Sigsbee Elementary takes on Ft.Zachary

I had the oppertunity to chaperone a small group of kids in the 3rd grade on a recent trip to Ft. Zachary State Park.

The Students from Sigsbee Elementary were teaching the various grade levels the history of the Fort.

Kids and Parents arrived via Trolley, and the fun began.


The chaperone's gathered their groups together, and the kids guided the chaperone's on what we were supposed to be doing!


One of the many stops, allowed the students to look out onto the beach, and draw what they seen in each of their own eyes.


3rd Graders, Rita and her friend Mackenzie practice their lines prior to the rest of the grade levels arriving for their presentation.


Joseph, sits atop a canon while making sure his lines are very well rehearsed for his topic which he will be presenting.


Joseph gives great detail about his topic, and introduces Chris to tell everyone more about the canons.


Chris answers questions from the crowd during his history lesson he was giving everyone.


Kyle teaches students and parents about the history of the wall at which they currently stand upon.


5th graders were able to give us information on the beaches, and the importance of their role in the Florida Keys.


It was definately an enjoyable experience to see how much more they know at their age, than what I know now. I'm glad to say I was able to keep up as well, and my old age has set in YET!!!!!

D'andrea Family Photo Shoot

I recently got to visit the Vacation home of one of my clients in the Lower Keys to shoot their family of 15. The only thing I missed out on getting was a picture with the "Key Deer" that was in their front yard when I arrived.

I started with the group photos, and then worked my way in with the kids.


This shoot started off with the playing of bannanas, all the way to people jumping in the pool fully clothed.




Whether they were an earlier generation, or a later one everyone had fun on this shoot it seemed as the smiles came naturally from everyone.




Whether it was swinging on a hammock with your family


Or trading kisses on the beach, this family was great to shoot!

Sculpture Launch in Key West

On Jan 15 I took a walk through Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park to look at the launch of sculptures from local artists and artists as far away as Naples, Italy. Thanks to everyone who helped organize the sculptures that are on display, I got to meet some unique people and listen to them explain their thoughts, and creativity.

The water looked great today as I looked across the emerald waters towards Sunset Key.


Right off the bat I was introduced to the Luciano di Rosa and he explained his piece "Angel" to me.


We continued to make our walk through the park and came across "Photosynthesis" by Myung Gyun You


Square Wave, by Bill Wood


Contemporary Cannon, by Tom Risser


These next 2 were from local artists here in Key West, and I enjoyed them the most because they were just plain, simple, and to the point with a touch of creativity.

Randy Detrick's "Living Room" allowed us to get in the frame, and turn it into a 3d Portrait using our own creativity.


John McIntosh's "#2 Tree" gets my vote for most favorite.


On the way out, I tried my luck at playing with the sun through the "Crooked Forest". Well, it's the closest thing I have to forest here on the Key.


Well, I can't end a blog without showing some of the local flavor either here in Key West. There are numerous "island cruisers", but this one was worthy of sharing with the rest of you.

Re-enlistment Ceremony

It feels as if I haven't lifted my camera in over a month, although it has only been a week or so. When I got the call to shoot a re-enlistment ceremony for First Class Petty Officer Steven Pont on extremely short notice it pays off to have "bag in hand" with me at almost all times. Since I did have my camera with me it was a great oppertunity for me to pick it up and shoot.

The ceremony was on one of the rare cold days at NAS Key West, and was standing room only as Steven gave a quick speech to everyone in attendence.


After his speech, his re-enlisting officer called "attention to orders" as his Officer in Charge says one of the most important things in the career of an enlisted person. "Discharged from the Navy" which returns him to being a civlian and free of the military life.


Steven breathes a big sigh of relief, but doesn't enjoy the civilian life quiet yet, as he swears in and recites the Oath of Enlistment. After he swears in, he stands proud as the re-enlisting officer officially signs his re-enlistment paperwork.


After the ceremony it is time for a quick photo of his shortlived civilian life.


Steven had several very close friends in attendence as well, and he wanted something to help him remember his time well spent in Key West, FL.


Congratulation Steven, only a few years left until your retirement!

Walking the Streets & Marina's of Key West, FL.

Today I sat out on foot to capture a few things some of us might not see ever in our lives.

I've seen people all over build 10ft+ high fences to give themselves privacy from the public looking into their home. What a neat natural way to have a privacy fence using these huge leaves.


When I seen this dancing couple near Mallory Square it was a must to shoot. These stand about 2 stories tall.


Just down the sidewalk was a life sized statue as well that represents the obvious!


One of the two humungous cruise ships that were in town today.




In town was 2 other Mega Yacht's. Missy B2


My Gal


Along my walk I came across a church which had beautiful stained glass windows inside, and some great looking wood.






As my day was ending, I couldn't help but play with the sun and this palm tree using an underexposure technique.

New Years 2011, in the Florida Keys

This year I was able to move to the Florida Keys in December. After several weeks of getting the home ready, rebuilding a deck, and doing allot of research and scouting for photography I was able to get out and shoot.

New Years Eve started off for me with a quick drive to Big Pine Key. We grabbed lunch at the Cracked Egg Cafe, and then headed to National Key Deer Refuge.

Due to the time we were there, I didn't expect to catch any deer, but I was in search of the infamous alligator who hangs out and swims around. I was able to spot him in the water slowly submerging and surfacing at various parts of the water, then after about 30 minutes of trying to get a good shot on him, he popped up right next to me, and climbed out of the water as if he was posing on a stage for me.


While walking around trying to grab a good shot of the alligator I was able to come across these big iguanas!






After some fun shooting here, it was time to head back to Key West. Took a shower, did post processing on the images, then cooked some Tuna which was caught behind my house by my neighbor, along with brocoli and a salad.

Our neighbors invited us to join them on the infamous Duval Street for a New Years eve extravaganza I'd never forget.

Around 10pm the streets began getting packed.


They told me CNN was in town to broadcast the famouse "Sushi" drop and I had no clue what they were talking about. So they laughed and took me over to the Bourbon Street Pub. As we approached there were hundreds of people watching live performances by female impersonators until it was time for one of the female impersonators to load up into a giant red slipper and drop to bring in the New Year.


After watching a few songs being performed, the crowd in attendance wasn't the crowd I was intrigued in being around so we moved on. We headed over to Schooner Warf
to watch the famouse Pirate Wench drop and bring in the New Years.

The "After Hours" yacht was definately the place to be if you could weasel your way aboard and enjoy their private party.


We couldn't get aboard the "After Hours" yacht, so we had to tough it out at on the dock and wait for the Wench to drop. Finally it was time!


After she dropped they released white winged dove to bring in the New Year, and she gave the crowd a generous Thank You for everyone that attended.


I enjoyed my time out in the evening, but if you attempt this one year, expect it to be MAJORLY CROWDED by tourists!