Archive for the ‘2010’ Category

For most of you last week was mostly … uneventful. Your last three-day holiday weekend spent wondering where the summer had gone and then back to work today. For others, especially living on the east coast, it was a week that most may just soon wish to forget. Having grown up in Florida I have had my dealings with the potential of hurricanes but never had one where I felt any eminent danger. Most ran up the east coast or brushed the west coast as they headed north into the Gulf of Mexico. As time has past, Hurricanes have gotten more abundant and robust and we have seen the effects of what a hurricane can do when it comes ashore with all of it’s power and fury.

This week I had my first real encounter, dealing with Hurricane Earl and the anxiety caused by the uncertainty of what effect it might have on those that live along the eastern seaboard. Weather forecasts predicted that there was the potential of a direct hit on the Outer Banks. As the week progress we all found ourselves glued to the weather channel and to what Al Roker and Jim Cantore felt “might happen”. Cheryl and I discussed what our options were and the potential of evacuating if the hurricane looked eminent for a direct hit on the island. It is a two-lane road and is very prone to wash over, flooding and collapsed dunes allowing for major debris to make the road impassable.

On Wednesday evening, 24 hours prior to the projected arrival of Hurricane Earl, there was not a clue that anything with that potential destructive nature was heading our way. It was “The Calm before the Storm.”

As the reports continued, the hurricane went from a Category III to a Category IV. The one person you do not want to see in your hometown during the potential of bad weather showed up, Jim Cantore. The weather circus had come to town and the master of ceremony was here. There was no way to predict what was to happen and as time went on it became apparent that neither did they. Mandatory evacuations had begun for all living on Ocracoke Island and for all non-residents on Hatteras Island. With the potential of what might occur if the hurricane were to continue on it’s current path, we packed up the gallery and moved all of the essential items to higher ground. On Thursday morning the weather prediction was still extremely uncertain, mandatory evacuations had been called for south Nags Head and after talking with friends we decided the most prudent decision was to pack what we could and head north. So with the car packed, Cheryl, Coop dog and I headed off the island to be out of harms way.

Once we arrived in Kill Devil Hills and settled in we continued to monitor the weather closely to see what the latest news and predictions were. As “luck” would have the hurricane was down graded and the potential of a direct hit on the Outer Banks had became very unlikely. At best we were to get tropical storm like weather with high winds and flooding from the sound. Listening to the news and understanding the potential effects, we knew that no matter what damage may occur, it would be a minimum of 2 days before we could get back on the island once the hurricane past. It may have not been the smartest of decisions but with great anxiety and even greater uncertainty we discussed our options and decided to head back on to the island while the roads were still passable. So pack we did and headed south.

As nightfall came with the high winds and flooding, as predicted, we met with friends and made preparations for what we were in store for. We settled in for the evening to “ride the storm out”. Again, maybe not the smartest of decisions but a very calculated one on all the information we had. The winds howled though the evening and into the morning and as dawn broke we could see the flooding from the sound had over taken Highway 12 and the winds had caused minor destruction in areas. Luckily for all that had stayed, including us, the most we had lost was a night’s sleep. In spite of the flooding the island faired well, we never lost electricity and no lives were lost.

Again this is not to say that our return to the island, with Hurricane Earl still being very unpredictable, was the smartest of decisions. We knew that there would be allot to do once the hurricane had past and decided it would be best to be there to assist in the cleanup and getting the village back to normal. It was after all, Labor Day Weekend. 

It would be very difficult to put into words all of the anxiety and uncertainty we anguished over for 48 hours but as Friday evening announced itself with a beautiful sunset, the effects of Hurricane Earl began to disappear.  For the fleeting moment, it was if you had to stop and think, “Could it all just have been a dream”

Good news is we are all safe and sound and the island is back to normal with the tourists coming in and making the most of a beautiful three-day weekend. As for me it is back to work and I look forward to hearing from you with any requests for shoot assignments or stock photography needs.

Best wishes ……….
~dK~

For most of you … it is the last days of summer. One more Holiday weekend and the bathing suits get put away. I wish you a productive and speedy work week as you daydream about the dog days of summer.

The Big News facing the Outer Banks this week was that Hurricane season appeared to be blooming out in the Atlantic but luckily, Hurricane Danielle, did not make her way ashore.  The massive “swell” hitting the shores of North Carolina were tons of surfers, kite boarders and wind surfers expecting big things from the lady.  Few could resist the predictions of big waves and winds as the beaches became jammed with cars, surfboards and the beautiful people surfers heading from beach to beach jockeying for the perfect position and the perfect wave

For two days it was difficult to find a piece of beach to claim all for your own with all of the surfers, shore fisherman and spectators lining the shores. In the end it was the perfect weekend but the ultimate surf and waves never quite lived up to its billing.

So Brah (friend) most all that came were stokaboka (very excited) about the sand, sun and surf but d-u-u-u-de  (term said way too slowly by a valley sheep) there were way too many hodads (person who never goes in the water but acts and dresses as if he does} who sat and soaked up the sun as their dogs went sognar (wet dog shaking off) around them.

Over all it as a great weekend for the Outer Banks because any surfer will tell you he never wants to hear, “Brah, you should have been here yesterday!”

So with that said.” “Howzit, brah? The surf was epic today, fully macking double overhead corduroy to the horizon. Now it’s all buggery. Think I’ll jet to the food hut and grab a burrito and some sweet nectar. Latronic, dude.” Surfer speak translated in English, “the surf was good, now it is not, so lets head and get some food and libations.”

If you find yourself in need of stock photography or have an assignment coming up, give thought to giving us a call and see how we can bring your vision to fruition.  Please do keep you fingers crossed that Hurricane Earl will miss the NE coast and not become a Knarly and un-welcomed visitor.

Best regards
~dK~

I hope that you all had a fabulous weekend and are now hitting the office with Monday Morning Mania. I am on the road traveling back from Baltimore where I was instructing at a photographic workshop.

Sometimes it just pays to be in the right place at the right time. Last week my girlfriend and I decided to head out to the beach and do a little location scouting in spite of the bad weather that was looming. As we got to the beach it started to rain but ever so slightly so we chose to continue with our mission. As we toured the area I looked to the ocean and saw what appeared to be the start of a rainbow. While we stood and watched, the rainbow continued to grow little by little and increased ever so slightly in color intensity. As we stood there, I began to think it would never reach it’s full potential but it continued to grow both in size and in color. It was as if the colors began pulsating in rich neon colors and each band of the rainbow was becoming more defined. But again as we stood and watch as the colors became more brilliant we both thought that we would never see if continue to become a full arch. It was if it was teasing us with some growth and tempting us with its brilliant colors. I decided to go back to vehicle and get another lens just in case. As I turned back from the car to see the extent of the rainbow, it had miraculously manifested itself into the most majestic image of brilliant colors and shape I have ever witnessed. It was breathtaking and I can honestly say in all the years I have been a photographer I have not witnessed the beauty of a rainbow or experienced the intensity of colors this rainbow possessed. To top it off it was a double rainbow.

We stood in awe of the beauty of what appeared before us and it was difficult to decide whether to continue to photograph it or just stand and take in the moment. It was a hard decision to make so I attempted to do both. As the rainbow diminished we both stood in disbelief of what we had just seen.

Over the next couple of days the talk of the island was whether or not you had seen the rainbow that evening. I even think the island shifted a little to the east with everyone attempting to get a view of the double rainbow. Everyone was talking about just how amazing if was and how incredibly neon the colors were. I could not help but join in the conversation knowing that I had not only been witness to one of the most incredible acts of nature I had ever seen but I actually had proof.

If there ever was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow this was the one where it would have been found. The only way to describe it is, “It was Picture Perfect!”

All my best for the week ahead and if you are in need of any photographic services do not hesitate to call.

Best regards!
~dk~

If there is one thing that has been proven for sure with my weekly blog is even though I love their beauty, I do not know “jack” about flowers and it appears that my flower experts do not either. It was brought to my attention last week that my flower of the week was not a Black Eyed Susan but rather an Indian Blanket Flower or a Gaillardia. I will keep photographing them but it appears that I need to enlist some new experts.

Last week I was hired by one of the local Outer Banks magazines, the Island Breeze, to photograph a tour conducted by the National Park Service at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. It was not just any tour but one that is offered once a month to the public during the full moon. As we went through the procedures of getting the ok from the NPS, I received a press release which stated in part, “All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the 257 steps on their own (the equivalent of a 12 story building) – they can not be carried! The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid, and can be a challenge to climb.” All I could think was that I had the 42 inch requirement covered but that 257 steps and no one to carry me, I was just a little concerned. I contemplated whether being drug up the stairs would be considered being carried.

It ended up being a beautiful, cool and breezy evening for the climb.  As the moon ascended from the ocean floor with the sun’s reflection, it appeared as a brilliant orange disk and then proceeded to take on it’s own identity as it rose in the evening sky lighting up the coast of the outer banks. It was the perfect Full Moon and no one making the 257 step climb left disappointed. I stood in amazement of the beautiful spectacle by mother nature and for the moment thought that it was definitely worth the climb to have the view.

Not to be out done by the expectations of the anticipated “full moon rising”, earlier that evening sky was layered with a beautiful array of clouds highlighted by the setting sun. It was as if the sun were saying I have my own show to worthy of notice. With the lighthouse in the foreground it was all of that and more. To say the least, either show was well worth the price of admission.

Many thanks to everyone at the NPS for their assistance.
If you are in need of any stock photography or have an assignment coming up, do not hesitate to contact me. I am no more than a phone call or an email away!

Best regards
~dK~

Could it be any worse with torrential downpours and record heat waves all over the country? I think my best friends these days will be ones with boats and lots of libations.

I think one of the things that I relish the most as I have matured as a person and a photographer is that fact that I have slowed down (no pun intended) and started to look more closely at all of my surroundings. I am not sure if is a curse or a blessing to have a photographers eye because I never leave home without it. Nor do I ever leave home without my cameras. No wonder that the Outer Banks have become one of my favorite spots to shoot. There is beauty everywhere you turn.

While shooting with a model on the island this past weekend I kept noticing a group of flower next to the sea fences. As the sun sets in behind them, they began to glow with all these beautiful colors. Normally, in years past, it might have been something that I would have not given more than a mental thought to but it just seems that I now tend to find beauty in the most simple of things.

The Black Eyed Susan’s grow naturally and freely on the island. They seem to go relatively unnoticed in their natural setting until the right moment occurs. At that point you just have to stop and marvel at their simplistic beauty – “Smell the Black Eyed Susan’s” – if you will.

Looking for a stock shot or do you have an assignment coming up, do not hesitate to contact me. I am no more than a phone call or an email away!
Try and stay COOL for the week ahead.

Best regards
~dK~

With all the rain and as hot as it is, I guess you could say that summer has officially announced its presence. I hope you found a cool place to enjoy the weekend.

Anyone that fishes knows that North Carolina is one of the best spots on the east coast for big game fish. With the gulf stream so close to the Outer Banks, charter boat fishing is big business for those looking to grab a trophy fish and bragging rights on Monday around the coffee pot. For those spectators waiting at the docks to see the “catch of the day” there is nothing more impressive than to watch the boats coming back to the marina’s with fish flags flying. Each flag represents a different catch (Blue Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish) and it is not unusual to see one or two of these flags flying high on a boat. More flags mean a more productive day and more bragging rights for crew and fisherman

While out touring the island on Sunday we stopped by Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, one of the largest marinas on the Eastern seaboard, where we came across one boat that had more that a good day. The charter, Qualifier captained by Aaron Wright, was flying 8 flags for the days efforts. And the eight flags were all Sailfish, a huge accomplishment for one day of fishing. The best news of it all was they were caught, photographed and then released to enjoy another day of being a fish.

I would think Captain Wright, when asked about the day, would say,“Just another day at the office!”

Looking for a stock shot or do you have an assignment coming up, do not hesitate to contact me. I am no more than a phone call or email away!

Best regards
~dK~

With a short work week behind you and then two days to catch up on your post holiday celebrations I can only wish you fond memories of your 4^th Of July as you start the beginning of a full work week.

One of the most fascinating things about being close to the ocean is you never know what the weather will have in store for you. One minute it may be sunny and the next a full thunderstorm comes in off the coast. You always have to keep alert to the every changing conditions.

While eating dinner a few nights back I sat in amazement watching a lightning storm off the coast and marveled at the absolute pageantry of the show Mother Nature was providing.  It was as if she knew that the week before we had been left without a fireworks celebration and she opted to provide one of her own.

I was drawn to the electrifying ballet like a bug to a bug light. I grabbed my camera and off I went to capture at least “one moment in time” worthy of the show in which I had been provided a front row seat. For all that it was I am not sure I did it justice. Here is one moment in time of the fury and beauty of Mother Nature.

If you find yourself in need of a stock shot or have an assignment, do not hesitate to contact me. I am no further away than a phone call or email!

Best regards
~dK~

The day after our Nations Birthday celebration and I am sure work is not where you want to be. I trust you spent your day in fine fashion with family and friends celebrating in a  manner befitting of this glorious day. Why else would you kill yourself cooking all day so others could eat?

 I am very fortunate to spending some quality time with friends on the Outer Banks where the weather could not be any more perfect. Cool nights have allowed us to turn the airconditioner off and open the windows to the enjoyment of the sounds of crashing waves on the beach, music to my ears.

This years 4^th of July was somewhat dampened here by the cancellation of all firework celebrations on the islands. Last year one of the trucks storing all of the fireworks for the island of Ocracoke blew up the day before the event. A few issues arose about the handling of the explosives which caused due concern for this years events. Instead most of the villages held festivals to celebrate the public’s participation.

Not to be dampened by the lack of fireworks, Mother Nature decided to showcase her own talents and put on a show of her own. I give you Mother Natures’ tribute to our Nations Birthday.

May we all keep the men and women of the Armed Forces in our thoughts and prayers!!!!

Best regards
~dK~

I trust this email finds you doing well and looking forward to the week ahead which may include your overindulgence of all things good with the upcoming 4^th of July weekend.

What is it about Big Boys and their big toys? For the first two weeks of June, the south eastern seaboard of North Carolina is invaded with large and expensive charter fishing vessels participating in the $ 1,000,00 Big Rock Tournament and then followed up by the Hatteras Marlin Clubs’  Fishing Tournament.  It is a site to behold when the boats leave, as well as, return to the harbor and to view as their “catch of the day” is off loaded on to the docks.

They are christened with names like Tooth Ferry, Outlaw, Bite Me, Bak Bar, Licketysplit, Diamond Girl, Reel Jim and the list goes on.  Two of my favorites , Fin-Nominal and Honey Hush.

For those two weeks they chase fish, socialize and tell stories about the ones they caught as well as the ones that got away, Big Boats, Big Guys and bigger stories.  This year at Big Rock the “Big News” was that the winning boat Citation got “a citation” after it weighed in with a 883 pound Blue Marlin. Seems that one member of the crew had not purchased his $ 10 North Carolina fishing permit.  Not such a big deal you would say but as they found out, Rules are Rules. What did it cost the crew of the Citation, the lost of the million dollar purse. Most are saying that is the “one that got away.” Life does go on but you have to wonder how???

As week two got underway, I decided to take an aerial tour (thanks to Mark at Burrus Flying service) of the south end of the island including Hatteras Village and all of it’s boating splendor. Boats of all sizes were coming in to the harbors as the fishing day was ending. Fishing is Big Business here.  It was such an incredible sight as we flew above and then came upon the Marlin Club in all of its’ Big Boy Toy glory. All I could think of us how many “large tails” were being told under the tents?

I wish you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July with family and friends.  If you find yourself in need of a stock shot, have an assignment or just in need a large fishing tale, please do not hesitate to contact me. Heck you might even find me in town! 

Best regards
~dK~

Wasn’t it just last Monday I was writing about how great the holiday was with three days off and now, like magic, it is Monday again. Where do the weekends go?

It is back the road for me again after a week in Hatteras. I am now off to St. Louis as an instructor for another photographic workshop. How great the peanuts and the cokes are beginning to taste. I think I am starting to get an affliction or is that an addiction for airplane snacks.

There is the old adage that a photograph is worth a thousand words and this week I feel exactly that way about the attached sunset shot on the Outer Banks.  So instead of one thousand …… in one word ……. MAGICAL!!!

If you are looking for the perfect stock images for print or web or you have and upcoming photographic assignment, know that I am as close as a phone call or email away.  Have Camera … Will Travel!!!!

~dk~