up and out of the house. It should be noted to minimize my own internal resistance I had my gear ready to go the night before so no extra effort was needed… I just needed to get on the road.
Golden Gate Bridge Shrouded in Fog at Sunrise
More Golden Gate Bridge fine art and stock photos
To say I’m happy that I eventually got up is an understatement. The conditions turned out to be perfect and the rate at which the fog receded was astonishingly quick. With in a matter of 90-120 minutes the fog lowered in level from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge towers to below the bridge span. The morning air was cool, filled with the sound of birds chirping and of course foghorns. Beyond getting photographs of this phenomenon it was just fun to witness. Heck even the drive back was exciting as the fog was barely spilling over the bridge.
[tags]Photography, San Francisco, Travel, California, Fog, Golden Gate Bridge, Stock Photo, Fine Art[/tags]
Great shots Jim, as usual. My little contribution to this theme: http://photos.lucafiligheddu.com/gallery/7071794_tWcRr#382676038_TMPxM
Absolutely beautiful image Jim. I need to work on the “pack the camera bag ahead of time” thing. I’m bad about thinking about it only as I’m running out the door.
Gorgeous photo! I made it out there last year after many attempts. Its quite an experience being above the fog before any tourists get there. Looking to get back for a sunset version!