My favorite time of day to take pictures is at dawn, though I must admit, it’s not always easy to rise before the sun. Yet, the effort is unquestionably worth it. There’s a unique charm in the golden light and pastel colors that paint the morning sky.

However, the real magic begins even earlier, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This is the moment when the sky starts its transformation from the darkness of night when you can still see stars and maybe the moon, to a display of pastel hues and soft light. It’s a fleeting period, a gentle awakening of the world, and once the sun fully emerges, the enchantment quickly fades.

Capturing this delicate transition is only part of the allure of early mornings. There’s a serene stillness in the air, a rare quiet that blankets everything, making it a perfect time not just for photography but for introspection and mindfulness as well.