The North End of Portsmouth was once filled with residential homes.  That once upon a time was a long time ago – and in the place of the once bustling neighborhood – a new development has taken shape.  Portwalk Place is well underway, with its first two phases complete.  This sunrise was taken from the rooftop of the Residences at Portwalk building, looking back towards Market Square.  The cloud formation rolling in past the North Church was amazing and a nice treat on an early morning.

A portrait of Portsmouth’s waterfront at first light from Peirce Island.  There’s something about starting your day with the first orange rays of light. The layers of clouds added enough interest to the scene to make this a keeper.

I love running around right after sunrise when the sun’s first blazing rays are hitting things just over the horizon. As the South End was drenched in the day’s first light – I can attest to the fact that it was every bit as peaceful as it looks.

One of my favorite parts of my photographic adventures are the people I get to meet, and the places I get to shoot.  I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to shoot sunrise from the roof of the new Residences at Portwalk project that has been in the news so much lately.  The roof of the building in the heart of the Northern Tier is uniquely positioned above Hanover Street and the city’s parking garage, with a nice clear view towards Bow Street and the Memorial Bridge.

I was greeted by a soft orange glow in the sky, about 15 minutes before the sun made it over the horizon and the rooflines. The early day light was all that was needed to give a hint of detail in the Bow Street buildings and the power lines, with the cranes of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard visible in the background. A beautiful morning and a memorable view.

The Hill is a little gem of a neighborhood tucked away in the northern tier of Portsmouth.  It’s old structures stand out among its newer brick skinned peers surrounding it, ensuring that some old Portsmouth charm remains as this area continues to evolve and take on a new feeling.  The Blue Mermaid stands out in its blue clapboard clad building…I’ve always loved the color of the restaurant.

One of the things that you see less often here at The Daily Portsmouth is the city from above.  Sunrises also show up less often, mostly because I cherish my sleep, but also because it’s rare to fit into my schedule. Today, I’d like you to enjoy both a view from high above Hanover Street with some gorgeous clouds near the horizon at sunrise.  The Memorial Bridge looks like it’s been set on fire in the distance, and the High-Hanover parking garage looks as desolate as it was.

I’ve wanted to visit the archives for some time, so I did so for today’s post…which features dawn at the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco.  If you’ve never been to San Francisco or witnessed this beauty in person – put it on your list.  It’s amazing to travel up to the Marin Headlands to take in the rising sun as it illuminates the richly red structure and the city just beyond it on the horizon.  I’ve featured several images from past trips to the west coast destination, all of which I’ve enjoyed shooting.