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~

Back home for a few days and then I am headed out again. The only way I know I am sleeping in my bed is that I do not receive a wake up call in the morning.

One of the wonderful things I enjoy about writing my blog is getting responses from those individuals brave enough to actually let me know that they have read the blog. Last weeks was unusual in that the replies were not so much about the beauty of the image but rather that my skills at identifying flowers were a little lacking. The flower that I had labeled as a Stargazer Lily was actually (I think) an Orange Triumph Lily unless my sources are wrong again. So much for me wanting to be a horticulturalist but so great that there are actually one or two people out there in “blog land” not asleep at the wheel.

With all the travels I do and all the side roads I take there is nothing more wonderful than coming home. And as drive the last few miles to my house, I find comfort in the surroundings that are familiar and let me know I am getting close.  For those that live in the country those familiar surroundings could very well be the road leading home to the family homestead that has been traveled by friends and generations of family before them. The dirt or gravel road lined with trees that helps guide them home is a very comforting hello.

I have had the pleasure to travel such a road more than once to visit friends and each time I travel it I feel a bit of comfort and serenity in knowing that for some ……. this road leads home.

I look forward to another great week ahead of me and I hope the same awaits you. If you find yourself in need of a stock shot or have an assignment, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards
~dK~

As most weeks find me, I am on the road again this week instructing at a photographic workshop in Pittsfield, IL. Pittsfield is one of those beautiful mid-western communities that has a photographic opportunity in every bend of the road.

For four days in June, for the past 8 years, I have found myself somewhere in America assisting with a photographic workshop as an instructor. The workshops are designed to educate and elevate aspiring photographers of all levels in improving their photographic skills in glamour, fashion and portrait photography. To facilitate the process, beautiful models of all experience levels are used as subjects in very scenic locations’. What ultimately occurs during the course of these events is that “light bulbs” go off and great friendships are formed. We have students that have attended numerous events and continue to do so. As instructors we have formed bonds with  instructors whose work we have admired for years and now share friendships of respect that go beyond our professional admiration. Those bonds I hold very near and dear and feel myself very fortunate to have met and now call “friend”

With all the beauty that surrounded me over the past four days, I continue to find myself in awe of the beauty of the country side. As I sat and watched each photographer capture the beauty of the model in front of him one thing continually caught my eye as to say I am waiting for my turn. A field of lilies stood off to the side glowing the afternoon sun. And for a brief moment I saw the beauty and felt the need to accommodate their request for their moment in the sun.

I offer up one image from my brief photographic session of a beautiful and sensual Stargazer Lilly.

As I head home I look forward to the challenges ahead of me and to the one beauty that awaits me. If you find yourself in need of a stock shot or have an assignment, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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~

What better way to get a jump-start on summer than to have the first 3-day weekend to wet your appetite. I hope that your weekend was enjoyable and beautiful and that you were able to share it with family and friends.

I had the distinct pleasure of getting to spend my weekend in the Outer Banks where the weather was picture perfect. It was great to see the islands coming back to life as the “season” is about to begin and Memorial Day is the kick-start. The marinas, which were once quiet, are now bustling with fisherman and the boat slips are full. Old establishments have dusted themselves off, added fresh paint where needed and reopened their doors for business while newer establishments wait for the onslaught of tourists. The “season” makes or breaks it for most of the businesses that find themselves looking to make the majority of their income during those 4-5 months.

On thing about the Memorial Day weekend is the patriotism that is shown and the reflective nature of reverence that most share on the island. You cannot help but notice the signs of support and the American flags, as you drive through the many fishing villages, displayed to honor those that have given most of themselves for their country.

As I toured the island I came upon the largest icon of the area, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, standing tall and proud. The lighthouse once stood as the welcoming beacon for ships traveling to the area but now is most known for welcoming visitors to the island. How wonderful it was to see the American flag standing tall and proud as well.  Together, they are a fitting tribute to the weekend and to those that have served and now serve.

As we head into another week of work, also give thought to any future photographic assignments you may have and know that I am not just a phone call or email away.

~dK~