Getting paid to photograph sunrises...This was news to me. And, I was intrigued. Have you seen the Aleve commercial featuring a photographer whose back issues prevented her from getting up early enough to photograph the sunrise because it’s her job…and her passion? For those of you that have not seen this gem, here it is: https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AOTR/aleve-pm-photographer
The “Commercial Curmudgeon” had a nice write-up on the commercial: http://www.thecommercialcurmudgeon.com/2016/04/poor-sad-deluded-woman-with-camera-and.html
However, as I said, I was intrigued. So, I popped a couple of Aleve the other night and got a good night’s rest. Then, I got up early and headed out to Plano’s Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve (https://www.plano.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/23).
When I arrived there was no one waiting for me to offer to purchase my sunrise photographs. Perhaps they show up later I mused. So, I began walking around the park. While this is a nature preserve like Arbor Hills Nature Preserve (https://www.plano.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Arbor-Hills-Nature-Preserve-20) it has a very different feel to it. The lake (as far as I can tell this lake has no name. So, henceforth, it shall be named: Benton Lake) is the dominant feature of the park. A beautiful new Nature and Retreat Center has been built near "Benton Lake" (not its real name). There are some good paved and unpaved trails. The unpaved trails take you into the prairie or into the forest. Some of the forest trails take you along Rowlett Creek. If you find yourself there during the summer and want to go into the forest bring bug spray...lots of bug spray.
Unfortunately, the sunrise wasn't spectacular (photographically speaking). So, I don't suppose I'll be paid for my photographs on this trip. Here are a few images from my morning at Oak Point.
As I was setting up for this shot this balloon appeared over the trees right on queue.
Before I could get very far along the path a second hot air balloon appeared.
One of the trails heading into the prairie.
View of the new Nature and Retreat Center from the lake.
Another view of the new Nature and Retreat Center.