Most sane people hunker down indoors during a storm. For photographers, it’s another story. When it comes to bad weather, photographers remind me of the scene in Forest Gump when “Lieutenant Dan” hoisted atop a mast, shouts defiantly with joy into the wind. Bring it on! I’m a bit more measured than that. But as a photographer I know that the worst weather is the best time to photograph.
This photograph at the Rockland Breakwater was taken in heavy wind and rain in the afternoon. I originally went to the Breakwater in the morning without checking the tide but still hoping to get a dramatic shot due to the high winds. There wasn’t the drama I wanted so I knew I needed to head back out at noon during high tide. I used my early morning foray for test shots and to discern whether I had the right camera and protective gear.
The high tide and wind hours later did not disappoint. In fact, the rain and the force of the wind were more intense. It didn’t matter what I was wearing; I got instantly soaked and chilled. In the moment, I was more concerned about keeping my camera and lens dry, but this was nearly impossible.
With my 400mm lens and camera attached to a tripod I clung to the narrow path as I walked out to the breakwater. I had no intention of going on it as I would’ve instantly been swept away.
I position myself to capture the waves hitting the breakwater rocks and the lighthouse in the distance, which was intermittently being obscured by fog. Then I concentrated on the rhythm of the waves. Crash, click, crash, click, crash, click. I think I got it. Warmed by the adventure I hurried back to my car.
All and all it was a beautiful day.