The air was -6 degrees, and the ocean was mid 40s. When this happens heat and moisture rise quickly from the warm water to the cold air. The vapor condenses into tiny droplets, creating the low, rolling fog effect. It was visible way before sunrise and when the sun hit the water, it got more intense and stayed until even a couple hours after.
The first time I chased seasmoke years ago, I vowed I would never do it again. That day had a wicked wind and any exposed skin immediately froze. I did pretty well overall, but not well enough. My exposed eyes from not wearing goggles and fingers when I took the outer glove layer off to better touch camera buttons were too painful to continue. I sat in the car, warmed up while giving myself a pep talk and tried again. Went as long as I could until it wasn't fun or safe anymore. And that was that! But the photo was really nice.
Fast forward to last Wednesday when the conditions were right again. Should I go? Its been long enough where in hindsight maybe the pain wasn't that bad and I was being a chicken.
I got to Cape Porpoise for first light. One of the few places there are still boats in winter. The pier has been under heavy construction, but the sights were still gorgeous. The little islands all seemed like saunas with the steam. I photographed there for awhile then made my way to Kennebunkport.
A quiet Kennebunkport harbor is wrapped in crystal ice. The water exhaling pale ribbons of steam that drift and curl across the surface stuck and froze. They reflect the sun rays amidst the fog. A fishing boat sits motionless at the dock, its hull partially veiled, as if emerging from a dream. Frost-coated trees line the shoreline behind it, their branches shimmering softly in the cold morning light. Wooden pilings and walkways fade in and out of view, creating layers of depth as the mist thickens near the water and thins toward the sky. I noticed ducks swimming towards me. I believe they were a mix of mallards and eiders. Did they all feel like their feet were super warm?
I then zipped down to the beaches and enjoyed the view there. The deeper waters offshore created much higher plumes than in the lower tides. Since the Maine coast scallops a bit, I was able to shoot back at the Colony Hotel and capture some seasmoke in front of it and it's beach.
That area was too cold and exposed though and I headed back to downtown Dock Square for more interesting and slightly warmer views because as destiny had it, all of Kennebunkport was dressed in full holiday style for Christmas Prelude. I sincerely hope you're reading this while quite warm perhaps with a blanket and cup of hot chocolate.
I ended up taking around 300 photos this morning. I always like to experiment a bit with settings and angles, even if a lot of them are for the gag reels. It was much "warmer" or at least seemed so because there was a lot less wind. I guess seasmoke isn't so bad after all. Maybe. Enjoy and be warm!
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The air was -6 degrees, and the ocean was mid 40s. When this happens heat and moisture rise quickly from the warm water to the cold air. The vapor condenses into tiny droplets, creating the low, rolling fog effect. It was visible way before sunrise and when the sun hit the water, it got more intense and stayed until even a couple hours after.
The first time I chased seasmoke years ago, I vowed I would never do it again. That day had a wicked wind and any exposed skin immediately froze. I did pretty well overall, but not well enough. My exposed eyes from not wearing goggles and fingers when I took the outer glove layer off to better touch camera buttons were too painful to continue. I sat in the car, warmed up while giving myself a pep talk and tried again. Went as long as I could until it wasn't fun or safe anymore. And that was that! But the photo was really nice.
Fast forward to last Wednesday when the conditions were right again. Should I go? Its been long enough where in hindsight maybe the pain wasn't that bad and I was being a chicken.
I got to Cape Porpoise for first light. One of the few places there are still boats in winter. The pier has been under heavy construction, but the sights were still gorgeous. The little islands all seemed like saunas with the steam. I photographed there for awhile then made my way to Kennebunkport.
A quiet Kennebunkport harbor is wrapped in crystal ice. The water exhaling pale ribbons of steam that drift and curl across the surface stuck and froze. They reflect the sun rays amidst the fog. A fishing boat sits motionless at the dock, its hull partially veiled, as if emerging from a dream. Frost-coated trees line the shoreline behind it, their branches shimmering softly in the cold morning light. Wooden pilings and walkways fade in and out of view, creating layers of depth as the mist thickens near the water and thins toward the sky. I noticed ducks swimming towards me. I believe they were a mix of mallards and eiders. Did they all feel like their feet were super warm?
I then zipped down to the beaches and enjoyed the view there. The deeper waters offshore created much higher plumes than in the lower tides. Since the Maine coast scallops a bit, I was able to shoot back at the Colony Hotel and capture some seasmoke in front of it and it's beach.
That area was too cold and exposed though and I headed back to downtown Dock Square for more interesting and slightly warmer views because as destiny had it, all of Kennebunkport was dressed in full holiday style for Christmas Prelude. I sincerely hope you're reading this while quite warm perhaps with a blanket and cup of hot chocolate.
I ended up taking around 300 photos this morning. I always like to experiment a bit with settings and angles, even if a lot of them are for the gag reels. It was much "warmer" or at least seemed so because there was a lot less wind. I guess seasmoke isn't so bad after all. Maybe. Enjoy and be warm!
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