The photo above was created by the Occipital.com 360 application on my iPhone 4s, then downloaded to my PC and imported into Lightroom 3.5 for minor editing. Edits included adding some black, clarity and vibrance. The location is from Pretty Marsh Picnic Area.
Being able to find this fabulous sunset took a bit of homework. While staying on Mount Desert Island, I had purchased “The Photographer’s Guide to Acadia National Park.” Within this book are several lists of best places to go to photograph things like the sunset or sunrise.
After my previous photo field trip to Bass Harbor Lighthouse at sunset, and the brilliant reds and oranges I was looking for eluded me. I decided to do some studying of what weather conditions actually lends itself to a brilliant sunset. In my readings, I discovered that there are two types of clouds that create spectacular sunsets.
Think of the “Altos”. The Alto Stratus and Alto Cumulus clouds both create the right light refraction to allow the reds and oranges to come through their cloud cover.
Sunset from Cadillac Mountain
These Alto Stratus clouds brilliantly reflected the sun, while gazing towards Blue Hill. Taken from the top of Cadillac Mountain at the Blue Hill Overlook.
Relaxing on the couch in the afternoon, I was trying to decide if it was worth heading out with my camera gear in hopes for a beautiful sunset. With my amateur meteorologist knowledge, I stepped outside to assess the types of clouds hovering over the western horizon. From what little I could see, I said to myself…well it’s better to get out and see if a beautiful sunset is out there, then to sit at home and regret missing one.
So off I went to Pretty Marsh in a hurry. Sunset was just 45 minutes away! I hadn’t visited the Pretty Marsh Picnic Area before, but was able to find it with a good sense of direction. Hiking through the woods to the water’s edge, I walked down the stairs and reached the cobblestone beach only to be awed by a glorious Schooner moored in the water.
The Great Windship Heritage was launched in 1983 and its overall length is 145 feet! Cruising along the Maine Coast this glorious boat of times past is available for a unique holiday. But I digress..after all, I was there to Chase the Sun. I checked the cloud formations, I knew the weather was to be beautiful the next day (say..Red Sky Tonight, Sailor’s Delight) and Mother Nature didn’t disappoint.
Camera Settings: RAW capture on a Canon 7D with 24-105mm lens on a Manfrotto 290 tripod. Aperture Priority, ISO 100, f/22, Auto White Balance.
So go and grab a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset with me!
P.S. Believe it or not, very little editing were done in these photographs. A little exposure adjustment, then clarity. Mother Nature is a true artist and knows her colors !
Categories: Acadia, Foot Prints, Maine
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
One come in quite a good mood by looking at these photos… 😉
Yes a beautiful sunset does that. 🙂
Gorgeous shots!
Thank you Carol ! Happy you enjoyed them.
You rule! Truly awesome photos and script.
Thank you so much Janet!
Wow, gorgeous!
Thank you so much ! Have a wonderful day.
I can’t believe you took that first photo on your iphone! Amazing! Also, what a good idea to read up about all the good spots first. You don’t waste time that way and are sure not to miss anything.
That iPhone photo is amazing isn’t it? You’re right, trying to capture a wonderful shot while traveling does require some planning before heading out. Time is precious.
sunsets are really hard to take as the lighting can be difficult to get right (in my opinion anyway)..but these are superb, I really enjoyed looking at these..well done!
Thank you so very much ! As you can see, I also recognize how challenging it can be to get great sunset lighting. I was jumping up and down for joy at this sunset as it was so fabulous ! It followed a rain storm, so I think that is part of the key, along with the right cloud formations.
Wowie! Zowie! Amazing photos! 🙂 woof woof
Thank you Maggie !
🙂
These shots are gorgeous! Come to Santorini and take some pics of the sunset for me!! 😉 PS: Congrats on getting Freshly Pressed! 🙂
Thank you so much Shelley ! I would absolutely love to Santorini and enjoy the sunset with you. 🙂
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEE these photos!
Your Photos are taking my breathe away – LOVE IT:)
Hi Renee ! Hope you’re doing well ! Thank you so very much ! I have to admit this sunset was perhaps one of the best I’ve ever seen in my life. I kept jumping up and down with excitement. Wish you could have been there.
These are outstanding pictures Bella! Gorgeous reflection shot in the third one down from the top!
I truly was jumping up and down with joy and amazement as to how gorgeous this sunset was. Truly a special evening.
Awesome snaps.. You are great with the camera Bella!
http://deliberatecaptures.wordpress.com
Back at you Chirag. Literally from the other side of the world. I appreciate you showing me places that I’ll probably never make it to. See you soon.