Cindy Moskovitz’ First Book Shines a Ray of Light on Local Photographers

Sunsets of 30A

Courtesy Cindy Moskovitz

Cindy Moskovitz

Though the “personalities” of each town along Scenic Highway 30A are distinctly different, one commonality connects them all — the glory of the sun setting into the Gulf of Mexico. These daily celebrations along the 18 or so miles of Scenic Highway 30A are beautifully captured in a new book by local resident and first-time editor/publisher Cindy Moskovitz that is entitled “Sunsets of 30A: The Magic of Light on the Emerald Coast.” 

“Sunsets of 30A” beautifully and simply celebrates the joy of stellar sunsets. The horizontal orientation of the 128-page, perfect-bound softcover book showcases 168 stunning images contributed by a mix of 135 local and visiting photographers — some professional but many amateur. The photographs were selected from more than 700 submissions. Each is paired with an individual quote, which reveals still more about the photo, the photographer who shot it and his/her connection to 30A. 

“Every sunset for me is spectacular,” says Moskovitz. “But add to that the framework of the natural beauty of the coastal dune lakes, the beautiful and unique architecture of the beach towns, the state parks, the beach … it is just the perfect storm for a gorgeous sunset most nights.”

Bud & Alley’s Rooftop Bar in Seaside has turned the setting of the sun into a beloved daily ritual that has become a coveted tradition for locals and visitors alike for nearly 30 years. So, it goes without saying that longtime Bud & Alley’s bartender Mo Moseley has seen more than his fair share of sunsets. Moskovitz thought one of Moseley’s images of a fiery sunset was about as delicious as his famous margarita, and so she featured it in her new book. 

In addition to Moseley’s image, the book features many more local fixtures of 30A, including Claire Bannerman, Shelly Swanger, Ginger Jackson Sinton, Lynn Nesmith, Elam Stoltzfus, Douglas Bock, Jamie Conley, Scotty Lisenbe and Christy Milliken, among others. 

As a local and lover of 30A, it was important to Moskovitz to create the book by sourcing local talent: Colleen Duffley Productions designed it, artist Joan Vienot created the map and Boyd Brothers printed it. 

Moskovitz and her husband, Scott, divide their time between Nashville and Old Seagrove. The couple shares a passion for photography and particularly enjoys collecting images that capture the true spirit of the many places they’ve lived in and traveled to. After seeing fervent responses to sunset images, her own and others frequently shared on Facebook, Cindy began to think about collecting 30A’s sunsets into a book. Part of her desire was simply to gather them in one place, but another personal reason for
publishing the book was to shine a ray of light, so to speak, on the work and talent of local and visiting photographers she personally admires. 

“Many of them are off the grid and do not have galleries or studios, so their work might not ever be discovered, especially by visitors just passing through who don’t know where to find their work,” Moskovitz said.

The book, which Moskovitz self-published in late May just before her 60th birthday, is $29.95. Signed copies are available at Sundog Books in Seaside and Hidden Lantern in Rosemary Beach, or online at sunsetsof30a.com. 

Beyond being a “coffee table” book for beach lovers, Moskovitz hopes her first effort at publishing appeals to locals and visitors looking for a pretty present to put under the tree this holiday season. “It’s a great way to take a bit of 30A home with you,” she says.