water – Through My Eyes

Apache Pier

On Friday we ventured out once again on what will probably be our last camping trip of the season. To keep expenses low I booked three nights at Apache Family Campground at Myrtle Beach, SC. While the campground proved to be less than desirable, we stuck it out. Our primary reason for this trip was to see The Oak Ridge Boys. Unlike the campground, they did not disappoint! Dispite their advanced age they were dynamic and brought back memories of their early years. Wish I could have gotten pictures of them.

Prior to the concert we took our dog Roco and went out onto the beach. It proved to be as good a backdrop as any to get a few shots. Hope you enjoy.

This is my favorite. Waves breaking under the pier.

I have lots more photos but they are similar to these. I like to take multiply shots of the same thing to create variety and to see any changes. Thanks for joining me on the beach.

Have a blessed day.

A Look At The Washington, NC Waterfront

I used to love to come to Washington when it was still a friendly town. On our recent camping trip to Goose Creek, we strolled into Washington with our little Roco for a morning adventure.

When we tried to walk past the Estuary Center we were met with large signs that read NO DOGS. It appears that when the yankees came in and built the condos they took away something precious, a valuable part of the waterfront. These condos not only have taken away a large section of the waterfront, it appears their owners don’t value life particularly canine life.

This really set a negative tone for the day but I do what I always do, try to turn the negatives into positives. Here are some pics from the section of waterfront that is still accessible.

Thanks for sharing this adventure with me. Don’t forget to like and share this link with all your friends.

Have a blessed day.

Photography – Shooting The Beach

While doing some pre-fall cleaning, I have found more beach photos. As I have gotten older, I really am not a beach person. There are a few things at the beach that can make shooting interesting. The piers, the dunes, the sunrise and sunsets and more….

Not only are you looking at sand but snow on the dunes!

The first lesson of photography, don’t shoot just to be shooting! When I shot the pier I was not just thinking “Oh that would make a cute pic” but how interesting the geometrics were of the cross beams underneath the pier. The more complex your picture is the more interesting to the viewer. It’s the “WOW” effect that you are after.

In the second picture, I didn’t just want to get the beach but to capture the whole experience. Even the sea oats seem to make a statement. Make the uninteresting interesting. It was important not to just capture the beach but the snow on the beach. Not just the dunes, but capture the holes and footprints on the dunes. Don’t settle for less than perfect pictures. If you are not there yet, keep practicing you will be there soon.

Have a great day shooting!

A Beach Experience

Thousands of people each year flock to the beaches just to get a glimpse of the rolling waves, massive piers and calming sand dunes. The images below were shot several years ago. They are a reminder of calmer times.

While hundreds of people walk on these rough wooden planks daily to catch what lies beyond, others are satisfied just to relax in their shadow.

These sandy dunes are just an example of the deteriation of the beaches. While the Sea Oats fight to hold back each grain, beach traffic and harsh weather has taken it toll on the environment.

Other than the tramatic sunsets, this image is a scene everyone would love to wake up to.

Our environment and lifestyle have deteriorated greately since these shots were taken. This is a reminder that we cannot afford to take even one moment for granted.