The Importance of Looking Behind You

Originally published Jan. 21, 2012

Have you ever heard someone give this sage advice:  When you are watching a sunset turn around and see what is going on behind you.  It is true that the golden light of sunrises and sunsets is beautiful to look at from every angle, whether you are facing the sun drop or rise, or watching it drape everything else in a sheer curtain of amber color.

Since I have a habit of being tunnel visioned anyway and it gets drastically worse when I'm looking through a camera, I have developed a routine of looking behind myself when I am out shooting.  I do this for several reasons.  One is to make sure I'm not missing something and two is to do the critical check for any black bears that might be sneaking up behind me.  So far I've only seen a chipmunk and a raccoon, thank goodness!  My bear bells must be working.

Last fall, I went up to Palisade Head in Tettegouche State Park for the full moon in October.  As I was waiting for the sun to rise the next morning, I decided to make that obligatory turn behind me and look what I saw!

©2011 Lisa M. Bond Photography

I could hardly believe my eyes.  What had seemed like an eyesore the day before, this 324 foot radio tower took on some otherworldly glow as the full moon was setting behind it.  I'm thinking my old buddy Joe Reifer would have loved this site.  If you want to see some cool, out-of-this-world photography, check out Joe's website at:

http://www.joereifer.com