I love the sunsets of summer here in Florida, but I have to admit that winter sunsets have a very special beauty.
The sunsets from December to February can be quite remarkable with their vivid red colors and unusual cloud formations. I have noticed that some of my best sunset photos are taken around Christmas to New Years.
Just after Christmas (December 27, 2014) my wife and I were finishing up our day at the St. Marks Lighthouse when I noticed the clouds and sky were forming up to give a particularly beautiful sunset.
As the sunset developed the layer of darker clouds above the sun combined with the horizon to to create a horizontal band of light that illuminated the underside of the clouds and the ocean. The reflection of the sun on the ocean created a beautiful cross like pattern on the water and a passing fishing boat and the ever present pelicans added greatly to the scene.
After the sunset ended my wife and I took a quick walk on the beach and noticed a small Christmas tree in the lighthouse lantern room was replacing the original Fresnel lens that was out for preservation. I was pleased to see a light there since the lighthouse doesn’t look the same without the light.