She is the oldest and most storied vessel remaining in the fleet, having flown more flights than any other Orbiter. She was entrusted three times by NASA to fly shuttle crews for the most anticipated missions of the agency’s shuttle history, three “Return to Flight” missions. Twice she was chosen to transport two of NASA’s most prized possessions, the Hubble Space Telescope and the oldest human to venture into space, Project Mercury astronaut,  former Congressman and Presidential candidate John Glenn. To date she has flown 38 flights, and completed 5,247 orbits.

With the majesty, beauty and grace of a champion stallion, Discovery thundered into orbit from Launch Pad 39A on February 24 for her last and final trip down the red carpet. By the time this mission ends, this lady will have tacked on another 4.5 million miles. She will have spent 363 days in space and circled Earth 5,800 times when Discovery returns to earth March 7.

I felt very honored to have been invited to witness the final launch of this majestic bird. During my career as a NASA aerospace photojournalist I had the privilege to be associated with many of the successes accomplished by this exceptional flying machine. It was a very emotional moment as I stood witnessing the countdown and with the announcement, “ We have liftoff of Discovery and STS- 133”, the final journey of Discovery. At that very moment, I knew that there was absolutely NO question as to why this Nation is and should continue to be the leader into space.

I offer homage to the beauty and majesty of this incredible spacecraft.
Hail Discovery!!!

Please do not hesitate to call if you have a future photographic project in mind. Also, if you find yourself in need of stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection, we may just have the image you are looking for.

Best regards ……….
~dK~

A week without snow and temperatures are looking good. There is nothing like a good ole heat wave right in the middle of the Alabama blizzard season.

I have had the luxury of actually sleeping in my own bed for the last couple of weeks and getting reacquainted with my favorite Huntsville meat and threes, wing and sushi restaurants. Lunch has become a daily welcomed activity with friends and clients.

Last week I found myself packing for another week of shooting on the road and had one last shoot before I had to rush to the airport to catch a flight out. While driving home from, I noticed the clouds forming from the west and realized that it had the potential of being a spectacular sunset. Knowing that I needed to finish packing I was very conflicted about possibly missing this grand opportunity versus the potential of being late for my flight.

The urge to embrace the moment and enjoy a few minutes of solitude and serenity won out and off I went.  I am so glad I did. The good news is I enjoyed the moment, captured a breathtaking sunset and did not miss my plane.

Please do not hesitate to call if you have a future photographic project in mind.  Also, if you find yourself in need of stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection, we can do that too.

Best regards ……….
~dK~

Today is Valentines Day, and I wish you all the best and all the riches of too much chocolate. For all those that are still happily single, I will play another round of the Beatles, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.

While chasing snow last week, I took the opportunity to invite myself out to the US Space and Rocket Center. The Saturn Park is packed with significant historical displays including a full scale Shuttle and it is a testament to our cities rich history with the space program.  Of course, it got me thinking.

They stand as a proud legacy to our Nations past accomplishments. They stand as a testament to one visionary and a nation that believed in him and his promise of never giving up. Most importantly they stand as a proud reminder for all to see and point skyward to where our future still beckons. It is a scientific legacy of such monumental proportions that few accomplishments will ever measure up to it and most likely never be experienced or surpassed in our lifetime.  I would hope that is not the case.

I still see a future in space and I still see a Nation full of youth willing and wanting to believe and experience their dreams.  I look forward to the next “giant leap for mankind”. It will be up to us, as individuals, as a nation and as the true leader in the free world whether or not those dreams will come true.

What better setting then the beauty of Mother Nature and the majestic silent giants built by determination and dreams for all mankind. It is with best wishes that our city welcomes, Deborah Barnhart, the new CEO of the US Space and Rocket Center. Her Mission, “which she has accepted”, is to inspire the next generation, one child at a time.

If you have a future photographic project in mind, please do not hesitate to call to see how we just might assist you. If you are in need of stock imagery or art for corporate or private collection, we can do that too.

Best regards ……….
~dK~

Is there any better way to start the week off then with a day of sunshine, a six pack of your favorite beverage, your favorite chicken chili and the Green Packers winning the Super Bowl, returning the Vince Lombardi trophy to Lambeau Field. All of this, of course taking place yesterday. Dare I mention the week ahead?

Last week was a stellar week for dk-studios. I met with potential new clients, spent part of the week reminding former clients that I am still alive and on Wednesday morning shot a magazine assignment with the international poultry breeder, Aviagen. Most of the first part of the week though, was spent planning the final logistics of a night shoot for Panalpina. Just a little shoot at night in 20 degree weather (the threat of ice or snow) involving a group of 140 people, a 747 cargo plane as a backdrop, a live working tarmac and all the logistics that go into planning a night shoot of that magnitude. A few sleepless nights were lost giving thought to this one. Everything was coming together when a couple of hours prior to the arrival of the plane the client called with news that the plane was delayed and we needed a Group Shot Plan B so off we went. We came up with a secondary location, rerouted all the lighting and put Plan B in place. Lets just say that all is well that ends well. 

As we sat waiting for night fall to arrive to finalize the lighting scheme for the new Plan B, I noticed that it was going to be a beautiful sunset. I grabbed my camera and as my assistants continued to set the stage I decided to take advantage of the location and the spectacular scene unfolding before me. A beautiful winter sky, the Huntsville International Airport tower standing tall and proud and, as luck would have it, one very obliging airplane departing for destinations unknown, hopefully somewhere warmer than here.

They say (you know – “They”??) it pays to be in the right place at the right time.

With another week in the Rocket City, I look to a fruitful week of client meetings and shoots. 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~