I'm not really a morning person. My ideal wake up time is anywhere between 8:30 and 9am, but being a responsible grown up means getting up before my kids do. Other than tending to my children, I only get up early on Sundays to lead worship at church. But when my old friend Justin told me he was going to be in town and asked if I'd want to go on one of his sunrise shoots, I couldn't say no - especially when he offered to come all the way out to the country. So I set my alarm for 5am on Sunday, got up after hitting snooze a few times, and threw on something I could go straight to church in.
I met Justin in college through my friend Garrett. We were all a bunch of artsy kids with lots of side projects and helped each other out however we could. They both taught me a lot about marketing and design and took pictures for my jewelry business, and in turn I would model for different projects they had going.
I'll spare you any of those images, as we've all come a long way (their photography has improved and I've lost my college 15), but it was fun to step back to what we used to do.
All those years ago, I never had any interest in photography. I remember wondering why it took photographers so long to figure out light and what all of the fuss was about. Now that I'm usually the one behind the camera, it was nice to be on the other side again with a new appreciation.
My in-laws and I try to go on a long walk down the backroads around here several times a week. There is a lot of beauty I've been wanting to capture, and I thought now would be the opportune time (when I'm not trying to exercise). We started off getting some shots before the sun made it up over the horizon. I knew Justin would want me in pictures, but I figured I could learn a thing or two along the way, and as someone who is self taught, I jump at any chance I can get to learn from professionals.
Justin also brought his friend Logan along (an amazing wedding photographer) and he gave me lots of tips as a fellow Canon user.
We headed to a new spot and waited for the sun to come up.
It's extremely popular to shoot at sunset (what's known as the golden hour), but shooting at sunup had never really crossed my mind. It does make sense though. You hear of photographers chasing light to get all of their shots in, but when the sun is coming up instead of going down, there's no chasing necessary.
I definitely needed a nap that afternoon, but it was an amazing experience that I would certainly be up for again. Thanks again, Justin and Logan!
Are you a morning person?
Some photos by me. Most photos by Justin Meyer or Logan Clement.