I was just visiting this area, Waimarama Beach in Hawkes Bay for the first time a few weeks ago and was challenged to see if i could produce anything decent from the North Island of New Zealand as easily as i apparently could from the South Island where I live. Happy to take up the challenge!

This particular morning we had no expectations for an amazing sunrise and so "settled" for this rather more lack lustre show. However, I rather enjoyed this more. Although I dont normally like to chase the gaudy colours but the lovely soft, warm light just after the sun is up.

I dont often sell the bright colours and thats why I love to shoot and see what I can do with the more sedate, relatively uneventful and even flat light. This particular morning was no different. I love the placement of Bare Island dead centre between the two rows of rocks in order for this composition to work and a slow shutter to smooth out the water a tad! No filter, just the lack of light!