Friday, December 6, 2013

Rocking Sunset

On our second trip to Madisonville my sole purpose was to photograph the gulls, pelicans, and terns. Countless times I have gone out with my camera for a specific purpose and ended up with something completely different and unexpected. Being a "go with the flow" type person comes in handy in these situations.

We didn't plan to stay long this day, but as the sun lowered, we sensed something special on the horizon. It started off subtly and continued to build in intensity like a good rock song—think Stairway To Heaven. Pointing my lens in different directions at different times produced an array of results and displays of color. It was a magical afternoon for a photographer. I'll never forget this day as long as I live. My camera and current skill set don't do it justice.






This post is dedicated to my loving daughter, Autumn, who GOT ENGAGED LAST NIGHT! Her ring is stunning, but the best part is she has an amazing man that treats her like a queen. Congratulations my dear, sweet girl! You and Jason are perfect for one another. I can't wait to help plan your special day. Love with all my heart, Mom.

Linking to Weekend Reflections and Skywatch Friday.

60 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Congratulations to Jason and Autumn and you are going to have so much fun Mom:)
Magical is the right way to describe these photos. Hug B

Optimistic Existentialist said...

That third photograph takes my breath away

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...


ohhhh...so purdy!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

These are beautiful! Sunsets are like a box of chocolates, as Forest Gump would say. You never know what you're gonna get. What you got is beyond delicious. :)

Pallavi said...

Its like the sky is a canvas sprayed on with beautiful colors. Its so surreal and peaceful. Loved the picture my dear Gail :) Hugs.

Merisi said...

"Countless times I have gone out with my camera for a specific purpose and ended up with something completely different and unexpected."

You expressed so beautifully what is the essence of a photographer with heart! Love what you caught this time, gorgeous!

Enigma said...

Truly stunning. That last one just reaches out and grabs the viewer! Thank you for sharing!!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

Oh, my goodness, these are breathtaking! I think you did a great job!

Congrats to your daughter! Blessings to her and her fiance. :-)

Karen said...

Amazing captures Gail! Congrats to your daughter!

Anonymous said...

Wow. You sure have some beautiful shots here. Congratulations to you and your daughter. Sounds like fun in your future. Dianne

EG CameraGirl said...

Isn't it wonderful when a day ends this lovely?

Hootin Anni said...

Well, I was all set to post about how stunning your sunset photos are, but I then continued to read and got goose flesh all over my body!!! How wonderful to have your daughter and future son in law share such great, happy news!!! Can't wait to see the ring and look forward to you sharing your experiences with your daughter's wedding plans. Are you hired to do the wedding photos?!!!! *hint

don said...

You did a fine job of capturing the subtle colors in those first shots. The brilliant sunsets are very fine images. I especially like the silhouetted building with the golden glow behind.

James said...

Your photos are beautiful! Congrats to your daughter!

Misty said...

Really beautiful pictures! I love how different directions of the same sky produce many colors. Congratulations to your daughter and her soon-to-be husband. :)

TexWisGirl said...

congrats for your expanding family! these are spectacular - from soft and subtle to WOW!

Anonymous said...

de foto,s zijn allemaal mooi Gail,maar de laatste die is super.

cath said...

Très très belles photos! j'adore!
Very nice post!
Thanks & Welcome for your comment on my blog.
Très bon week-end!
Cath.

Sylvia K said...

These are awesome captures/reflections!! How wonderful that you had your camera!! A great reminder to take the camera wherever you go -- you never know what will be there!! Thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!

Cranberry Morning said...

congratulations to Autumn and Jason! The photos are just gorgeous - especially loved that last one!

Hilary said...

What excellent news. Congrats to all. You must be so excited. :)

Beautiful, stunning sunset here, Gail. I love the way the colours played out and how you've captured them so perfectly. That last shot it just amazing.

Steffi said...

Very beautiful photos for SWF!Have a nice weekend.

Jenny said...

Your photos are stunning; I dream of seeing and taking pictures of sunsets like that. Congratulations and much joy to Autumn and Jason. And Merry Christmas!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Congratulations to Autumn and Jason. These pictures are breathtaking.Stunning.

Autumn said...

Thanks to all for the sweet notes of congratulation! And my goodness, is my mama talented or what?! Beautiful photos - especially love the last one!

Anita Johnson said...

Congratulations to your family...such wonderful news. looks like God painted the sky for just this occasion!

Anonymous said...

Breathtaking scenes! Congratulations to the newly engaged couple.

Fun60 said...

Such a magnificent sunset to accompany such magnificent news.

Melissa said...

Very cool! Especially love the last one, setting behind the pier.

eileeninmd said...

WOW, what an amazing sight! Each photo is lovely. The last three are my favorites. Have a happy weekend!

hootnonny said...

Amazing sunset! Glad you sensed that God was going to put on a show for you. Congrats to your daughter! It's so nice to have something happy to work toward.

Thanks for sending the birthday card to my friend!

sunshine said...

Wonderful photos and a nice scenery.

Indrani said...

As I scrolled down the shots kept getting more and more dramatic! Excellent series!

Shug said...

Big congrats to Autumn and Jason...also to you! It's wonderful to share such a big event with daughter. Simply stunning is all I can say about the photos!! GREAT Job!

shug

Brian King said...

Gorgeous and a great variety of colors! Congratulations to your daughter!

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Gail, these are incredible! Hard to imagine a sunset shot more beautiful. And congrats to you and your daughter!

Andy said...

Sweet beauty. Your eyes found every charming detail of this sunset.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Oh gosh, these are AWESOME shots! Congrats to your daughter!

'Tsuki said...

Gorgeous colors and beautiful sunset : well done !

Rosemary Aubut said...

WOW WOW WOW Gail! Amazing work! Congrats to you daughter as well!

rainfield61 said...

Oh we have a new "queen" right now.

She must be very beautiful.

Congratulation.

Jackie said...

I am awestruck with the beauty you captured. Gorgeous beyond words. I am so glad you had your camera because it would be impossible to describe that beauty.
Wonderful job!
Congratulations on your daughter's engagement. It sounds like you are gaining a fine son-in-law. May God's blessings always be with them.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

nice!! i love picking a fav - in this post it is just not possible??! do you have a favorite? ( :

Stephanie said...

The second and fourth picture blew me away with their beauty - wow, absolutely incredible! Also, congratulations to your precious daughter! What an exciting time for all of you :)

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Stunning! And congrats to Autumn!

Barbara said...

Congratulations to Autumn and her lucky fiance!!! These photos are so beautiful, Gail. What a magical sunset that must have been! Thank you for sharing!

Betty Manousos said...

incredibly beautiful sunset shots, gail! it's really hard to pick a favorite. and congratulations to autumn!

hope you're having a great weekend!
xo

Magia da Inês said...

♡°º•.¸
Olá!
Passei para uma visita e para admirar suas fotografias.
Belíssimas!!!!

☾♫º°•.¸Bom domingo!
Boa semana!
♪♪♬♫º°•.¸Beijinhos
Brasil
°º✿♫

Anvilcloud said...

These are marvellous photos. I don't know how many times I have gone out to shoot one thing, but it has turned out badly but something else that caught my eye that wasn't too bad at all. Nothing like this really but the same principle.

Unknown said...

These are totally amazing shots my friend. LOVE THEM!! Congrats to your Daughter. How exciting.

Wishing you a Happy Sunday..

Hugs~

DeniseinVA said...

Brilliant photos of a beautiful sunset!

tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com said...

yes,you & your camera DID do justice to these photos,I have been in your shoes & have not been able to capture this sequence as you did,beautiful!!!I usually just stand with mouth open...lol.love you & your dog photo too,phyllis

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

So happy for Autumn and Jason -- and you, Mom!!

The sky photos are awe-inspiring! Just amazing. Go with the flow is definitely best for photography and (IMHO) in life!

Donna said...

Pure incredible bliss...these pictures just take my breath away

Helma said...

What a stunning sunrises or sunsets. Wonderful to see and what a great color. This really enjoy Gail.
Really my big compliments

Starla said...

Your photos took my breath away! I have NOT figured out in any way how to take a decent dusk, evening, sunset shot.
It will take much more time and practice to achieve what you captured!
CONGRATS to your daughter and future SIL!!

Suzan said...

Spectacular sun set!! Love the colored sky.
And congratulations in gaining a new member to the family!! Wishing your daughter all the happiness God can grace her and him!! Have fun preparing for the special day Gail!

Míriam Luiza said...

Maravilhosas fotos! Lindas demais! Parabéns à sua amada filha! Que Deus a abençoe muito sempre!

Scott Law said...

Great job of capturing the various stages of this sunset and thanks for sharing. Thank you also for bringing my attention the to problem with the tutorial on adding links in comments. I think I have fixed it and you should be able to see it better now here. Thanks again, and I hope to see more of your beautiful sunsets on Sunset Sunday.

Mari said...

So beautiful, so unbelievable beautiful.