Each day is unique. This morning I was jolted out of sleep by a loud thunderstorm. When it was time for me to get up a little while later, it was still pouring outside, so I was contemplating taking a photo from my window. But when the time came that I would normally go outside, the rain had subsided to a tolerable level.

I was glad I went out because of the amazing clouds the storm had left behind. I was focused on shooting a huge break in the clouds near the city skyline when suddenly the sky to the left of me started to glow pink. I knew I had to incorporate that into my photo, so yes another panoramic shot for another expansive scene.

There was this single huge cloud formation arching over the city like a giant serpent on this hazy morning. Hints of reddish glow touched some of the clouds and also reflected off the buildings of lower Manhattan.

This morning was an almost surreal scene of clouds and color. The most intensity was at the ends, at the extremes. This is often the case, at sunrise and in life. You constantly have to make decisions where you want to be along this spectrum. You have to decide which degree of intensity is right for you. How far from the middle point of mediocrity you can handle. The risk is in proportion to the reward.