Split Rock Lighthouse Sunrise

In the crisp morning light, Split Rock Lighthouse stands majestically atop a rugged cliff, silhouetted against a radiant orange and yellow sky. The early sun casts a warm glow on the lighthouse’s classic architecture, highlighting its steadfast presence. The calm waters of Lake Superior below reflect the vibrant hues, creating a serene and picturesque scene. The rocky shoreline, dotted with large boulders and a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, adds to the natural beauty, making this moment a perfect blend of tranquility and timelessness.

This image was taken the morning of my last day.  Based upon a recognition that a break in the cloud cover was going to yield a wonderful golden hour.  Seeing the colors setting, I hastened back to the same place I shot the day before because the rocking shoreline offered a nice leading line.  When I laid out this shot, I worked the shoreline and focal length to create a strong focal point.  The shot positioning clearly reveals the rule of thirds and an apparent foreground, middle ground, and background elements.  Lighting cast a warm glow on the scene most notably on the reflection of the golden light on the Lake Superior waters.  The exposure brightness value was rendered at 2.49, while still maintaining a 0.0 EV Exposure Bias.  Color harmony is evident.  These warm tones in the sky, such as orange, yellow, and red, are analogous colors. These colors sit next to each other on the color wheel and create a harmonious and cohesive look, evoking a sense of peace and warmth.  While not directly complementary on the color wheel, this contrast adds visual interest and balance to the image. The warm colors draw attention to the lighthouse, while the cooler tones ground the composition. The use of warm colors in the sky (yellows, oranges) and the cool colors in the foreground (blues, grays) create a pleasing dynamic. This temperature difference adds depth and dimension to the photo, enhancing the overall impact.