Freezing Sun

It was one of those days back in April, the weather forecast was promising a cool but dry evening. So I decided to go out for an evening shoot to Killney Hill in Dalkey. I could get a chance to practice using my newly acquired ND filters as well. Since the weather was going to be nice I packed light on cloths, five minutes from the train station the rain hit, (obviously with my luck). It grew colder, windier and wetter. There I stood…, wet and cold, atop the hill waiting for the rain to subdue. When it finally did I started looking for a good spot to setup.

Just as my fingers was about to fall off from the cold, I remember I had my gloves with me, which I'd forgotten I had when I really wanted them. I wished I would have brought something lens cloths to clean the ND filters and lens but that was sitting at home. If you ever tried cleaning a lens or filter with anything else you know what I'm taking about, especially when things are wet or damp. 

As the sun set, and the light lost, I hear panting and swearing behind me. It is another photographer that missed the sunset. As he asked me if it was a good sunset, and I said it was amazing, which was followed by more swearing by him. 

But it was completely worth it. 

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Camera: Nikon D700
Lens: Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 28mm (Panorama)
Support: Manfrotto XB055 tripod | Kirk Enterprises BH-3 Ball Head |  L-Bracket
Accessories: Cokin ND-Grad | Nikon MC-36 Cable Release

On the train home I found the dry and what would have been useful lens cloths in my bag which I had brought with me anyway. After crawling around getting down low in the wet grass etc, to get the shot, all I could do was smile at myself cause it was all worth it.

The takeaway

Tip, wear warm and rainproof clothes, remember what you packed and be on time if you want to catch a sunset or sunrise. Find a great spot and frame your shot. Oh, and if you're late, do you really want to know if it was an amazing scene?