Downtown Durham skyline

My sister Michele is in town visiting from Los Angeles both for work and for pleasure. For the work portion of her visit, we spent a good part of the day today shooting film and still shots in downtown Durham. We went home for a brief afternoon break and then headed back out to capture a sunset over the Downtown Durham skyline. Michele was working on a time lapse scene of the city, while I sought out light trails from traffic against the skyline.

I've always wanted to park my car near the bridge on Fayetteville Street that crosses over the Durham Freeway and snap some photos, but I've been too terrified of the traffic and the potential safety issues.  I would have never considered shooting this alone, especially at dusk when we headed out.

 Michele positioned on the overpass on Fayetteville Street

Our adventure began at 5 pm as the sun began its descent.  We unloaded our equipment smack in the middle of the bridge (on the sidewalk) and began shooting with mild enthusiasm.  Closer to 6:30 pm is when the colors began to come alive in the sky.  Purples and blues were joined by city lights and headlights.  Our mission was accomplished by 6:40 when we headed back to the car for the quick commute home for dinner.  I've lived in Durham for six years and have always wanted to get this photo.  So proud to have finally attempted it!  Thanks Michele.

As the sun was still setting

 A shot that wasn't that great...so I upped the saturation and had some fun with it

 My favorite shot of the evening.  This is exactly what I was going for. It makes our little city look alive.