So it is the last day of January and for a brief moment this past weekend I thought I saw something that looked vaguely familiar like the sun. I think I actually felt some warmth other than what is being generated by my space heater. It appears, though, that Mother Nature still has a little more of that thing called winter in store for us.

I know this may come as a surprise but for most people that know me, know that I still love what I do and each day I look forward to a new photographic challenge. You could not be in this business for as long as I have if you did not still have the love and passion for your work.  I believe most would say, having seen my portfolios, there is not much that has not found it’s way in front of my camera over those thirty years. I think I am addicted to hearing the sound of a shutter click.

This past week I had the very fortunate opportunity to collaborate on a fashion project with one of the most talented make-up artists I know, Ms Sylvia Smith. Sylvia has opened a new business in Huntsville and wanted to up date her portfolio and create some new looks to grace her office walls. She is like my EF Hutton of make-up artistry, when she talks, I listen. Over the years she and I have collaborated on many artistic endeavors and I knew that this reunion would be no exception. As luck would have it, a good friend and model, April Berardi was coming into town to shoot so it just seemed it was meant to be.

The true beauty, if you will, of a project like this is it all about the “team”.  Three pieces of a puzzle when brought together combine beauty, artistry and talent into one vision. With music blasting loudly, lights flashing brightly and the creative juices flowing, I offer up one of the final results.

I am looking forward to a very busy week ahead. If you are looking at a potential future photographic project, please do not hesitate to call. If you are in need of stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection, I am no further away than an email or phone call!!!!

Best regards ……….
~dK~

So just when we thought it was safe to go outside the weatherman has said that there may be another snow on it’s way. All I have to say to Mother Nature is … “Is that all you got???”

I spent the first part of last week chasing what was left of the last snow in the higher elevations and north of us. As it slowly melted I felt as if I was looking at the last few remaining pieces of candy in a chocolate box. When full it was oh so sweet and thought nothing of diving in but as I come to the last few pieces I am not sure that I want to let go.

While making my snow tour around the Tennessee Valley I decided to head up to one of my favorite spots in the area, Falls Mill in Belvedere, TN. It is always a pleasure to see Jane and John Lovett, the owners, as they never seem to be without a welcome smile. Jane had actually enticed me to head their way with an email that included a couple of photos of the mill in all of its snow glory.

On the road to the mill I came across a scene that you only seem to see in movies. I literally stopped dead in my tracks in the middle of the road. There standing before me were two majestic equines in an incredible country snow. I grabbed my camera and took a few photos while taking in the scene and winter surroundings.  I then stopped when I realized that they had taken notice of my presence in the same fashion that I had recognized them. We traded stares for a time as we sized each other up and then as quickly as that, they moved on. The brief encounter was like saying Hello to old friends.

I packed my camera and headed down the snow covered road giving reflection to what their thoughts may have been of the odd looking two-legged creature starring at them on the cold and wintry day.

I guess most of you have come to the realization that I am back Huntsville because my phone has begun to ring again. If you have any upcoming photographic assignments, please do not hesitate to call. As well, if you are looking for stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection please contact me by email or phone!!!!

Best regards ……….
~dK~

With the sun shinning bright and the temperatures rising I can only imagine that you are all very happy to be back at work (did I actually say that) and glad to be out of the house and getting over your “cabin fever”.

I am one of those rare individuals that truly loves snow. I think it has a lot to do with growing up in Florida and seeing colorful orange groves every holiday masquerading as Christmas trees instead of the white Christmas that Bing Crosby always promised. I love to hear the crackle under my footstep and the beauty it offers photographically. Of course I can admit to the fact of never having made a snowman and never been part of a “real” snowball fight but nonetheless I do get very excited when I hear the word. It’s not like I head to the store for the proverbial 6 loaves of bread and 2 gallons of milk when they predict a snowfall but rather, I charge my camera batteries and get my hiking boots and gloves ready.

I thought I had missed the once-in-forever snowfall when I found myself out of town for the Christmas holidays but to my surprise, and most likely to yours, a second blast of winters fury hit the south the day I was headed home. Since my arrival, it has been four glorious days for me of slipping and sliding around the Tennessee valley capturing the beauty of the area.

On Friday I found myself standing in the same location I stood during the winter snow of 1996, at Burritt Museum. On that day and with the invitation of, “ If you can make it up here?” I found myself in the very fortunate position to be the first one to tour and photograph the virgin snow. Even though I could not make the same claim this year, the snow covering the hilltop and grounds brought back very fond memories.

The Burritt Museum, atop Monte Sano Mountain, is an incredible place to visit any time of the year but with 6 inches of snow christening the buildings, it was … well, “the icing on the cake!”

I am back in Huntsville and ready to take hold of any upcoming photographic assignments that you may have. If you are in need of stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection including the most recent snow photographs, please contact me by email or phone!!!!

Best regards ……….
~dK~

I write as I make my way to the St Louis International airport hoping today’s winter storm that is racing through the southeast will not prevent me from me from flying home after almost a month on the road. Time will tell.

I traveled west for the holidays to be with family and friends enjoying the sunny and beautiful climates of Phoenix and San Diego. I ended my trip doing a photographic workshop in the frozen tundra of Peoria. Il. And now I hear Mother Nature is beginning to prepare a little wonderland to welcome me home.

I wish you all safe travels today and stay warm and leave you with an Illinois winter wonderland.

If you are in need of stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection or have an upcoming assignment, please contact me!!!!

Best regards ……….
~dK~

Happy New Year to each and every one of you. If you are reading this blog then I know that you have made it through another Holiday New Year celebration and welcomed in 2011 relatively unscathed!

With each New Year we can be assured that we will be presented with many new challenges and we will be faced with many changes, both personally and professionally. With each passing day we will know triumph as well as failure. It is a true test of a person’s character in how we approach the challenges, deal with the changes, and remain humble in triumph and reflective in failure.

I look back on 2010 and reflect on the many positive and incredible memories I take with me into the New Year. I am extremely grateful for each and every one that touched my life and am very humbled to call you friend. I found peace, love, solitude and a renewed passion for my art in a place called OBX. I will be forever grateful and indebted to a wonderful and beautiful woman for that introduction.

I was fortunate to spend the holidays embraced by the love of family and the warmth of dear friends. I was able to do this from coast to coast and no matter what coast I was on, I was welcomed with open arms and the love that only family and friends can show.

With my travels come new and exciting adventures for 2011. I was very excited to find myself in the beautiful city of San Diego, welcoming in the New Year with very dear old friends, as well as, making new friends.  No better view of the San Diego skyline then the view from Coronado Island.

I am looking forward to new and exciting things for 2011. If you are in need of stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection, please contact me!!!!

Best wishes for 2011……….
~dK~