Featuring Stories and Images From The Life of A Full-Time Sailing Photographer
Category Photography
“Don’t shoot what it looks like.. Shoot what it feels like”
David Alan Harvey
“Hierarchy“
Years ago, when I used to teach Photography and some associated courses at Virginia-Western’s Daleville, Virginia campus, four out of the five courses I designed for the curriculum were of technical nature. Going in, that was the part of photography that most newcomers to the Craft (the students) felt it was that they needed the most help with.
About half way into the very first semester, I learned a valuable lesson as a Photography Instructor.
Technical expertise was what they all needed, to be sure. But more importantly, the technical aspects soon became far outweighed by what it was they actually wanted out of the courses.
So quietly, I adjusted the curriculum to give them what they truly wanted and as a result, became a much better photographer myself in the process.
Like most new photographers, my first few years in photography were spent going around snapping pictures of anything and everything that interested me. I was always “looking” and trying to improve my technical skills. This is admittedly, the “geeky” side of photography and what attracts many “Left Brain” thinkers to The Art.
By technically obtaining better skills in Exposure, Focusing and Composition, I felt it was important for me to shoot everything I saw. This was a real challenge back then as everyone (at least the Professionals and those who wanted to be) were shooting Transparencies (slide film, which were called “Positives”), and using Manual Focus and Exposure cameras and lenses.
Technical skills were especially important to me, because at the time, I managed to secure some side work (another story) shooting College and High School Sports, Landscapes and of course, Sailing.
Because of work, I was also shooting a lot of Black & White. I was as happy as a clam because it was cheaper and I could develop and print my own film at the newspaper that I worked at which kept my processing costs lower.
Even though it was over 35 years ago, I still remember a photograph that stirred up a new awakening in me that I had not experienced before..
Let’s take the instance of trying to capture a high school football player in action for example.
First of all, it’s Friday night. And it’s Dark. Transparency film, in other words, “Slides”, which is what we liked to shoot, had to be properly exposed. And to be properly exposed, you were only allowed 1/3 of a stop either plus or minus either side of absolutely perfect exposure. More latitude than those small fractions could ruin an otherwise great shot. You had to know your camera and more important, you had to know light. (Remember, we were only using manually adjusted cameras).
Transparencies did not have the 5 stop exposure latitude that print film possessed at the time. But Wow! were they ever oh-so-sharp! And the film possessed very little “grain”. (What we now call “digital noise”)
They were so cool! They even seemed to have a 3D effect when viewing them with a lightbox and loupe. Remember looking into the Viewmaster? Those devices used miniature slides on a cardboard wheel.
Next, when shooting any sport played with a ball, you have to make sure the ball gets in the shot. If not, your Sports Editor would just drop all your hard earned work for the night into the waste basket by the side of his desk. Believe me, I know this. Accomplishing this task can only be done by never taking your eyes off that ball, especially when you are looking through the viewfinder. We didn’t have electronic focus-tracking back then either. We only had very fast hands and fingers. (this is why I still keep both eyes open when shooting)
This next part is when it gets really exciting.
Ok. It’s the 4th quarter of a brutal game and “the play” starts. As the quarterback rolls back and hands off the football to someone in the backfield, you realize with glee, that the play is actually coming your way! The closer, the better, Right?
As a matter of fact, in a few hundredth’s of a second later, your glee quickly turns into an “Oh Shit!” moment as you realize that the fast and huge 250 lb. kid with the ball is coming straight at you with an entire team on his heels. All the while, you are manually changing focus, keeping the ball in the frame and being mindful of the stadium lights and their sincere desire to ruin your must-be-perfect exposure.
You’re still looking through the viewfinder and adjusting focus as adrenaline kicks in and you suddenly spring 4 feet straight up into the air. The violent tackle on the sideline passes just beneath you amid a maelstrom of grunts, dirt, screams, sweat and curses. During the ensuing seconds, all you can think about is protecting the only equipment you’re wearing which is your camera. And keeping yourself from winding up inside the rescue vehicle that’s waiting in the Endzone.
After returning safely to Earth and your heart rate finally eases, You hope and pray that everything you did was right. Later that night, time in the darkroom and under the enlarger would bring welcome relief and a great satisfaction for your effort.
This time I got lucky.
A perfectly exposed and focused image.
A frame filled with the “all hallowed” ball, a look of determination in the face of a defensive linebacker and sheer terror in the eyes behind the face mask of the offensive Back.
The Sports Editor was happy that night.
The next edition, which would sit alongside the Sunday morning coffee and breakfast of a few thousand High School sports crazy townspeople, features your photo, in a top dead center, five-column spread in all it’s Black & White glory.
To master all of the technical issues in the above story took a lot of practice. (about 37 thousand prints, to be more accurate) and thousands more Positives (slides) that have never seen the light of day.
To really capture the holy grail of what turned out to be the most important thing to me in that photograph, took much longer for me to actually realize. And it follows me by my being very thankful to this day, many years later, for all that time I had the pleasure to spend in the Black & White world of photography.
Even though that print and slide and the companion article are buried somewhere in a storage shed somewhere with 40 thousand others, I can still remember what it was about that shot that thrilled me the most.
It was not the perfect exposure nor even the perfect focus. I can’t even remember the two schools that were on the field that night. Nor can I remember the color of the jerseys. But I can remember the moment and what struck me the hardest.
It was the look of that football player’s face and eyes behind that face guard.
It was, for lack of a better term, the emotion on his face that told that story best. I have always believed that the best photographs tell a story. And Black & White photographs do much better (for me) to get the emotion I feel into a photograph. More than color does. What I feel when I press the shutter is much more important to me now than in those days when I was simply documenting things that I looked at.
Look at the following images and try to imagine the story they tell. I have placed them individually inline so that each can be examined separately.
“Think it Through”“Wing on Water”“American Truckers”“Salutations”“Howard”
If you notice, the use of color doesn’t support these photographs in any way. Probably, it might instead be the feeling you get in making up your own story or an understanding of the story the photos are trying to tell.
Many of you know the quote from Henry David Thoreau that has long been the credited byline on much of my published work.
“It is not What you look at that Matters, It’s What you see..”
Henry David Thoreau
This quote was expanded upon in 2013 in an article in the Huffington Post by Dennis Merritt Jones, Contributor Award Winning Author, Keynote Speaker, Mentor – Thought Leader
“The gift of conscious perception can be an astounding event that happens whenever we realize that it is we, and we alone, who assign meaning to whatever our eyes fall upon every moment of every day”.
David Alan Harvey who is an American photojournalist based in North Carolina and New York City, says it very well. He’s been a full member of Magnum Photos since 1997 and he said it the best. In pure and simple tone that is easy for me to understand, and I quote:
“Don’t Shoot what it looks like, Shoot what it feels like.”
In closing, it is my wish that if photography is your “thing” or maybe you just need a way to express yourself in an alternative way than with just words, Black & White Photography can allow that. Shooting what you see rather than what you’re looking at will enlighten and help you grow in so many ways that I haven’t covered here or even have the time or space to do so.
Like many of those students in Virginia, It might turn out to be what you wanted all along.
Our discussion of Living and/or Cruising Aboard continues this week with a look at some of the various alternatives that are available to Cruising and Liveaboard Boaters .
This is only a general discussion as all of the variables are just too numerous to mention here.
Last post we discussed a lot of the questions and considerations that come up in the course of searching for a marina in which you would like to live aboard your boat.
This week, we’ll talk about some alternate options of Living/Cruising on the Hook and we’ll also cover “Living on the Ball” as it is very similar in nature with but a few differences.
As in Living in a marina, there are many advantages and a few disadvantages that most people allow to influence their decision to live at anchor versus living in a marina.
Back to Nature
SouthRiver, NC -2019
Herein lies one of the biggest advantages on living at anchor. Usually causing a second look when Marina Costs are a factor in designing the budget for your live aboard or Cruising lifestyle.
One must first look at the logic of considering this.
Firstly, living at anchor is usually (but not always) looked upon as a temporary alternative when traveling or cruising to different ports and or locations. You won’t be there very long so why decide to incur the extra costs of dockage, electricity and water for such a short stay? Living at anchor is free of charge (most of the time) and you can choose that beautiful, calm and serene cove that is well protected from weather. It also might offer the best vantage points to experience the best sunsets or sunrises. No noise except the birds and the occasional crab pot guy who collects his catch sometime around sunrise.
These fishermen are often friendly and very cognizant of the fact that you value your privacy. As long as you haven’t stirred around with his pots and respect his livelihood, I have found them to be friendly and especially helpful about local knowledge when asked.
When cruising, living on the hook each night also offers some extreme advantages in viewing nature in it’s natural state.
The sound a dolphin makes as it surfaces and “Blows” right next to your boat is an incredible if not surprising experience. Especially after sunset. At twilight, when the water is still and the light is fading.
The sound of an Eagle’s call as they greet the morning or the high-pitched cry of the Osprey when you get too close to their nest.
Have you ever seen a Whale’s tail as it rises above the surface and then hear it slap the water upon reentry?
And the Gulls. Irritating to most… But folklore suggests that they possess the souls of Old Sailors. Here on the waters to live forever. I think that might be really true. They’re nasty, and cause trouble. They’re loud and boisterous. They eat garbage and crap everywhere. Just like some sailors I’ve known.
It is sometimes so quiet, even the smallest of sounds can be noticed and contemplated on. It’s no wonder that many Cruiser’s are into Yoga and Meditation.
Sometimes the sounds can be alarming in that you have no idea what is making it.
One such experience, during a delivery, occurred one night about 02:30. There were 3 of us aboard that evening. It was the absolute dead of February and it was cold. Very cold.
Having gotten the anchor set and squared away in one of many coves along the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) South of the Pamlico River, we settled down to a great meal of broiled steak and all the fixings. After the meal (and a few rum drinks)and being very tired from sailing all day in the cold, we settled in for the night. With one last check about the boat and on the anchor’s holding integrity, we all turned in for a cool but very restful sleep.
About 2:30 am, there came such a loud cacophony of noise under the boat. Wave after wave of something crashing into the underside of the hull. It was very loud and sounded like we were getting thrashed by a thunderstorm from underneath. Being terrified, I arose straight up in my bunk, Upon doing so, I slammed my head into the low overhead and fell out of bed and down onto the deck. Ouch! (I’m not going to mention here what I really said)
The rest of the crew had similar reactions and in a matter of seconds we were all wide awake wondering What the Hell was going on. The noise was coming from under the Boat!
In about 15 seconds the sound and vibrations thru the hull had subsided and things got quiet again. I don’t think any of us went back to sleep that night as we were up discussing aloud what the ruckus could have been and if it was going to come back.
For years after that experience, we searched for answers and received many explanations. That was over 35 years ago and we still talk about that night whenever we get together and toss back a few.
We now refer to that night as being “the attack of the killer shrimp”.
We don’t know to this day exactly what it was that night that crashed into our hull under the cold dark water but one thing for sure now is that each time the story is told, hilarity ensues and we have a good laugh at ourselves.
It is experiences like this that stick in your minds and heart forever. It additionally causes strong ties and lasting memories for the individuals you are with.
Anchors and Balls
The skill of learning how to anchor properly and having the right equipment is essential for any boat.
One never knows when you might be called upon to make use of an anchor and it’s certainly a stress reliever to know that you are comfortable with the procedure. I have even been known to anchor in the middle of a race to keep from being set back because of current and no wind.
I won’t get into the details of proper ground tackle or procedures here as it is not the subject of this post. Nevertheless, It is mandatory that you know how to do it properly before you enter a harbor, cove or anchoring field for the duration of your stay. Other boaters are depending on you to anchor properly and in the right place.
Sometimes, you don’t have a say in where this might be especially if the anchoring field is owned by the marina or city in which case, you will have to go where directed. This is very common when tying up to a buoy (or ball) as they are normally placed at the proper intervals for certain lengths of boats.
When staying in Boot Key Harbor, a very popular, long-term ball anchorage in Marathon, Florida, this is what you’ll find. I think they had 226 Mooring Balls at last count. They do it right and know what Cruisers need.
Mooring fields maintained by municipalities are generally kept in good repair enabling you to have piece-of-mind when leaving your boat or in a storm. Mooring Balls are usually anchored to the bottom using very heavy weight such as iron engine blocks or concrete. (It’s usually the condition of the mooring “pendant” that you need to be concerned about) That’s the line (rope or chain) that connects your boat to the immovable object far below. A certain amount of practice is required in “picking up” these lines which are normally designated by a large, White floating “ball”.
Outside of mooring balls, directed anchoring is a rare instance. Most of the time it is left up to you and your responsibility as to where you drop anchor.
One of the worst experiences you can have while anchoring is to not do it properly and do it in the wrong place. Anchoring “on top” of others is frowned upon as any “dragging” that might occur will leave the two of you (or more) tangled together in a huge mess.
This most always happens during the worst possible times while weathering a squall or storm in the anchorage in the middle of the night.
Usually afterwards, or the next morning, when tempers have calmed and the mess starts to get sorted out is when the Wannabe YouTubers come out with their cameras looking to capture the latest “click-bait” and headlines for their next episode. If it is your desire to be an infamous YouTube Star, you’ll most likely get your chance during these moments.
Transportation
Being at anchor while cruising or as a live aboard also requires that you have suitable transportation to the dock, marina or area in which you plan to stay. If you have pets, this fact is magnified somewhat unless you have spent time to train them to do their business aboard.
She Loves a dinghy ride. Beaufort, NC 2020
There are as many ways to get around and have fun on the water as there are fish in the sea. Dinghies fulfill this role nicely and come in all shapes and forms.
Canoes, Kayaks, Standup Paddleboards (SUP’s), surfboards, nesting, fold up and inflatable and much more.
Rowing Dinghies, Sailing Dinghies and Homemade Dinghies
A reliable “car” (dinghy) is a must. Whether it be the Cadillac version or something more humble. Which like a car, can resemble just a “Beater” that you run errands on and don’t mind the inevitable dents, scrapes and dings they all eventually get.
Taking the time to acquaint yourself with proper “dinghy etiquette” is well worth the time it takes to avoid an embarrassing moment.
Broadcasting yourself as a selfish, inconsiderate dolt among your fellow boaters is not difficult to do. Blasting through a crowded mooring field or anchorage, leaving your outboard motor in the “up” position at the dinghy dock, operating at night without lights and using a short “painter” (dock line) at the dock all qualify for this judgement.
Often, especially in Sailboats, water depths play a big part in the use and ease of using dinghys. In general, the closer you are to shore, the shorter your dinghy ride will be. This will result in less gasoline used, drier clothing and groceries you’ll inevitably have to schlep to get back aboard to re-provision.
Keep in mind that sometimes, water depths or reefs will prohibit close in anchoring. This is when an abundance of horsepower is needed to make short work of long and time consuming dinghy rides.
As you can see, the dinghy plays an important role in the quality of an on-the-water lifestyle. There are lots of styles to choose from and there is no “one size fits all”. Choose yours carefully.
Usually, dinghy docks are present at most localities, some with a small charge, most of which are free.
A “Three Car Garage” for the evening. SouthRiver, Lukens, NC, 2018Near Rockland Harbor, Maine. August, 2010
Off the Grid
Many boats out there today utilize watermakers, wind, solar power and/or generators to minimize the number of times they have to visit Marinas. Equipping your boat so that you can “live off the grid” will give you much freedom and minimize your costs in the long run.
These additions come at a cost but they are well worth it and mandatory in some parts of the world. Solar and /or wind-power have consistently proven to be the most cost-effective means of going “off the grid” on boats. Technological and Electronic advances have taken this to a high level of ingenuity. There is an entire Industry dedicated toward doing this on a boat and is something you would probably need to consider if you plan to cruise at all.
One word about generators, don’t be “that guy” that runs his old generator all night just to keep his reluctant partner and himself comfortable. The noise and fumes are really looked down upon in a crowded or a quiet anchorage.
That being said, Generator technology has come a long way toward easing the aforementioned pain. for everyone. Honda makes some excellent products that excel in fuel efficiency, portability and low noise operation.
Shown Here: Solar Panel Arch serving double duty as a dinghy hoist.
Runs to shore in your dinghy is a commonplace occurrence. The fact that the ride into shore will not always be pleasant must be considered when choosing a spot to anchor.
Lot’s of boaters even make use of folding bicycles to make this job easier. But even folding bicycles take up precious room aboard and can be a real challenge in a dinghy unless you can store them securely ashore.
I have saved for last one of the biggest reasons (for most) to anchor instead of going to a marina for dockage
There be Land! ….and the costs that come with it!
With the rising costs of operating marinas and the subsequent passing on of those costs to boaters, it makes sense that if you value your privacy, are on a limited budget, love nature and solitude or wish to leave a smaller footprint on the environment, then choosing an anchorage or Mooring field might be more to your liking.
Not surprisingly, there is an increasing trend that implies that there are those who might be thinking that living aboard at a marina will be much cheaper than living in a house, I ask you to look again at what you could be responsible for paying for.
It is a known fact that renting a slip in a marina is not an inexpensive proposition.
With slip rents approaching $10-$12 a foot, (here in Eastern NC and much higher elsewhere) a modest live aboard boat can be very expensive to tie up. Add to that:
The cost of Utilities – It is not much cheaper to have electrical service onboard your boat than at your home. In fact, it can and is much more in a lot of cases. Homes built on dirt the past 20 years have reasonable insulation and efficient heating and air conditioning units. Lower than 50 degree water temperature will result in very inefficient use of a boat’s onboard heating system and will undoubtedly need to be supplemented by an additional source. Trying to stay warm using this method will result in long run times for the unit and usually provide only lukewarm comfort.
On the other hand, the same units, (which carry the term “reverse-cycle”) don’t really provide good A/C cooling when water temps go over 80 degrees. And in Marinas, the raw water intakes on these units clog up. (a lot)
These extremes are a fact of life even here in NC where in the Winter, Water temps can reach down to 35 degrees (and I have seen lower) and those same Summertime temps will regularly hover over 90 degrees. It is normal to have water temps reach 83 degrees in the Southeast Summer. Add in the factor that the boat is floating in this water and that fiberglass is a great conductor of heat and cold.
For a 38 foot boat with 3 cabins, utilities can average out to be about $100/ month where the cost of kilowatt hours is currently above $0.12 per kwh. Plus, most marinas charge a “Pedestal Fee” of $15-$20/Month. That is here in this part of North Carolina. This usage figure is an average for all 12 months of the year even though there are some months I do not even have the unit activated. I have also improved the insulation in the hull and refrigeration unit. Shading properties of the hull and cabintop can make as much of a difference as 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit inside the cabin in the Summer.
If you’re reading this and are located elsewhere I know what you’re thinking.
You are probably amazed at how cheap it is here in Eastern North Carolina. And you are mostly correct. But not in most cases. It takes diligent research and time to find the “hidden jewels” of economic utilities out there. Even here.
There are alternate sources of heat which involve electric cabin heaters, Fans (both 120vac and 12vdc) and fossil fuel fired bulkhead mounted heaters which can stand alone as a heat source or supplement your boat’s main unit. While not as expensive as operating the boat’s built in environmental system, there still remains a cost to be realized.
Having your boat in a more temperate climate helps a lot during any season but temperate climates cost more in the marinas where they are located (Florida and Maine for example)
St Petersburg Municipal Marina in the distance – Florida. July, 2017
The following is a short list of things to consider about Marinas and is in no way indigenous to any area.
Property Taxes (in a Marina) Yes.. if you liveaboard at a Marina in some places, the local Government wants it’s pound of flesh as well. Just like a house.
Going out for or accessibility to restaurants, entertainment and/or drinks – As you make friends around you in Marinas, you will no doubt make use of nearby shore restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities.
Fees. Pedestal Fees, “Convenience” Fees, “Envionmental” Fees, Membership Fees, Parking Fees, Trash Fees, Liveaboard Fees, Historical District Fees (No kidding) and more. Seriously.
Internet and cable. These are sometimes offered as “perks” in a Marina but guess what.. You are paying for them anyway (In your slip or transit rent) and oftentimes they don’t even work, requiring you to contract with a local cable provider. Talk to current marina dwellers.
Ground transportation – Especially if you and/or your spouse/partner still work. It’s tough to find nearby work at most Marinas.
Regular and in/consistent rate hikes. These can be significant. In rebuttal, What’s the difference in going up on rates $0.50/ft/year and going up $2.00/ft/every 4 years? Personally, I prefer the first option, if they must.
And the latest thing…“Discreet” Slip Charges. For long-term (over 1 month) renters. (Marinas have a plethora of excuses ready to combat the “designed to confuse” argument on this) Don’t get me started.
Face It. The “Upscale”, City-centric, or “Resort” type places practice some (if not all) of the above business models.
Huge, “conglomerate” type marinas are fast becoming the norm and are the worst culprits in my experience for the obvious reasons of cost, impersonal business relationships, inexperienced, underpaid and burned out overworked staff. And last but not least, greedy property owners, so called real-estate tycoons and shareholders all see opportunities here.
It reminds me of exactly what happened to truckstops in a life far away and long ago.
My advice (if you want to stay in a Marina), is to find that “Mom and Pop” type place that sits in those beautiful, out-of-the-way quiet areas where the living is much easier and respect/kindness from experienced and caring staff is a two-way street. Disclaimer: This JUST my advice. And it’s Free. So let that be your guiding light on this matter.
Many of these smaller (and more remote) places still hold to the notion that every single convenience and necessity doesn’t have to be charged for, but yet, they are still in business and know what it takes to be run profitably.
I know a few that come to mind, but be aware, they are sometimes closely guarded secrets because they don’t do a lot of Marketing hype and the residents don’t like a lot of publicity. Do your research.
Sure, you may have to put up with bicycles on the dock, being another mile or two from your favorite ice-cream bar or laundry hung out to dry on lifelines. There might even be a few derelict boats waiting for their owners to return. But you won’t go broke Jones’in with the crowd and very often, these places have much cleaner facilities, better quality water you float in and a small, but hard working staff on hand.
Rest assured. You’ll also run into all of the “different” people that populate all marinas. Sometimes that’s the best part!
So, the argument for anchoring or ballin’ out (as the case may be) seems to be a much less costly decision to make. Do Your homework and realistically assess your needs and likes.
But it doesn’t come without it’s own considerations.
As pointed out before, anchoring out is generally free. Some municipalities have jumped on the bandwagon and are now charging for an anchorage on their waterfront albeit for a much more reasonable cost than tying up to a dock.
A fine line is present here in the fact that most Boaters bring much needed commerce into many remote coastal areas in the forms of Fuel and Maintenance purchases.
Small Business, Professional Services, local grocery and other shopping venues also benefit. Incredibly, Many towns/cities don’t seem to care about this.
As more and more people take to the water and these areas become more crowded, expect the inevitable ordinances to follow. Behaving as good citizens in these areas will go a long way towards the welcome you’ll get when going ashore to explore, shop or provision.
Loud, late night parties, trashy vessel appearances, disregard for local laws and pumping waste overboard into No Discharge Zones by only an irresponsible few can totally ruin it for the rest of us. By and large, It has always been my observation that the long-term cruiser or liveaboard are very good environmental stewards. We can’t believe it when we find out reasonable sized municipalities have no provision for recycling.
Beside being highly illegal to do so, would you want someone to dump their oil, trash or human waste in your front yard?
Thankfully, more and more shore-side businesses and towns are seeing the logic in investing in equipment that is made available to all boaters for a reasonable fee.
In our area, The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality maintains a helpful list of facility locations for sewage pump-outs and their related charges. Many facilities do this free of charge because they see the advantage in doing so. It’s always a good idea to “tip” the personnel that get handed this job. Being there and a willingness to help (if needed) is also a “good neighbor” thing to do.
In this Author’s opinion, costs incurred from operating these facilities should be kept at an affordable level for Everyone. To do otherwise and use it as a profit center only encourages disregard for surrounding waters in weaker individuals.
I am certainly no advocate for big government but if need be, City and County governments should be pressed to be involved in the procurement, operation and pricing structure of using such facilities. I’ve seen pump-out prices range from Free to upwards of $40 per tank (most cruising boats have two) locally.
A great example of good stewardship on the part of a municipality to encourage conservation and clean water nearby is one of which is located at the Washington Town Docks in Washington, NC.
The following statement outlines how Federal, State and Local Governments cooperate to offer these services.
“The NC Division of Coastal Management (DCM) believes boaters should be able to get a sewage pumpout for your boat as easily as they can get other common boating services, such as fuel. So DCM is working to make pumpout and dump stations readily available through the Marine Sewage Pumpout and Dump Station Grant Program.
Using funding from the US Fish & Wildlife Service, DCM has made grants of up to $15,000 available on a yearly basis to private and commercial marinas, gas/service docks, fish houses/seafood dealers and other boat docking facilities in the 20 coastal counties. Beginning Oct. 1, 2013, the grant amount has increased to $20,000. A 25 percent match is required of the marinas. A 25 percent match also is required of local governments installing pumpouts at public docks.”
The program, established as a result of the federal Clean Vessel Act of 1992, provides financial assistance to marinas and other boat-docking facilities for the installation and renovation of pumpout and dump stations in North Carolina.
“Pump-out boats” will normally be in presence at many marinas. Making rounds to offer their services in the Mooring field. Quite often, there is no charge for the service.
Mooring Field at Bristol Yacht Club, Bristol R.I. October, 2017
Comfort on the Hook
You still have to stay warm in Winter and Cool in Summer. At anchor or on a Ball, Staying comfortable is possible especially if you are using one of the many types of fuel heating devices. Staying cool is a different story. Most folks just get used to it but in some cases, you might find yourself moored close to “that guy” again who will crank up his generator to run his A/C. All night.
These are some of the reasons that many boaters migrate to Florida each Winter Season. Especially North Florida. It’s costly to keep a boat there for the average boater and the opportunities are dwindling (especially for anchoring) fast. But the climate is certainly more bearable in the winter and the costs are not as high as in points further South. Remember, Wintertime in Florida is the “High” Season. Likewise in the more Northern climes in the Summer.
Recent advances in battery technology and more efficient solar panels are finally making it possible to stay cool from just the energy that the Sun provides.
As the population gets older and the influx of new boaters get more accustomed and concerned about their comfort, marinas offer the “necessary” amenities that most people now cannot or will not live without.
Everything gets to be more of a challenge while at anchor. Laundry, (unless you do your own) provisioning, access to land because of the needs of a pet. Access to water for drinking and washing and electricity. If you don’t make your own, sooner or later you have to go in and don’t forget trash disposal. Dinghy rides into shore can be a cold, wet and miserable proposition.
What about Mail?
Getting mail while living “on the hook” and cruising is entirely doable. very easy in fact thanks to traveler’s mail services like St. Brendan’s Isle, Dockside Mail or Earth Class Mail. In a nutshell, the services provided include scanning, forwarding and shredding. In some cases, certain ones will help you to establish a bonafide land-based address (In a tax free state to preserve income or help you keep your Driver’s License). It is important to note here that the restrictions on having a residential address placed by financial institutions are getting tighter as a result of The Patriot Act passed some years ago. Information about the individual services and rates vary quite a bit and bears a small amount of time to research what is best for you.
More on Traveling and Cruising
Sometimes during the peak seasons of transit on the ICW, anchoring out might be the only option due to limited space at marinas. After all, Peace and Solitude while anchoring allows the perfect environment for us to really understand and comprehend our place in the world. Being close to Mother Nature helps us to gain insight and knowledge about the world around us that we would never get a chance to experience otherwise. And the views can’t be beat.
While cruising, anchoring out or tying up to a mooring ball is the natural choice for a lot of people.
Keep in mind that during violent weather, most cruisers will head for the perceived safety and convenience of a marina. Again, there are different schools of thought on this. Remaining aboard during Hurricanes is asking for trouble. Having the proper ground tackle, equipment and training will go a long way towards helping you to feel confident about your anchoring skills.
If you find that social companionship with having close-by neighbors is more to your liking or the convenience of accessibility to land for all that it offers and the cost is a secondary issue, then a marina may be just what you need. Only you can answer that question.
If, on the other hand, it is the tranquility, the solitude of early morning in the cockpit with your coffee and an expanded sense of freedom you desire, then an anchor or a ball might be your best option.
In closing, research and more research will go a long way toward your ultimate happiness. Ask around too. Most boaters will be blatantly honest about discussing their individual likes and dislikes. Make sure you ask experienced cruisers and marina dwellers to get the down low.
Word of mouth travels fast and deep in the cruising and boating community. It won’t be difficult to find out who/what/when and where best fits your budget and lifestyle.
Of great help, are Mobile Applications such as Active Captain, Navionics and Aquamaps. These are primarily navigational programs but they also employ complete listings in the shape of Icons that offer all the information you need to find just the right Marina, Mooring field or Anchorage. They offer applications for Android, Ios and various popular chartplotters.
Navionics Boating. Sample – Marinas and Anchorages Circled
Waterway Guide is offered both as a stand alone print version as well as a “plug-in” for various programs such as iNavX, Apple’s outstanding proprietary mobile navigational application that uses US Government NOAA charts.
Beware of Cruising and Boating Forums on the Internet. There is some great advice there but it takes diligence to separate the chaff from the good stuff.
Nowhere better but at Sea can the difference between photographing a Sunrise and a Sunset be realized. Especially in my case because a boat makes for a poor platform to rest a tripod…a necessity when using slower shutter speeds. Using a higher shutter speed, while recommended for a longer lens (or “zoom”) for cell phone cameras, often results in excessive “noise” in photos which in turn lowers the quality somewhat.
(Note: Electronic “Noise” is much more prevalent in the dark, or shadow areas of the photograph and is mitagated to an extent in colder weather or climes in digital cameras.) Visualizing this is normally not a concern when posting to Social Media or The Web because poor resolution is normally unseeable in small image file sizes and pixel counts. Keep this in mind if you ever plan to reproduce an image into any kind of Print Media.
Here (below) is another Sunrise, captured very close to the same time of day (my Metadata tells me the upper and lower photos are about 15 minutes apart, taking into consideration seasonal time change). In this image, my “platform” was the hood of my 4-Runner. I was able to steady the camera on the hood surface, allowing a much slower shutter speed which also resulted in much less noise in the dark areas. If you are looking at this on a cell phone, it will require you to “Zoom In” tightly on the dark areas to discern any difference. Even though the Sun was a few degrees higher than in the first image, the presence of a morning cloud cover kept the light in the Foreground low. This is further evidenced by the shadow from a street light, on Captain Harm’s Tartan 33, “Harm’s Way”, in the foreground. Using the hood as a tripod, I was able to come up with an acceptable photograph. The clouds doubled as a “diffuser” against harsh Sunlight and also added interest to the image.
Sunrise Over The Neuse River. New Bern, NC
While the “Twilight Period” is much the same between the two times of day, (Dusk and Dawn) the time period you have of catching the “perfect light” is much shorter during Sunrise.
It was explained to me years ago by a well known Professional with 2 simple phrases.
“Think of the time you have…During Sunrise, the “Perfect Light” comes toward you very quickly, (like a speeding car on a collision course)
During Sunset, the light is moving away at a gradual, albeit steady pace…giving you much more time to choose your moment”
There is a couple of other factors to consider about differences in The Light.
The Morning Light, while not as colorful in most instances, is more on the “cooler” side (visually) of the Kelvin Scale and is a much softer light and a more subtle light. “White Balance” comes into play here as a camera setting and will be discussed in another post. This softer Light is favored mostly by Wildlife, a few Landscape and some “Urban” photographers because the animals are more active, Landscape features more pronounced and most city people are not yet out in force.
The Late Afternoon Light, gives us an abundance of what is popularily called “Golden Light” and is a major choice for Wedding, Portrait, Engagement and Event Photographers for a couple of reasons.
It’s warming effect on skin tones and foliage.
They have more time to shoot, with the Light slowly fading away.
And Yes.. there is one more… Most People won’t get out of bed early enough to get prepared and then move fast enough to get photographed in a quickly arriving light.
Port Call at Sunset New Bern, NC
For Me..I still like photographing Sunrises the best. Especially when I have that 0400-0800 Morning Watch and I am already in place (with my coffee) to witness and greet the birth of another day in Paradise.
Most of you that know me know that I spent few years of my time in Western Virginia as a Photography Instructor at Virginia-Western Community College, Greenfield Campus.
Greenfield Campus, Daleville, VA Nightshot, 5 separate images stacked. Nikon D700
The position at Virginia-Western was created out of a desire on my part to find a suitable venue for a local photography club that a few friends and I were trying to get started in the Roanoke Valley. Due to that and the vision of a school administrator, I was approached about establishing a curriculum and teaching it to prospective students. More on this later but I wanted to “lay some groundwork” for the start of this week’s Post.
I still maintain contact with a few of the many students who eventually attended my classes. About a month ago, I was contacted by one to inquire as to whether or not I could offer any advice to someone who is just starting out in Photography.. What would that advice be?
After some careful thought, the answer to her question came out of me that learning to Pre-visualize your image is something I wished I had known and put into practice years ago. In other words, the point I was trying to get across was to try to know what story you are trying to tell with your images before you take the shot.
Visualize what it is you would like your image to say.
Years before the “teaching gig”, I had the opportunity to study with a very respected lifestyle Pro-photographer. During my study with him he had drilled into me that a “good” photograph always “tells a story”. That small statement ties in well to the Pre-visualization concept and I use that nugget of advice to this day, every time I frame a shot.
There are questions that serve to get the Pre-visualization process started and they should be asked and answered in the mind before the actual technical process can begin.
Before I present these questions to you I will warn you at the outset that it takes a huge commitment of your time and mindful resources to get to the point of even asking yourself. That is, that they require the 3 “P’s” (Practice, Practice, Practice) in copious amounts. And many failures before the results start to show in your work and becomes an automatic process.
Do I still struggle with this? The answer is “Of course I do!” I can prove it in the amount of images I cull from every shoot I do.
Thankfully, with the advent of digital photography, which also enables almost everyone to walk around with a high quality camera disguised as a Cell phone, the learning curve has been greatly reduced in time and financial commitment.
Moving ahead. If you’re interested enough to have read this far, the following questions compose the process you should be practicing if you want to improve the number and Quality of your “keepers”.
What did you see? What did you hear? What did you experience there in that moment when you had the original urge to take the shot? When it comes to portrait photography, What do you truly know, sense and feel about that living thing or person in your viewfinder? Portraits are especially indicative of a wide range of strong thoughts and emotions.. And those qualities are (or should be) manifested everyday in photography.
“American Trucker” Valley Business Front, Roanoke. Nikon D2H, 2011
But you say.. After I See, Hear, Experience and Feel…how can I reach past those tangible senses and get to the parts about “knowing” and “feeling”?
Believe this… You can count on the fact that most everyone else will know and feel these elements when they view your images. They may not know (or tell you) what it is they feel.. but they will know they feel something. This cannot help but be. It was once said that “the eyes are the windows into the soul”. I firmly believe and live by the fact that our viewfinders and lenses as well as our actions are the eyes into OUR souls manifested by the above process.
“Carly’s Eyes” Nikon D2h, Summerfield, 2007
For me, approaching the proper mindset to achieve all of this starts before my camera comes out of it’s case and doesn’t end until final processing is done. Now to what brings us to the dual-topic of this post.
The Law of Attraction
If you’ve ever read the book, The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne, you know already what this visualization thing is all about. Using The Law of Attraction to help bring the process into focus is considerable in helping me to achieve the “Plane of Thought” level that I hope to when creating a meaningful image.
“What’s the Secret?” Brookings Wedding, George & Beth. Nikon D700 Bayview NC 2017
Using Ms. Byrne’s thoughts and my words…
Previsualize first, what it is you want to say or do and the way you feel about your subject. Next, previsualize what you would like to have your viewer or yourself to experience when observing your work or progress
Learning to Be Still
Learning to be Still.. will enable your thoughts and senses to freely flow into and through your mind. Speaking from my own experience, learning to approach my challenges from a holistic and spiritual perspective created for me a major turning point that caused me to see improvements in what I wanted to accomplish.
While giving this much thought and trying to sort it all out, I find that it is helpful to remember the words an old Eagles song, (Learn to be Still) One that I replay in my mind or listen to from time to time to help me toward the visualization goal I hope to reach.
The last verse of the song goes like this:
There are so many contradictions
In all these messages we send
(We keep asking)
How do I get out of here
Where do I fit in?
Though the world is torn and shaken
Even if your heart is breakin’
It’s waiting for you to awaken
And someday you will-
Learn to be still
The Eagles, Album: Hell Freezes Over, 1994
If one takes the time to read, study and research, you will find that learning to be still (and the practice thereof) has been a premise that many of the world’s religions advocate.
Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and many others teach this.
Two major examples are.. the act of Meditation as a part of some Eastern religions such as Buddhism
“Look within. Be still. Free from fear and attachment, know the sweet joy of the way.”
Buddha
And again in Christianity, The Bible. (KJV)
”Be Still and know that I am God”
Psalms 46:10
…and there are others…all that seem to have the same thing in common.
Self-Portrait, 3 Cameras, 3 Locations. 3 Captures merged to produce 1 composite image Florida, 2018
Learning to be Still has been a first step that has caused those elements and qualities of Inner peace to ultimately pave the way toward finding a path to follow in the creation of my images and enriching My life in general.
I hope that some parts of this is of some help if you are struggling to improve or just become happier with your images. practice the above and you will see. You can do this.
….Friendships and a little more on getting started..
“There are wooden ships; there are sailing ships; there are ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships—and may they always be.”
Former Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney’s eulogy for George HW Bush.
I debated at some length on whether or not to start this new project. After all, We are all just really too busy with Life, Aren’t we? Building and Maintaining my Photography Web Site can be a very time consuming affair. Especially with my self-taught ways! Add to that, Another Hosting Service to maintain and write, A Journal of sorts, A Blog….And it becomes a monumental affair. You can actually learn most anything about how to do something on the Internet, so Thankfully, that certainly makes it easier.
With all the images yet to be captured and destinations not yet sailed to, Why Do It?
Throughout the thought process during the “self debate” I described above, I kept returning to the fact of how much I love doing these two crafts known as Photography and Sailing.
Admittedly, and After-all, “Taking pictures”and Sailing has for me, been a lifetime labor of Love. At least for about 35 years now.
Long ago, In a Sport’s Editor’s office far away…., I figured out.. that for me, they would be inextricably entertwined.
When I was much younger, I didn’t start out wanting to do either. It all started first with the birth of my daughter, Cameron and a $25 Minolta XD11 Manual 35mm film camera from a Memphis pawnshop. Her Mother and I wanted to document special moments with our newly minted “Social Wonder” and the crazy amount of water skiing and camping we did for years on the Corps of Enginneer Lakes in N. Mississippi.
As the years moved on, We discovered more time on the water with an introduction to sailing that involved both our Kids. (soon we added Logan to the family) With all the new “picture moments” that presented themselves, I’m sure you know where this is going…And back in those days it didn’t help the film budget that they were always a “natural” in front of my lens! (They still are)
My Daughter Cameron, Here, from a Print. Nikon 4004s, About 5 Yrs. Young. Sailing in the Pamlico Sound, about 1989
A little later, (much later) another significant person that came into my life led me to get really serious about my photography. And I have never since been just content to keep my Camera in a locker. . More about that in another post sometime.
As the thought process continued, I realized that there are many things I love about Photography and Sailing and that I would like to share with you.. Maybe you can identify.
For one, They both satisfy that “geek’ factor I think I have when I try (covet) a new piece of sailing gear or Camera equipment. (More budget woes)
Both addictions challenge me. Rigging for a Spinnaker set, plotting a course (in the dark) to an unknown anchorage or figuring out the dozens of menus on Sony’s latest Pro Camera to get “The Shot” just right, Lighting Ratios and Positions… can all be intimidating. And let’s not forget Weather. And The Sea. And Brides. And their Mothers. OMG.
Running from A Squall. Sony a9, Offshore, 2018
For another thing, (and since I am detrimentally sentimental) they both serve and exist to create and document memories, challenges and adventures that would otherwise be lost, unrealized or not experienced.
And the there is “The Fear”. Even though it doesn’t run in my genes, I’ve always had this nagging concern (mostly brought on by 3 years service in a long term care facility) that I could succumb to the inevitable dementia that might surely come with growing older and forget it ALL. (This is something different than just losing your mind, which is only temporary)
At least I would have images to answer the inevitable questions and remind me of Where I’ve been, When was I there? Who I was with, and What did it look like? . And maybe one more.. Why?
Note: Sometimes the last question’s answer can change with Afterthought, Experience and/or Age.
A recent Meme that I saw some months back pretty well sums it up for me.
Finally, with more reflection, Something else came to wine mind.
The thing that has overwhelmingly meant the most to me about why I love Photography and Sailing so much. Is that it is something that encourages me to “Live in the Now” as Tolle so nailed it.
FRIENDSHIPS
It came to me how My life has been enriched by the many Friendships that have resulted because of these two Giant Addictions in my life..
Real, Great and Lasting Friendships.
Friendships I never would have had otherwise.
L to R Eric, Me and and JJ (John). Friends. iPhone X. On the Roof at Capatain Rattys, New Bern, 2019
Friendships with Nature, Clients, Students, Sports Heros, Famous People, Everyday People, Families, Other Photographers, Sailors, Cruisers and Artists from all walks of life and from all over The Planet.
“We Be Saggin”, Nikon D700, Greensboro, 2007
Not surprisingly, and what seemed like a lifetime later, it even caused the start of a 3 year relationship with someone (whom I thought bore the features of a “model”) and who just loved having her picture taken. Thinking that I was the Man for the job, I just “dived right in”!
A “Victim” of My Camera, “Miss Miami” Actually, A Jersey Girl., Nikon D2H ,Greensboro, 2006
You may not recognize the Good looking young man on the right, But the Guy on the left is The famous and very likeable Coach, Mike Ditka, of the NFL Football team, The Chicago Bears. Chicago, July, 2007 Nikon N90, Photo Credit: Cameron Heinsohn
With the aforementioned in mind.. No..I’m not talking about “The Relationship”…
Rather The Friendships.. I was moved to embark on the task of documenting some of these experiences in the hopes that it will undoubtedly lead to even more friendships in the future. Besides, like the old practice of passing around prints, I can tell you much more about an image here, than on Facebook or Instagram.
To have a Friend, You must be a Friend.
By far, I feel that Cultivating, Experiencing and Forming new friendships is the most important of the benefits I enjoy about Photography and Sailing. What could be better than that? (Okay.. I admit it..Another “Model” might come along and that would be nice!)
Yennifer, Model. Nikon D700, Roanoke 2010
Seriously. The last time I checked, No one has “too many” friends!
Wedding Afterparty, Nikon D700, Roanoke, 2012
So. It is my hope that you will come here so that we can get to know each other better. Your visits, Your Hellos and Your Comments along with any “CC” (that’s Constructive Criticism” in Photographerspeak) that you might have are also Welcome and Appreciated. I see it as another way to improve my craft. You may use the “comment” section below and by the way.. Please Share! I would really appreciate it.
It is also an excellent way for you to get to know me, along with these two long-lasting loves of mine called Photography and Sailing. It also might make you more comfortable when, on a sunny day that we “hang out” on a beautiful sail or when you or your soon-to-be-wedded kids end up in front of my lens (as do most of my friends and many others).
As an added benefit, and as another subject of this Blog, on the articles I post about Sailing, I will try and offer insight on Travel Destinations, Mariner”s Concerns and How-to’s for the “Swabs” out there. All complete with Photos for your Enjoyment.
In respect of your time, You also have my promise to (try) and keep these entries brief and readable.
Who knows..You might just make a new friend!
Bailey The Boatdog. iPhone X, New Bern, 2018
How Cool would that be?!!
Comparatively, only a very small fraction of my photography work has been “people” pictures. But as I seek to always improve it, I find that it is the most interesting genre. I hope to get around to sharing lots more about People, Places, Friends, Life on the Water, Life in the Mountains, Boat Tech, Camera Tech and Just about anything else that comes to mind.
Next Week: Learn to Be Still… and Learning the Law of Attraction.
November Sunset in Upper Broad Creek, Along The Neuse River, in North Carolina
Sunsets seem to be the image of choice for ANYONE who’s holding a Camera or Cellphone while on or near the Water. Why is that? The two just seem to go hand-in-hand. But in some Photography Circles, They are an Old as a Cliche as can be had for a subject. It is curious thing. If you’ve seen one sunset, You’ve seen them all, Right?
I’ve thought about this a lot. And coming from someone who has photographed everything from Brides to Trucks to Waterfalls, One would think that a sunset before Me, would be, well… “just another sunset”. I know for sure that they are certainly the bane of most all Image Editors. They’ll let you know, right up front, “No Sunset Pics” and that’s because they have millions in hand already. But I think I might know a partial answer/explanation to the above question.
Maybe, It’s because.. Like Winter’s Snowflakes, We see Every Single One as Unique and Different. And they ARE, to those of us that can load up a terabyte of drive space with our sunset images alone.
Thank Goodness.. And God’s artistry.. that no two Sunsets ARE alike. Ever. Just how boring would that be? Each one seems to be more beautiful than the last. And once again, We are amazed! We just can’t let that moment slip by, Can we?
So each time we experience one, It’s almost as if our eyes tell us that we’ve never looked upon one that beautiful before. (Constant amazement is Great, isn’t it!)
Thoreau described it perfectly with his statement quoted above. Among other things, We don’t just “look” at sunsets. We “see” them. And each of us, by Nature.. see things differently at times. Throughout history, this is manifested in all of the world’s greatest artist’s work.
So the next time someone just has to show you their latest recording of the oldest image subject in the world, try and Think about what is was that THEY saw when the button was clicked or the shutter was pressed. Through someone else’s eyes, You just might be amazed too.
Images and Observations from A Sailing Photographer
It is not what you look at…But what you see..
— HD Thoreau
An Introduction..
This is the first post on my new blog and when asked for a name, I decided to call it The Pelagic Lens. The term “Pelagic” signifies to me everything that takes place on, in, and around the water. The word “Lens” is arguably, One of the most important parts of a Camera and something through which a Photographer’s entire world comes into view. So I just put the two together to signify the theme of this blog.
This will be a Blog about Spending time with Friends, Creating Images, Nature, Boat Stuff and the Thoughts and Visual Images that pass across (and sometimes stick) in a Sailing Photographer’s head as I go about my daily Life on the Water. Here you will find it all. Including the stories, trials and triumphs that Nautical Life Invariably entails. In addition, You may pick up some knowledge about Photography and even learn some Nautical terms.
I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Blogging just seems to be a natural extension as an accompaniment to photography, so to tie my most favorite two things together, We’re going to give it a try.
Inside, You’ll find all sorts of stuff. Mainly posts on Photography, Sailing and a lot of the stories that surround the two. For me, that’s two great things about getting older. The Memories in my Hard Drives are many and I get a lot more stories to tell!
Try to be patient.. I’m a far cry from an English major and my punctuation and Grammar will be, well…unique. Part Sailor and Part Photographer. I would prefer to call it being a “Spicy Romantic”. My daughter, Cameron, calls it Frustratingly Charming.
Most of you who already know me know that I am only anal about 3 things.
(1) My Photography
(2) Sailing and My Boat, “Brilliant Cut”
(3) And Bailey, My Dog
It will be most certainly “Not rule conforming”.. I’ll assume First and sometimes even Third person reflections but hey, what’s life without multiple perspectives? But honestly, I’ll do my Southern Best to get the point across with Thoughtful Observations, Humor, Quality Imaging and a dash of Humility. Learning WordPress (this platform) will altogether be a different thing.
As in “Weather Windows” for Sailing, I won’t lock myself into any ridged schedule or deadlines on updates. I’ll post when I’ve got something I think you’d be interested in. In addition, If you ever”hang out” with me, You can probably expect a moment in the Blog spotlight. (I promise I’ll be Gentle). Hopefully, everyone will find something here to enjoy at one time or another. If You’d like, subscribe and Please “Share” below to get notified when I post new updates.
Again, Welcome to The Pelagic Lens. Hope to See You on the Water!
The Pelagic Lens Blog 