Cathedral of the Gulf With Bird

By Debbie Wolfe

This timed-exposure, after-dark, in-camera image was taken while I stood on a narrow walkway underneath a Tampa Bay, Florida area bridge known formally as the Pinellas Bayway Bridge. People also know it as the “bridge to the legendary Don CeSar hotel and resort,” which is located on the beach in Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach. The walkway is only available to foot and bike traffic with no nearby parking. The exposure required about 20 minutes and a sturdy tripod. My knowledge of the Ansel Adams Zone System played a key role in my ability to make this image.

Many other photographers capture this scene but in the daytime or at sunrise/sunset when there is more light. I exposed this image when I could barely see my hand in front of my face; My friend, who served as my equipment assistant, was amazed at what my camera could see vs our eyes or cell phones.

A Black-crowned Night Heron, lower left, is perched on a bridge piling waiting for its dinner to pass by; The bird was still long enough to appear clearly in the composition. The length of exposure smoothed the choppy waters to give the composition a sense of peace. The red light in the middle is a channel navigation marker for boats.

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To purchase, contact me or email: DebbieWolfe@DebbieWolfeNatureArtPhotography.com