I don’t tend to produce a lot of images with man-made subjects in them, but in this instance I decided to make an exception. This is likely the most famous lighthouse in Canada: Peggy’s Cove. I had never really planned on shooting this spot, but with an evening free in Halifax, this was the only spot nearby where weather models had suggested a chance of light.
I arrived to a very overcast sky that looked like it would only get worse. Nevertheless, I did the tourist thing and walked around enjoying the area anyway. Eventually I decided that this night would not be my night, and I made my way to the car. Within moments of the engine turning over, there was a hint of pink to the sky. I hesitated for only a moment before shutting off the car then rushing over to some little pools of water. Within a few minutes the sky had settled in to highlight the lighthouse for me, creating an ominous scene, made even more ominous by the red-light shining like a watchful eye. Eventually the pink light faded and I made my way back to the car.
I drove maybe 100 meters before the entire sky absolutely erupted in pink, painting the entire landscape. I think I’ve seen light like that maybe a handful of times in my life! Alas, that scene was for me and for me alone. I knew it wouldn’t last long enough for me to photograph, and I was right – it lasted for less than a minute, leaving as abruptly as it came on. In the end, I left with a photo I liked, and a special moment that will only exist as a memory.
An important reminder for me to stick with a scene, and never give up on an opportunity. That lesson would turn out to be relevant only a few days later!