So much of my photography, or should I say, the photography I happen to love most, happens while most people are asleep.
I’m a morning person. I’ve always been a morning person.
There is something magical about waking up before dawn and heading out with my camera. The world is still quiet, the streets are empty, the light is soft and the colors are vibrant. I feel like I have the whole place to myself, and I can explore and capture it in ways that are not possible later in the day.
No noise. No traffic. No smog.
Why is it important to begin the day with your camera and the creative benefits of starting out, while most are asleep?
First of all, it’s a great way to challenge yourself and improve your skills. Shooting in low light conditions requires you to be more mindful of your exposure settings, your focus, your composition, and your creativity. You have to work with what you have, and sometimes that means pushing your camera and yourself to the limit.
Secondly, it’s a great way to discover new perspectives and stories. When you shoot in the morning, you see things that others don’t. You see the sunrise, the mist, the dew, the shadows, the reflections, the contrasts.
You see the people who are up early, working, exercising, praying, preparing. You see the signs of life that are hidden or overlooked during the day. You see the beauty and the mystery of the world before it wakes up.
Thirdly, it’s a great way to start your day with a positive and creative mindset. When you shoot in the morning, you feel energized, inspired, and fulfilled. You feel like you have accomplished something before most people even get out of bed. You feel like you have a secret that only you know. You feel like you have a connection with nature and yourself that is deeper and more meaningful than anything else.
So, if you are a photographer who loves to create and explore, I urge you to try shooting in the morning. It may not be easy to get up early and brave the cold or the dark, but trust me, it’s worth it. You will be rewarded with images and experiences that will enrich your portfolio and your soul.
While they slept, Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, you created, I created, we created.
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Jack Hollingsworth
P.S All photos here were shot on my beloved Cape Cod, June 2023, #shotoniPhone, with an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
