For three years a photographer in Florida, Jean Claude, has been attempting this photo under this pier. He FINALLY nailed it...except for the damn crane that photobombed it. However, like any artist would, Jean saw the inherent beauty of the simple nature of how things come together. It took timing and patience.
Seeing this for the first time, I wouldn’t ever have known the bird was an unintended subject in the photo. On the Gulf Coast of Florida, the beach is as much ours as it is theirs, along with the coquinas, and sea turtle nests that line my favorite part of the beaches.
I was born in Florida 42 years ago and I’ve never left it. I’ve never seen snow, I’ve only gone into the Atlantic Ocean a handful of times. I am a Gulf Coast baby through and through. Growing up, I was never more than thirty minutes from the beach I loved the most. Famous for the sugar sand beaches and turquoise water that’s perfect for boogie boarding or snorkeling to see the sand dollars, minnows, urchins and starfish. My love for Anna Maria Island will never go away because I was practically raised there, and practically raised my own 4 children on her sandy shores. There have been summer loves and heartaches there, birthday celebrations and even my own third engagement.
There is nothing better though, in my opinion, than gathering with your people, YOUR tribe and watching the last sliver of the sun dip below the horizon and wait to see the flash of green over the water and see how the children react if they caught it. It is about timing; and patience. Just as dear Jean Claude must have had to endure for months to get this picture framed just perfectly. He has many gorgeous photos on his website here: https://www.jean-claudephotography.com/
I hope one day he will come here to hive and share his works with us. But all in due time. ;-)
