Sunset at Moonlight Beach

Icon: (from Wikipedia) "...one thing, an image or depiction, that represents something else of greater significance thru literal or figurative meaning, usually associated with religious, cultural, political, and economic standing."

In Encinitas, California, where I live, there are several distinct beaches to choose from. However, Moonlight Beach is probably the one most closely associated with Encinitas. On this beach is a single palm tree that has been there as long as I can remember (at least 30 years). It has become an icon; it certainly represents Moonlight Beach, but by extension it also identifies the city of Encinitas, as well.

As you can well imagine, because of its iconic status, this palm tree has been photographed more times than Paris Hilton on a full night of bar hopping. It has been shot from every angle imaginable, including from the air. So, why would I want to take yet another picture of this solitary tree? Because it IS an icon. And like every icon, it has meaning to everyone familiar with it.

Besides, I had come to photograph the sunset and the palm tree was a useful element in my photo. However, because of its symbolic status, I decided to isolate it from the very beach in which it was rooted. Now, it was simply an interesting shape helping to frame the sun in its descent into the Western horizon.

As I was going through all of the sunset pictures I shot yesterday evening, another thought occurred to me. One of the profound characteristics of photography is that it can remind us to look carefully at the details in the world around us. There are miracles to observe, and grandeur to behold, that all too often we miss because our lives are moving at such a rapid pace. A photograph is a moment frozen in time. To look at a picture properly, one must stop...... and carefully study the image before them. The reward for doing this comes in two stages: the first is an appreciation for the beauty of the image itself and perhaps the feelings that it evokes, and the second comes when you encounter that very scene (or even one only similar) and can readily appreciate the details you are now observing.

What I so enjoy about the photo above is its simple beauty. The simple shape of a single palm tree, silhouetted against the sun as it descends toward the distant horizon, passing through layers of clouds as it goes. Colors, shapes, textures; peace.

I'll leave you with a question: If there is no one present to observe the myriad colors cast by the sun's light as it moves low in the sky, through clouds and other particles in the atmosphere, would it still be beautiful?