Magic

Some photos deserve to be shared, and this is one of them.

I'm not biased when it comes to nature. I love my time with wildlife, but I love sunrise landscape photography just as much. The difference is that moments like this are almost impossible.

I've lost count of how many mornings I've woken up at 2:00 am for the two-hour plus drive to this lake, hoping everything would come together. Most mornings end with somewhat ordinary conditions, but I keep going back because every once in a blue moon, it happens!

I have spent countless days looking at forecast for something that seemed impossible. I needed something that almost never happens here: no wind on a lake where the wind almost always blows, along with a thin layer of upper layer clouds to project the sunrise beneath the horizon. Even when the forecast looks perfect, chances are slim. It's a combination that's nearly impossible.

This morning was different. It was a true unicorn. Another photograph from this same sunrise was awarded in this year's North Carolina Wildlife Magazine annual photo competition, a truly great honor for sure.

This is Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde County, North Carolina... my happy place. It's a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary moments belong to those who are willing to keep coming back, awaking at a ridiculous hour with mediocre chances at catching something spectacular.

Thank you Jesus! God might be a little disappointed in me but I am a believer. He always seems to have my back, lessons included. I prayed hard for this. And thank you all for your support! I appreciate you very much!