sunrise by sandi
{ photographer } written by Sally Turier
sunrise by sandi Sandi Edwards [email protected] 0408 635 680
sunrisesbysandi sunrisephotos.com.au
Here on the Northern Beaches the breaking of dawn is a calm and tranquil time of the day. The coastline is empty, the streets are still and most people are comfortably asleep in their beds. Not so for Dee Why local and seascape photographer, Sandi Edwards, who is awake and poised, camera in hand, ready for the moment when the sun appears on the horizon; as she has done every day for over 10 years. Launching Sunrise by Sandi back in 2000 Sandi has remarkably captured every sunrise since 2004, literally rain, hail or shine. Featuring an extensive and striking collection these spectacular images become unique gifts to those wanting to keep a small piece of the beginning of the day that holds great personal value. Some are based on a wedding or birth date, some personal, and some a tribute to a life. Whether poignant, celebratory or commemorative Sandi sees capturing the start of a day that holds significant meaning as an honour and a privilege.
With an alarm clock dictated to by when the sun rises, her average wake-up call is 4.30am. A self-described early riser she laughs when asked what time she goes to bed and deflectively grins, explaining she is “definitely a morning person.” Shooting at beaches all across Sydney the location is often determined by a particular commission (for example a couple getting married that day may request the place where they met). Otherwise Sandi will decide this herself. Regardless of setting however, she always finds this time valuable and rewarding, remarking that “Every new day speaks to me”. To her the sunrise is a constant, despite life’s adversities, and each photo is imbued with meaning. “You can see the day awakening.”
The results are picturesque and captivating, ethereal and temporal, and maybe even a little existential. Whether featuring the iconic (such as the Balmoral rotunda) or simply finding a fresh perspective on a familiar location, the images are stunning and remarkably varied; the result of a skilled eye and the altogether unpredictability of the elements inherent in each day. Layers of clouds can build beautiful texture, smoke from back-burning may intensify a sunrise, the highs and lows of tides create unique reflections; all add a richness and diversity apparent in her work. Despite the solitary nature of her craft Sandi has also built some surprising connections during this hour of the day. Many of her favourite shooting beaches are peopled by early-rising regulars and she also notes the impact social media has had
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on what was once an exclusively solitary profession. Through Instagram Sandi has met some fantastic local photographers who admire and follow one another’s work, and has subsequently had some incredibly rewarding collaborative shoots with local artists. Drawing on inspiration from mentors including Wollongong local landscape/seascape photographer William Patino ( “His work comes to life”) and internationally renowned landscape photographer Ken Duncan, Sandi wishes to inspire the hope and the symbolism that these sunrises have brought to her own life, and share it with others. She explains her heart behind her images “There will come a new day, and it may not be now but it will come for you. That’s why I do it.” *
sunrise by sandi Sandi Edwards [email protected] 0408 635 680
sunrisesbysandi sunrisephotos.com.au
Here on the Northern Beaches the breaking of dawn is a calm and tranquil time of the day. The coastline is empty, the streets are still and most people are comfortably asleep in their beds. Not so for Dee Why local and seascape photographer, Sandi Edwards, who is awake and poised, camera in hand, ready for the moment when the sun appears on the horizon; as she has done every day for over 10 years. Launching Sunrise by Sandi back in 2000 Sandi has remarkably captured every sunrise since 2004, literally rain, hail or shine. Featuring an extensive and striking collection these spectacular images become unique gifts to those wanting to keep a small piece of the beginning of the day that holds great personal value. Some are based on a wedding or birth date, some personal, and some a tribute to a life. Whether poignant, celebratory or commemorative Sandi sees capturing the start of a day that holds significant meaning as an honour and a privilege.
With an alarm clock dictated to by when the sun rises, her average wake-up call is 4.30am. A self-described early riser she laughs when asked what time she goes to bed and deflectively grins, explaining she is “definitely a morning person.” Shooting at beaches all across Sydney the location is often determined by a particular commission (for example a couple getting married that day may request the place where they met). Otherwise Sandi will decide this herself. Regardless of setting however, she always finds this time valuable and rewarding, remarking that “Every new day speaks to me”. To her the sunrise is a constant, despite life’s adversities, and each photo is imbued with meaning. “You can see the day awakening.”
The results are picturesque and captivating, ethereal and temporal, and maybe even a little existential. Whether featuring the iconic (such as the Balmoral rotunda) or simply finding a fresh perspective on a familiar location, the images are stunning and remarkably varied; the result of a skilled eye and the altogether unpredictability of the elements inherent in each day. Layers of clouds can build beautiful texture, smoke from back-burning may intensify a sunrise, the highs and lows of tides create unique reflections; all add a richness and diversity apparent in her work. Despite the solitary nature of her craft Sandi has also built some surprising connections during this hour of the day. Many of her favourite shooting beaches are peopled by early-rising regulars and she also notes the impact social media has had
> 18
19
on what was once an exclusively solitary profession. Through Instagram Sandi has met some fantastic local photographers who admire and follow one another’s work, and has subsequently had some incredibly rewarding collaborative shoots with local artists. Drawing on inspiration from mentors including Wollongong local landscape/seascape photographer William Patino ( “His work comes to life”) and internationally renowned landscape photographer Ken Duncan, Sandi wishes to inspire the hope and the symbolism that these sunrises have brought to her own life, and share it with others. She explains her heart behind her images “There will come a new day, and it may not be now but it will come for you. That’s why I do it.” *
