Could it be any worse with torrential downpours and record heat waves all over the country? I think my best friends these days will be ones with boats and lots of libations.

I think one of the things that I relish the most as I have matured as a person and a photographer is that fact that I have slowed down (no pun intended) and started to look more closely at all of my surroundings. I am not sure if is a curse or a blessing to have a photographers eye because I never leave home without it. Nor do I ever leave home without my cameras. No wonder that the Outer Banks have become one of my favorite spots to shoot. There is beauty everywhere you turn.

While shooting with a model on the island this past weekend I kept noticing a group of flower next to the sea fences. As the sun sets in behind them, they began to glow with all these beautiful colors. Normally, in years past, it might have been something that I would have not given more than a mental thought to but it just seems that I now tend to find beauty in the most simple of things.

The Black Eyed Susan’s grow naturally and freely on the island. They seem to go relatively unnoticed in their natural setting until the right moment occurs. At that point you just have to stop and marvel at their simplistic beauty – “Smell the Black Eyed Susan’s” – if you will.

Looking for a stock shot or do you have an assignment coming up, do not hesitate to contact me. I am no more than a phone call or an email away!
Try and stay COOL for the week ahead.

Best regards
~dK~

With all the rain and as hot as it is, I guess you could say that summer has officially announced its presence. I hope you found a cool place to enjoy the weekend.

Anyone that fishes knows that North Carolina is one of the best spots on the east coast for big game fish. With the gulf stream so close to the Outer Banks, charter boat fishing is big business for those looking to grab a trophy fish and bragging rights on Monday around the coffee pot. For those spectators waiting at the docks to see the “catch of the day” there is nothing more impressive than to watch the boats coming back to the marina’s with fish flags flying. Each flag represents a different catch (Blue Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish) and it is not unusual to see one or two of these flags flying high on a boat. More flags mean a more productive day and more bragging rights for crew and fisherman

While out touring the island on Sunday we stopped by Oregon Inlet Fishing Center, one of the largest marinas on the Eastern seaboard, where we came across one boat that had more that a good day. The charter, Qualifier captained by Aaron Wright, was flying 8 flags for the days efforts. And the eight flags were all Sailfish, a huge accomplishment for one day of fishing. The best news of it all was they were caught, photographed and then released to enjoy another day of being a fish.

I would think Captain Wright, when asked about the day, would say,“Just another day at the office!”

Looking for a stock shot or do you have an assignment coming up, do not hesitate to contact me. I am no more than a phone call or email away!

Best regards
~dK~

With a short work week behind you and then two days to catch up on your post holiday celebrations I can only wish you fond memories of your 4^th Of July as you start the beginning of a full work week.

One of the most fascinating things about being close to the ocean is you never know what the weather will have in store for you. One minute it may be sunny and the next a full thunderstorm comes in off the coast. You always have to keep alert to the every changing conditions.

While eating dinner a few nights back I sat in amazement watching a lightning storm off the coast and marveled at the absolute pageantry of the show Mother Nature was providing.  It was as if she knew that the week before we had been left without a fireworks celebration and she opted to provide one of her own.

I was drawn to the electrifying ballet like a bug to a bug light. I grabbed my camera and off I went to capture at least “one moment in time” worthy of the show in which I had been provided a front row seat. For all that it was I am not sure I did it justice. Here is one moment in time of the fury and beauty of Mother Nature.

If you find yourself in need of a stock shot or have an assignment, do not hesitate to contact me. I am no further away than a phone call or email!

Best regards
~dK~

The day after our Nations Birthday celebration and I am sure work is not where you want to be. I trust you spent your day in fine fashion with family and friends celebrating in a  manner befitting of this glorious day. Why else would you kill yourself cooking all day so others could eat?

 I am very fortunate to spending some quality time with friends on the Outer Banks where the weather could not be any more perfect. Cool nights have allowed us to turn the air conditioner off and open the windows to the enjoyment of the sounds of crashing waves on the beach, music to my ears.

This years 4^th of July was somewhat dampened here by the cancellation of all firework celebrations on the islands. Last year one of the trucks storing all of the fireworks for the island of Ocracoke blew up the day before the event. A few issues arose about the handling of the explosives which caused due concern for this years events. Instead most of the villages held festivals to celebrate the public’s participation.

Not to be dampened by the lack of fireworks, Mother Nature decided to showcase her own talents and put on a show of her own. I give you Mother Natures’ tribute to our Nations Birthday.

May we all keep the men and women of the Armed Forces in our thoughts and prayers!!!!

Best regards
~dK~

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~