Assignment Details: The Glory of the Morning

Pictures taken in the earlier part of the morning that include a human element and capture the glory of mornings, specifically in the outdoors.

Special Instructions:

Donald wants photos that capture both the glory of the morning hours and what it takes for us as humans to be able to witness that morning glory. Examples of ways to do to this would be to include subjects that relate to farming, jogging, hiking, birdwatching, camping, or the analogy of Christ's resurrection.

Grit goes with getting up early, so an especially helpful element to include in the photo would be some mark or item that reflects the sacrifice it takes for us as human beings to get up and outside when we may not necessarily feel like it. Here are some ideas:

• Any symbol of resurrection such as three crosses.
• A backpack or tripod atop a mountain peak pays tribute to the efforts of the climber.
• Farmers often see the glory of sunrise earlier than the rest of us from their tractors.
• Anything that rewards those who pay the price to get up when it's cold and dark to travel, serve, pray, read their Bible, climb mountains, do their job, tackle their chores, serve in the military, go birding, or check on their garden.
• Defiance of darkness or the cold might be another angle to take with warm clothing, melting snow, etc.
• People, especially young people, in the picture would be good as long as they're not merely standing or gawking at the sunrise.

Color in the evening sky often leans toward  gold and orange, so images that highlight colors more common in the morning, like yellows, soft grays or purples, will tend to inspire viewers more deeply with the intended message than simply the sheer beauty of a colorful sky. However, light is more critical than color. Mornings carry way more mystery, promise, and anticipation than evenings do, particularly in the spring. Think potential energy/expectation, more than kinetic energy/motion.

Orientation: Horizontal. However, landscape orientation is not out of the question. Try to include diagonals to emphasize life or motion that has taken place or is about to take place, versus horizontal lines (which tend to carry the impression of "peacefulness").

Photo Specs: Minimum 1200px longest edge. Edit tastefully, with natural edits.

Important Note: If a person is included in your photos, the person you photograph (or the parents/guardian of the person) will need to sign a model release (like this one). You do not need to submit signed model releases unless Lenspiration specifically requests them.

Assignment Awards: Only Lenspiration members are eligible to receive an award.

• 1st prize: A physical book (field guide) of the birds specific to winner's area
• 2nd prize: $10 cash
• 3rd prize: $10 cash

Special note: It will likely be in the far future that these photos will actually be used.