Make sure to always do this when you are out shooting a sunset.
It is a simple thing to do but many people miss some spectacular photographs by not doing this – and it is not at all technical. Keep your eyes moving, scanning your surroundings. Pay attention to the entire sky – not just the setting sun. Look to your right, look to your left and always, always look directly behind you. That’s it.
Excalibur Condominium in an Ocean City Sunset
You should always be on the lookout for the “big picture” – looking all around you. There are changing light conditions throughout the sky and the area whenever the sun is rising or setting. Some of those changes are not remarkable but some can prove to be quite dramatic. Don’t fall victim to missing a shot by becoming fixated on the main event, so to speak.
Snow Geese? Some comments received on this photograph indicated there appeared to be a flock of snow geese flying over the Excalibur Condominium. The white “lights” in the sky are actually a reflection of ceiling lights in the restaurant where we were dining when this special scene lighting appeared against the dark sky. We were seated by a large window at Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Ocean City at 131st Street, bayside.
For more photographs of Ocean City and the beach resort area be sure to visit the Ocean City Gallery online.
She also has a place in our home where we see her every day.
Moonshadow was one of the wild horses of Assateague Island in Maryland. Sadly, she was mortally injured by a hit-and-run motorist and was found dead on July 6, 2021. Her young foal, Moonbeam, was also hit but survived her injuries. This original painting has been framed and hangs in our home near the piano in a sunroom off of our living room. Everyone who has visited has complimented the painting. They are also saddened to hear the story behind behind her accident and subsequent death.
Original painting of Moonshadow Forever Free by Abbie Shores – framed and hanging in our home.
A well known British artist, Isabella Francesca Abigail Shores, out of compassion, fell in love with the story of Moonshadow and her untimely demise. “Abbie” asked my permission to create a painting of Moonshadow based the photo I shot the last time I saw Moonshadow “alive and free” on Assateague Island. I applied in the affirmative because I knew it would be a wonderful tribute to this beautiful Assateague Pony (as these animals are affectionately called).
“Moonshadow Forever Free” painting by Abbie Shores
We now have the original painting by Abigail Shores in our home. However, you can purchase a high quality Giclee print and/or home decor items in Abbie’s online gallery at Fine Art America.
Abbie’s painting was modeled after my original photograph of Moonshadow and Moonbeam, a beautiful mother and child, that was shot only a few days before the tragic event. This is the last photograph I have of her and her foal.
“Rest in Peace Moonshadow” photograph by Bill Swartwout. The small horse in the background is Moonbeam, Moonshadow’s recently born foal.
The Assateague Ponies, as they are affectionately called, are actually feral wild horses who roam Assateague Island north of the Maryland/Virginia state line. Park officials and signage continuously remind visitors to slow down and always drive with caution along the Assateague Island National Seashore’s roadways. Visitors are advised to always be on the lookout for the wild horses and other wildlife that live on the island. Any accident inside the park, especially if an animal is involved, should be reported to park rangers at the main office or Visitor Center. Unfortunately, neither that caution nor protocol was adhered to in this tragic story.
Use the links below to purchase either a print of the original painting or of the original photograph and/or to see home decor items available with either image.
Note please, that there is no “Misty of Chincoteague” here. The horses of Assateague Island are separated into two herds – “Misty” was representative of the Virginia herd. “Moonbeam” was in the Maryland herd.
