I’m a morning person. Oh, I like to sleep in just as much as the next guy, but if I’m going to do something interesting I’d rather it was early in the morning. There are a few reasons for this.
First, here in Alberta at least the air tends to be fresher in the morning. Step outside, fill your lungs, and presto! – you’re awake. It’s like ‘add water and stir’ for the soul.
Second, early in the morning there are fewer people around. This is not an anti-social statement by any means – in my opinion, people are good – it’s crowds I can’t stand. Getting up early lets us avoid the crowds that always seem to ruin that perfect photographic opportunity.
Third, the scenery is nicer. Oh sure, there are long shadows at sunset too, but everyone sees sunsets because we all stay up late. Hardly anyone actually makes the effort to watch the sun rise. Sunrise is different somehow: the shadows are long in the other direction, and the light is clear and bright because no one has been churning dust up into the atmosphere yet. The air is cleaner, and the photo ops are unobstructed.
Here’s one from a recent sunrise in Calgary.