If it is true that the early bird catches the worm it is often also true that the early photographer catches the shot. Many photographers think that the first rays of the sun act as a whistle that signals the start of the shooting game. Wrong! Pro photographers are out there long before the rise of the sun. Before sunrise is when clouds light up (if they are present). This is when the air is crisp. These images have atmosphere. Because it can be a bit dark for your eyes does not mean it is dark for your camera. As long as there is nothing in the image that moves (by the way, you often have the least amount of wind early in the day) and you have a tripod you can shoot great shots even when it is a bit dark. Just use a longer shutter speed.

Colors can be very nice before sunrise. The closer you get to sunrise the more vibrant the colors can become. When you shoot in the direction of sunrise the clouds can get really bright.

Here is another one:

Since there is not much light on the ground shoot upward. Include lots of sky as that is where the action is. Wide lenses often work well this time of the day because they help you to include lots of sky.

          The moral of the story is that we do not have to wait for sunrise to shoot. Get up early. Be on location a half hour before sunrise. Shoot even if it looks a bit dark to your eyes. As an added bonus, you will probably not be bothered with tourists in your image.