Ever since he was a 10-year-old boy in the mountains of northern Japan, Craig Turpin of Rising Sun Photography has been captivated by the natural world. His passion for photography has taken him across the globe and into industries like food, wine, travel, and events. However, he is best known for his acclaimed 30 Days of Dawn series—a personal photo challenge in which he captures the first light of morning from stunning locations around the world.
Below, Turpin shares the inspiration behind 30 Days of Dawn series and how Aura frames help him share his passion for photography with friends and family, no matter where he is in the world.
What drew you to nature photography? Looking back at my high school photos from northern Japan, I’ve always been drawn to landscapes. Many of my shots back then were from high vantage points, capturing lakes framed by towering peaks. I also photographed surreal beach scenes along the coast and the vibrant streets of Tokyo.
My passion was reignited when I moved to New York City for a job with NBC, where I started shooting landscapes and cityscapes more seriously. Now, after nearly 15 years in Aspen, I’ve found endless inspiration in these breathtaking mountains, which have truly shaped my love for nature photography.
What inspired you to start your 30 Days of Dawn series, and why is it 30 days? In 2018, while visiting Los Angeles, some friends invited me to an early-morning surf session on Venice Beach as part of their annual 30 Days of Dawn surf challenge. A mix of athletes, lawyers, and lifeguards, they had been doing this month-long "dawn patrol" for years to motivate each other in mind, body, and spirit while pursuing a shared goal.
When I returned home, I decided to join in—but with a twist. Every morning that October, I set out to experience and capture the same 30 sunrises my friends were enjoying on the waves. It has since evolved into a long-term personal project, where I document the beauty of nature at dawn—mountains, tranquil rivers, roaming wildlife, and even dramatic weather—through my photography.
When examining natural surfaces and scenes to photograph, what do you aim to capture? I always try to incorporate a sense of motion, even in still scenes. For example, I might wait for a breeze to ripple the water or use a neutral density filter and long exposure to make stars and clouds appear to dance across the sky. And symmetry is key for me. I recently photographed an aging wooden pier in Montauk, New York, from every angle. While I liked many shots, some lacked perfect symmetry, which threw off the overall composition.
What’s your favorite national park to photograph, and why? Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is my favorite. I discovered it while studying at nearby Kent State University and was amazed by the protected nature so close to the city. It’s been a creative refuge for me ever since. After college, I even produced a documentary about the park while working at PBS Western Reserve. I still visit every year when I’m in the area.
How do you share your photos with friends and family? I keep my professional portfolio updated on my website and social media. I first discovered Aura frames when my sister gave one to our dad for Christmas—it’s now my favorite way to share photos with family. I can upload images directly to their frames and surprise them anytime with a new sunrise image or photo of my puppy, a 9-month-old Great Pyrenees rescue, Groovy. I’m excited to use my own Aura and plan to gift them to clients and collectors, pre-loaded with a few select photos and exclusive monthly uploads.
One feature on the app I also love is seeing instant feedback, in the form of likes, from my family members, who get alerted when I add new photos. Through the engagement and activity on my family's Aura frames, I realized that it's an excellent (and more private way) of staying connected by sharing vacation photos, funny moments, and life milestones when we’re all thousands of miles away.
Having my own Aura frame on my desk is an inspiring and exciting symbol of the future of digital picture frames. The power to add and showcase new images as I capture them makes this such a creative addition to our home, and the options to dream up unique projects like custom 365-day calendars, subscription-based downloads, playlists of images for a dinner party, or interactive presentations for an event are endless.
(Image Credit and Copyrights: Craig Turpin)