Sunrise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland

I recently had the opportunity to return to Annapolis, Maryland to visit family, and we awoke early to visit the United States Naval Academy yard before sunrise.

Boats at Sunrise in Santee Basin on United States Naval Academy Yard in Annapolis, Maryland

The Plebe Summer training program is in full swing on the Naval Academy base, and incoming freshmen Midshipmen gathered en masse on Farragut Field for morning PT.

Fitch Bridge Lights Over Dorsey Creek at Sunrise on the United States Naval Academy Yard in Annapolis, Maryland

Meanwhile, I was snapping sunrise photos of the boats in the peaceful Santee Basin, crouched low to catch the sunlight through the Fitch Bridge across Dorsey Creek, or stalking the ospreys nesting atop the light poles at the Severn River waterfront, trying to make the most of the early morning light.

Photographing in the Chesapeake Bay area presents a fun challenge at the convergence of beautiful landscapes and historical interest.

Nesting Osprey Couple Atop Field Lights on the United States Naval Academy Yard in Annapolis, Maryland

It has a quaint and charming small maritime town feel during the day, and a quiet natural beauty as it begins to wake first thing in the morning. I loved this little moment of pause to view the area in this special light before it springs to life with people and activity.

Green Wooden Dock Facing Hill Bridge on the United States Naval Academy Yard in Annapolis, Maryland