Much like other photographers, I started my journey in photography by taking landscape photos and anything that would sit still long enough for me to photograph it(not my kids).
Once I got proficient at taking a decent photograph of things that didn’t move, buildings, beaches etc. I moved on to things that did move. Like people…but I’ll save that for another blog topic.
This set of images were taken near Naples, Florida. I spent about a year in South Florida working at Homestead Air Base right before I retired. I really enjoyed my time there and Florida has so much to offer. I worked a lot while I was there and didn’t have as much time as I would have liked to have had to explore, but I did get out some. I have a really interesting story about this last image that is somewhat NSFW. If you want that story, you’ll have to catch me in person…
While I was on that work trip to south Florida, I took the opportunity to go camping overnight at Fort Jefferson National park located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s located in the Dry Tortuga Islands and it was so much fun. One day I’m going to get my family to go with me, because it was a blast. Great snorkeling and beaches and my boys would love exploring the old Fort Jefferson, so much history there. There are a couple of ways to get there. You can take a ferry that will take a couple of hours to get there or you can take a sea plane. I opted for the ferry, which isn’t to bad but takes a few hours to get there. If I remember correctly the ferry pretty much runs daily. There is zero light pollution there at night, so if you are into night photography, this is your spot. Full transparency, I failed miserably that night at my attempt at night photography. The weather was clear and tons of stars, but I just didn’t do a great job and pulling off any good images. If I ever get back, that will be a priority for me. If you want more info on the park check out their website.
This photograph was taken on South Beach in Miami at sunrise. Not too much to say about Miami except if you are into night life there are a ton of opportunities in Miami. Also, the Wynwood District is amazing, the graffiti and murals that are painted on the sides of the buildings there are amazing.
This is one of my favorite images. I was at Carolina beach at sunrise one morning trying to create some interesting sunrise photographs and this couple came strolling by. It appeared as if they hadn’t stopped partying from the night before and were taking a walk on the beach. He saw me and my tripod trying to line up a shot when he asked me if I would take a picture of him…I said sure. He hopped onto the pylon and attempted to do some type of yoga pose, and this is how I captured it. I got his email address and I emailed hime the picture the next day.
Last year, I was given an opportunity to attend a talk at Animoto in NYC. Where I got to see a business guru @garyvee and Sue Bryce (arguably the best glamour photographer in the business) speak about what they do and how they do it. It was a really cool experience. I have listened to both of them so much on the internet and to be able to experience it in person was an awesome experience.
While I was in NYC, I took the opportunity to explore just a bit. I had never been to the Brooklyn bridge so I said why not? I hopped on the subway(first time) and made my way down there. The subway system was somewhat confusing to me, but I managed to make it down there. My goal was to make it to Brooklyn Bridge park before sunset and I made it just in time. Below you’ll see a few of the images I was able to capture while there.
One day I would like to take an engaged couple there at sunrise for an engagement photo session #bucketlist
As much as I love taking landscape photos, my new obsession is wedding photography. I never imagined I would enjoy taking photos of people, especially at weddings, but I really do.
Especially since wedding photography is admittedly one of the hardest genres of photography to be good at, in my opinion at least. You have to be proficient in almost every lighting situation to pull it off successfully. From the darkest of Catholic churchs to the brightest beach wedding.
Also, you have to be knowledgeable in product photography(detail shots), Event photography (wedding reception, cocktail hour), of course portrait photography, with the bride and groom and the family formals with all of the group shots.
Maybe that’s why I enjoy it so much, the challenge of mastering (or attempting to) all of these types of photography and pulling it all together to tell the wedding story in the wedding album.
Oh don’t let me forget Graphic design!
Ok, I’m rambling, but this is truly how I got to where I am with photography. I have tried most genre’s and this is where I have enjoyed photography the most.
Thanks for stopping by, I think my next post will be about concert photography. Yeah dabbled there too…
