I trust you all had an enjoyable weekend and now it is time to get back to work. As for myself, I “had” to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada to instruct at a photographic workshop.

One of the things that we constantly do when conducting workshops is scout out new and interesting out door scenic locations to host the groups we are teaching. While traveling north out of Vegas on Hwy 95 to check out a few locations we noticed a group of planes flying in formation a few miles in front of us. We were very close to Creech Air Force Base around Indian Springs, NV. Creech is known for being the host unit for the 432nd Wing squadron and home to the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. As we continued north observing the low flying aircraft it became apparent that these we no ordinary planes on a training run but rather a very highly specialized group practicing formation flying. As luck would have it, Creech is named in honor of General Wilbur L. Bill Creech who is known as the “Father of the Thunderbirds”.

Creech just happens to be the aerial demonstration-training site for the Thunderbirds and what we were witnessing was a very rare opportunity of the Thunderbirds in action. We pulled over at a truck stop adjacent to the base and directly across from the airfield, grabbed our cameras and stood in amazement as we were treated to a private showing of the Thunderbirds aerial show. I have photographed numerous aerial shows but could not get past the fact of just how close we were to the action. It was an amazing display of aerial artistry.

With the private showing coming to an end, we packed our cameras and continued north to seek out the two locations we had been given as prospective sites. We all sat in amazement of what we had just been treated to, a very rare front row seat to one of the greatest shows on earth, the flying Thunderbirds. I have attached one of the many of hundreds of images I shot during our private showing.

Enjoy and have a wonderful week.

~dK~

How wonderful to have had two weekends as beautiful as the last two. Although just a wee bit cold, they were the kind of winter weekends we all dream about after a week at the office.

One of the most enjoyable things about my “job” these days is that I do a fair amount of traveling (the fortunate or unfortunate nature of the current market) and I get to see parts of the U.S. that I may not have seen otherwise. I spend a fair amount of time in airports and on airplanes, but it is the time driving in the car that I value most. I try to arrange my travel schedules to allow extra time to get out and travel the side roads of America. My blog  – Postcards from My Miss-Adventures – is a direct by-product of my travels. I saw it as a way to keep in touch with clients and friends, as well as, share my visual travel experiences.

If you are like me, when going from A to B you do so as fast as you can. We generally do not drive the country roads and in doing so bypass small town USA’s with their unique character and real Americana. We just do not allow time to  stop anymore to smell the roses.

With such a beautiful weekend predicted, I headed out Saturday up Hwy 72 finding myself at days end in South Pittsburg, TN. On my way up I reflected back to the days when Hwy 72 did not by pass South Pittsburg. Instead Hwy 72/27 ran right through the heart of downtown. I remember how excited I got each time when greeted at the state line with the Tennessee welcome sign and the many firework outlets all touting great deals.

As I approached the city on Saturday, I decided to locate Hwy 27 and see how it had changed. The welcome signs and buildings are all still there to greet you but due to the lack of traffic many of the businesses have closed and the fireworks moved to the interstate. Downtown looks allot the same just a little more freshly groomed.

One of the most notable icons of South Pittsburg is the Shelby Reinhart Bridge or the “Blue Bridge” as most of us affectionately call it. With all my travels to Chattanooga, I have never taken the time to stop and photographic this majestic icon of the city. With the sun setting I thought what an opportunity to finally do what I should have done years ago. I found some side roads and spent the rest of the twilight capturing the beauty of this magnificent structure. Attached is one of those splendid moments.

If you find yourself heading east and past South Pittsburg here are a few tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

A)   Take the side road Hwy 27 in to town and stop at the Lodge Cast Iron factory store where they sell the finest cast iron cookware. Lodge has been in business for over 100 years.
B)   If traveling to Chattanooga, instead of taking Hwy 72 to I-24 head across the “blue bridge” taking Hwy 156 through New Hope. It is one of the most picturesque and scenic mountain top roads, not to mention a thrill ride of curves.  You will end up at I-24 and Big Daddy’s Fireworks.
C)   Third and most important, mark your calendars for the last weekend in April (24 & 25) and join in the festivities at the 14^th annual National Corn Bread Festival. http://www.nationalcornbread.com/

Best regards …..
~dK~

It is extremely hard to believe but I think we just had our first week without snow and temperatures in the 60’s. I actually got the opportunity to break my shorts out for a trip to the studio.

Sunday evening I had the incredible honor to be one of 6 honorees to be recognized by Oakwood University at their “Festival of Spirituals VI” bi-annual UNCF music festival. The award is given to individuals who have, in their opinion, made “significant contributions to society at large, and to the ARTS in particular.” Other individuals being recognized included painter, Howard Bullard, Operatic singer and founder of Ars Nova, Ms Ginger Beazley, minister and recording artist, T. Marshall Kelly, Mayor Loretta Spencer and Grammy award wining recording artists, Take 6. The award ceremony took place during the musical festival that symbolizes the very best in African-American musical tradition and heritage as celebrated by 12 colleges and universities.

As I received my award from Oakwood President, Dr. Delbert Baker and Representative Ms Laura Hall I felt very humbled that I was receiving recognition for something that I love and have such a passion for. To me it has been award enough to be able to do something every day that I love and now to be recognized as an artist … very special. I am grateful to Dr. Roy Malcolm for nominating me for this honor.

As I sat and listened to the majestic harmonies of each of the University choirs singing traditional black spirituals I could not help but think how much gospel music had been part of my early years. My grandfather was the head of the music department at Berry College in Rome, GA and my father a minister of music in the Southern Baptist Church. Both my father and grandfather sang in gospel quartets. As a kid, I had grown up with gospel music riding pews in church and sitting in folding chairs at tent revivals. For many years my family, which included my father, mother and my sister, sang as a gospel quartet. I held my own until puberty hit and I lost my tenor voice. I was promptly “fired” from the family quartet. Now that can have a daunting effect on a child for the rest of their life. Luckily for me God saw fit to give me another artistic outlet. As I sat there I could not help but wonder how proud my grandfather might be today. As for the family quartet, lets just say, I am still a photographer.

As for Oakwood University and my recognition, I am truly humbled and grateful. With that I give you one of my first introductions to the beauty of black spirituals from Oakwood.

If you have an upcoming assignment that we can assist with, do not hesitate to call or email.

Best regards ……..
~dK~

To think we would have snow so far south that it would find it’s way to Mobile, AL is unbelievable. Another week of Mother Nature’s fury. I write you as I head home from a two-week stay in Hatteras, NC.

Wednesday morning my girlfriend and I drove 2 1/2 hours to Norfolk, VA encountering snow as we hit the Virginia state line. Heading to the airport to catch a flight out, we arrived early only to be informed that my flight home was cancelled. So back to the Outer Banks (OBX) we drove only to find that strong westerly winds had pushed the water from the Pamlico Sound up on to the only road in and out of the Outer Banks, Hwy 12, at levels anywhere from 1-3 feet.

Within the scope of traveling 9 hours that day we went through mild flooding, rain, sun, sleet, beautiful skies, snow, gale force winds and finally, major flooding. Coming back into the Outer Banks, State Troopers were warning drivers headed south on Hwy 12 (his joke to us … swim at your own risk, every man for himself) that only 4×4’s and individuals stupid enough to attempt it, could proceed. With my girlfriend and her dog on board and no place to go, we chose to venture down the highway now aptly titled “Canal 12″. Westerly winds upwards of 60 mph had pushed the water from the sound up on to the road and as high tide approached, the water depth was elevating. We actually had waves crest the hood of our SUV from on coming vehicles as we chased waves from our own vehicle. I literally felt like we might end up in one of those homemade rescue videos floating down the highway.  Passing the many storefronts with water up to their porches we actually saw, amongst many other things, two kite boards floating down the road from one of the rental locations. After a return “float trip” of 5 ½ hours, we finally arrived home as the sun was setting. I felt like a Kayak would have been a more appropriate travel vehicle.

As the sun rose on Thursday and the winds subsided, the waters receded from the road back into the sound. It was as if the day before was only a dream (nightmare). It just goes to show you just how fragile and ever changing the weather can be on an Island.

The last image of the day ….. the sun setting on Hwy 12.

I hope you all spent Valentines day in a fashion very befitting your current relationship status.  For those that are single …. Another 12 pack of beer I presume.

~dK~

Another week of Mother Nature’s glorious beauty and fury. Snow in the Midwest and Northeast and rain in the south. I would like to know which one of you got on her bad side!!!???

I finally was able to make my way out of Nashville and slide right into Norfolk along with 6 inches of snow. After a little journey taking in the sights, I headed south to the Outer Banks - the beach.  Of course, the week ahead called for more Snow and more Rain. How wonderful winter is.

I must say for a Florida boy with deep ties to Alabama (now), I have seen more than my fair share of snow this winter. Which is all good … no sliding into ditches, no fender benders but more importantly, some wonderful photographic opportunities.  I am always like a kid in a candy store when it comes to snow and my friends all give me the “look” and ask how many times did my mama drop me on my head when I was a child. Not enough I reply!!!

While visiting Williamsburg during a recent “snow expedition” I marveled at the beauty of the city, with it’s rich history and colonial architecture. I looked at the many structures, still inhabited and operational, left from our founding fathers and thought what stories those buildings must hold, especially the taverns! As I wandered through the many streets I came across a very large tree with wooden benches placed in a semi-circle around its trunk. I wondered, with its limbs stretching out as if beckoning one and all to sit, who might have accepted the invitation and sat on theses benches before me. Was it a place where our founding fathers sat and listened to debate or where school children came to expand their knowledge? Could it have been a place where the community gathered for musical enrichment or where the locals came to discuss the current days topic?

No matter what the reason or what might have taken place I realized it was a welcome spot for all who wished to rest their feet. Do they also wonder, as I did, who might have sat on the very bench years before me. The tree still beckons to come, sit and listen.

Please make note that I am “No Longer” receiving emails at:
dkstudio@ bellsouth.net.
My current and correct emails are:
dennis@dk-studio.com
dkeos1@mac.com

I would be remiss if I did not end this with - “WHO DAT?”
Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints and their SuperBowl Win!!!!

~dK~