The best tool a photographer can have is not a camera,It’s observation.
Over the years I’ve noticed something interesting. During the day people will stroll along the beaches with a friend or be out walking their dog. At sunset those numbers increase and everybody stands still. No matter what beach they almost always stand still and just stare at the sunset. Groups will form.
I think It’s primal? We soak up the last of the sunshine before darkness prevails.
Tofino Photography 
Such a beautiful photo, Wayne. I think it’s the colours. So mesmerising.
thank you Lynette, a great sunset is a great ending to a day
Hi Wayne, I love this post and commentary. I am a great lover of dawns, probably because I have always been a morning person. I wrote this poem about the dawn:
Bold Lover
One sleepy eye opens
encounters shy dark
reaches out with tentative fiery caress
lover shrinks from his touch
rosy blush ensues
***
Emboldened he rises
pink quickly dissolves
burnished gold splendour announcing his hot love
tremulous withdrawal
by passion’s object
***
Clear lust overwhelms her
fleet footed she runs
an ethereal figure in a black gown
giving chase is futile
she’s slipped away
Love your poem Robbie! I prefer sunsets as I’m too lazy to get up for dawn to be honest.
HI Wayne, it is easier to get up early when it is lovely and warm. Some days during our summer, it is so hot between 11am and 3pm it is almost impossible to get work done.
I do get up around 6 am but to go out to get shots at the beach requires me riding 15 kilometers. I never go out without a good breakfast, so all of this takes lots of planning.
We do not get uncomfortable heat very often.
As a species we like moderate (Goldi Loks) temperatures.
Yes, I understand. When we go to the game reserve we have to get up before 5am. So early, but worth it.
What a breathtaking picture!
yes,many loved that night to be sure!
Stunning sunset! I’ve never thought of stopping to watch the sunset as a primal urge before, but it makes sense.
It happens almost each evening here in Tofino Liz and I think It’s one of the reasons people come here!
Judging from your photographs, I can certainly understand the urge!
Beautiful!
thank you!
Gorgeous! Simply gorgeous, Wayne!
Nature puts on a show for all who love
Gosh, Wayne, what an incredible photo and observation on your part that enjoying a sunset may be a primal instinct. I think you’re right. As well as just enjoying the beauty and natural color in the sky. And I like your point about observation being a large part of a photographers process. Thanks for the visions of your craft. Marilyn
Thank you and always so good to hear from you Marilyn!
Definitely primal, Wayne, but with a sight like that, who wouldn’t stop to look!
What gorgeous photo you took!
thank you Noelle! This was my 5 attempt. If I see what looks like a great sunset forming,I ride out to the beach to capture it.
The other times the sunset just wasn’t as good as I had hoped it would be.
Nice to notice…nice to be still each day Wayne ~ sending joy ☺️🤍✨🕊hedy
true and I fill my cup each day to be sure Hedy.
Beautiful photo. Maybe it’s also finally slowing down and just being present.
yes and I consider that coming from our primal past…..observing
It is nice to know that the world stops to observe and to appreciate. That sunset at the beach is stunning.
I really do think many come to Tofino for the sunsets.
On the other hand when we do get a great sunset I’ll ask a few of the locals and most admit to never seeing them?
All life great and small comes from the sun.
I hope you get a bumper crop Audrey!
I remember being at a slient retreat many many years ago, it was painfully early, and I came across a small group of fellow “inmates” all looking at something…I couldn’t ask what they were looking at so I just looked for myself. It was the sun rising. It was quite wonderful. There are many wonders up in the sky, if only we took the time.
greeting and saying goodbye to the light is something we all recognize. This ancestral instinct is burned into our DNA.
Very true Emma,thanks for dropping in!
Beautiful photo so well captured, Wayne. The beauty of sunset is awesome.
thank you Kamal!
Welcome Wayne.
Mother Nature is saying goodnight in a grand way, the same way as she says good morning. Thank goodness for all the people who stop and look at her beauty and wonder. What a powerful, magnificent photo!
well said Jennie and glad you enjoyed the shot!
I did! Best to you, Wayne.
Well one day I will find a place to see the sun rise and set without fear of crime while being out in the dark. In the meantime I will see your photos of the lovely Tofino sunsets, nod my head in agreement to your theory and I’ll channel Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up the Sun”.
yes, being out after dark is more dangerous where you are then when I go camping!
Great song too btw!
Yes and sadly getting worse every day. I really like that song.
There are so many stories to tell from this photo, Wayne. Mesmerizing is the perfect title!
you have a creative mind Jacquie!
Wayne, I too love sunsets! Especially the ones you get up in Tofino. I’m glad you’re there to capture them for the rest of us!
my pleasure Sabine…..more to come!
Oh good!! :)
So true Wayne and what a beautiful photo. :)
thank you Sandra!
Incredible, Wayne. A wonderful observation. Humans always seem to stand in awe of a world bigger than themselves. I’m sure the surfer coming off the water was mesmerized!
Thank you Terri! I try to be aware. I have a curious mind.
Truly beautiful photo. Your observation skills are wonderful. 😎
thank you Dawn!
Stunning serenity….. Outstanding capture, Wayne!
thank you Donna!
Gorgeous photo, Wayne, and I enjoyed your observation of humans on the beach, too.
everyone seems to do it,Its like they are frozen in time…..Tofino time!
That photo is superb – the surfer makes it. I may not have noticed the people standing still if it were not in the text – the sort of blend in as they stare at the sun. I think it is primal as you say, but that sunset is stunning, and worth staring at.
thanks Jeff, you do excellent work yourself!
I was reading your post in 2016 about the upcoming election between Trump and Clinton. Everyone was saying If Trump won they’d move to Canada.
Forget that,…….If he wins a second time we’ll need a new planet!
Gorgeous image with that tideline, Wayne. Good observation, too. For those who take the time to pause and let nature in, they are rewarded. Thank you!
thanks Jane,It’s something I’ve noticed over the years.