Thursday, June 25, 2009

The Golden Hour

Finally, something positive about all the overnight work I've been having to do lately as part of my consulting gig with United Airlines.

We're upgrading a lot of switches and routers and the work has to be done when it will not impact flights. So, I've been at Denver International Airport twice a week, from 11:00PM till about 5:AM in the morning!

This meant that dawn would be breaking and I got to enjoy the sunrise views.

Today, I was coherent enough to stop when the "Golden Hour" occurred. Photographers who've been around a while, done research or study, or just by dumb luck like me; know about the golden hour. This happens twice a day, assuming the weather cooperates, when the rising or setting sun illuminates everything with a golden yellow light. This light makes all colors seem richer and warmer, and usually results in some pretty good photos.

Part of the back roads I take to get to DIA, that's it in the far background



I left work too late to pose Maria, my 2004 R1150RT, against the red sunrise we had this morning but I hope you'll agree the above pictures taken during the golden hour made being up so early after working all night, somewhat worth it.

8 comments:

Sharon said...

Yes,I would definitely agree. A couple of days ago, I was out by 5am trying to catch the sunrise too and get a little ride in before work. I love those moments and you've shown it well...

Learning to Golf said...

While sunsets are great, there is something even more powerful about a sunrise. Maybe it has to do with the promise of another day to enjoy the scenery that awaits those luck enough to be rolling down a highway.

Canajun said...

That's a beautiful time of the day to be riding - or doing anything outdoors. Too bad it's so damned early!

cpa3485 said...

Very nice pictures!
Thanks!

redlegsrides said...

Sharon, AZ Harley, Canajun and Jim....

thanks for your generous words.

I like what AZ Harley says about why a sunrise is more powerful than a sunset....that and the fact that after taking pictures, one does not ride home in the dark after a sunrise! : )

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Charlie6 (Dom):

The "golden light hour occurs here at about 7:15pm. The muted gold light of the sun spills across fields and ponds in a way that causes passers-by to stop and notice, in the few places where one can stop and notice.

The dawn is different. It's full light by 5:10am, but the sun isn't up for another hour or two, and then it is hard to grab it. For me, the eastern exposure is about work... While the western exposure is about leisure.

Nice post, as usual.

Fondest regards,
"Reep" Toad

Rob said...

Wow I have so much to learn about taking a good photo....

Joe said...

That first photo draws me into it in almost a hypnotic way. It speaks remakably of the solitude I enjoy and embrace when I'm out riding.

Joe at Scootin' Da Valley