It had been several months since I’d been to Port Aransas and Rockport, but when the opportunity arose to shoot for a land developer along beautiful Capano Bay, I packed up the family and made a working vacation out of it. All four days offered amazing sunrises and sunsets. I had tried to time the trip with favorable forecasts, and fortunately colorful skies smiled up on us.
Having my family along with me in Port Aransas was an added bonus. My seven year old daughter willingly rolled out of bed one morning to head down to the beach (chasing crabs and looking for seashells) while I shot Caldwell Pier in the glory of an amazing sunrise. She even found a starfish, something I’d not seen in my previous trips down there.
It was a glorious sunrise along the beach at Port Aransas. This is one of Texas’ favorite beach destinations, and this sunrise shows why. In the foreground, Caldwell Pier stretches more than 1000 feet into the warm gulf waters on this October morning. The only company I had this morning were the gulls and sand crabs and my youngest daughter (who shockingly rolled out of bed to accompany on this morning of work. Behind me, chased sand crabs and even found a star fish.) Doesn’t get much better than this!
Capano Bay was nice. If I had a lot of money and wanted to buy some oceanside property that wasn’t in Hawaii or Florida, this would be a good option. One evening after shooting sunset, I sat with my family on the end of a pier. In front of us was a cove with water as smooth as glass. To my girls’ delight, the quiet was broken by two dolphins playing and chasing little fish. We watched until dark, then drove back to our room for the night. I’m sure dolphins danced in their dreams on that evening.
On a quiet evening along the shoreline of Copano Bay near Rockport, Texas, a beautiful sunset graced this tranquil September ocean view. Out in the bay, two dolphins played and chased small fish as I made my way around banks photographing the clouds and pier from different angles. Large fish occasionally broke the surface of the still water as well, breaking the evening’s silence. When I’m outdoors at times like this I really enjoy the solitude and the beauty of this Texas coastline.
The harbor at Rockport/Fulton is also a nice place to photograph sunrises. With boats in the water on a still morning, the area has many opportunities and angles that await.
Boats in Rockport Harbor along the Texas coast rest in the sanctuary of this little cover. The sun’s first light was just rising in the east, turning the sky into deep oranges and blues. Fortunately, on this October morning the air was calm and made for smooth water, perfect conditions for capturing the quiet of dawn.
A few parting thoughts:
1 – Why are photographers so secretive with their locations? I’d contacted a few locals who work there about various locations but was met with vague generalities and avoidance. Maybe I’m different, but I usually try to help out folks when they are asking about photography options as long as I know they won’t trespass or destroy the environment. I think some people take themselves way too seriously.
2- The ferry between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas – it was fun the first time, but I do get tired of waiting in line, sometimes for over an hour – to take a 10 minute ride. Why don’t you sell the ferries and invest in a long, high bridge that works like the bridge from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas? Good grief that was frustrating.
3 – We ate a great meal at Paradise Key in Rockport. Would definitely go back there for seafood. The Louisiana girl who waited on our table was great, especially with her Cajun accent.
4 – A good time was had by all. I hope to get back down there again.
Next stop: the Guadalupe Mountains
ViyaCon Dios, my friends!
Rob