When we think of the equipment that is important in photography, there are some obvious choices. Certainly, you cannot get any shots without the camera, the lens, a memory card (or film for those of you older than 25), and a charged battery. I'll spot you those! Many of you would also be correct that a good sturdy tripod is essential for a shot of longer exposure (I would also argue that a tripod helps in essentially all landscape shots - but that is a topic for another day!). Other than the obvious items listed above, the most important piece of equipment for this shot was - drum roll please - the hotel room hand towel! That's what you were thinking, right?

I've been a little unfair. I didn't tell you about the conditions. This shot was taken on the beach, although not what most people would consider a typical beach day. First of all, it was 40 degrees. Fahrenheit, not celsius! It was very windy, with gusts up to 35 mph (not sure what that makes the wind-chill factor, but take my word for it - it was cold! This is the first time I've ever stood on the beach with a winter parka, hiking boots and five layers of clothing on. It might just be the last time too! It was windy enough that the sand was blowing so much, that I could feel it grinding in my teeth. So where does the towel come in?…it was raining too! One of those constant all day rains. So, the shot would not have been possible without wiping off the front of my lens between each and every shot. Otherwise, the scene would have been obscured, and distracted, by water spots on the lens.

Hopefully, the weather is better where you are! And I'm hoping the weather breaks here soon too! A nice colorful sunrise/sunset, in dry conditions, would be a welcome sight! Oh, and by the way, waterproof hiking boots don't keep your feet dry when the surf crests the top of the boot! That, as well as enduring the conditions described above, was a small price to pay to get the shot I wanted!

Until next time…Happy Shooting!

P.S. - Here are a couple of companion shots:

With or Without You