License Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge Images

Posted on November 15, 2011 by waynem

Many of you continue to request the rights to use various selections of my Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge images. With this in mind I have decided to set up a little micro stock capability where you can go ahead and license any of these images for a set fee. Then after payment you will be able to quickly download the images that you have licensed.

This license fee allows you to use the images that you license for a single use for a website, a single publication, for screen savers or desktop images. They expressly cannot be used for resale or for prints or any other use. If you are interested in licensing any of these images or any of my other images for other purposes that is fine but you will need to contact me so that we can discuss it and come to an agreement.

I hope this is exactly what you are looking for.

Golden Stone Arch sab_001

Golden Stone Arch sab_001


Minneapolis Arch Bridge sab_002

Minneapolis Arch Bridge sab_002


Stone Arch Golden Light sab_003a

Stone Arch Golden Light sab_003a


Stone Arch Golden Light II sab_003

Stone Arch Golden Light II sab_003


Stone Arch Bridge Black and White sab_004

Stone Arch Bridge Black and White sab_004


Magnificent stone arch bridge sab_005

Magnificent stone arch bridge sab_005


Classic Arch Bridge BW sab_006

Classic Arch Bridge BW sab_006


The City Comes Alive | Stone Arch Bridge sab_007

The City Comes Alive sab_007


Day time Arch Bridge sab_008

Day time Arch Bridge sab_008


Photos of Minneapolis sab_009

Photos of Minneapolis sab_009


Red Bull on the Arch Bridge sab_010

Red Bull on the Arch Bridge sab_010


Stone arch bridge Graffiti sab_011

Stone arch bridge Graffiti sab_011


I do have many other collections of photos of Minneapolis and in the future many of those images will be available this way also.

If you have any ideas for improving this process or any other great ideas please contact me .

If you are looking to purchase a print you can find those at the gallery.

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Minneapolis Central Public Library | A study in Architecture

Posted on November 12, 2011 by waynem

After I had seen my friend and fellow photographer Chris Andersen’s picture of the Minneapolis Central Library way back in 2007, I knew that we had an architectural marvel on our hands.  See image here.
His image gives a spaceship like feel to the structure and it gives one a sense of the possibilities that there are for capturing the incredible edifice in many unique ways.

Photographing the Architecture of the Minneapolis Central Library

Looking up at the Minneapolis Central Library

From the web site archrecord.construction.com

The Minneapolis Central Library is a dynamic, resource-rich downtown destination, conveniently located between Hennepin Avenue, with the arts and theater district to the west, and Nicollet Mall, the backbone of the city’s business and shopping district to the east. These two downtown districts each have their own orthogonal street grid, creating the unique, trapezoidal site for the library when they converge. This shifting urban geometry carries through the massing of the building, with one block following the east grid and the other block following the west grid. The resulting “courtyard” informs the shape of the five-story, glass-enclosed galleria and the sculptured, wing-like roof that spans over the

So it was my turn to finally get out and attempt to capture the wonderful structure in a new and interesting way.   I was surprised how nervous I was as I was riding in on the train thinking about how I was going to attack this project.  It was a mostly overcast morning so I was worried about the light.  Would it be flat boring light?  Would the sun peak through and give me an explosion of interesting morning light?  Would there be throngs of people mulling about the structure keeping me from capturing the building in a clean and uncluttered way. These are some of the challenges of being a photographer.

I knew I wanted to photograph the front main entrance.  There is so much there to capture the imagination.   I also decided to use an extra wide lens to attempt to capture the grandeur and immensity of the structure and also distort it to allow for all kinds of new possibilities.

The Sun comes out at the Minneapolis Library

The sun comes out

The sun did indeed pop out from behind the clouds and gave me some moments of magic.

Interior of the Minneapolis Central Library

The rich warm interior

The warm light in the library’s interior catches the eye and warms the heart even as winter is approaching.

Minneapolis Central Library Panorama

Minneapolis Central Library Panorama

If you have not been to the Minneapolis Central Library I like to encourage you to go, both for the books and for the experience of the art of the architectural wonder.   And if you are a photographer be sure to bring a tripod.  They are very photographer friendly there.
Have a great adventure and happy shooting.

Many images are available for sale at the gallery.
http://waynephotoguy.imagekind.com/

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Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011

Posted on October 31, 2011 by waynem

 

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 - Mass Choir

Mass Choir II

The amount of creative and artistic talent south of the river is quite amazing to consider  sometimes.  In this case I am thinking about the vocal talents of the students in school district 196 and this even includes younger children.  So what am I talking about?

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011

Steve Albaugh

Well on Sunday evening Oct 30th 2011 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, MN the Dakota Valley Choral Festival was held.  This was apparently the 35th year of this festival and the church was packed for very good reason. This festival is so well run and the level of talent is so high that the show gives the listener the impression that they are listening to a college choir.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Eagan High School

Eagan Choir

There were four choirs from the local high schools of the district, Apple Valley with director Joel Beyer and accompanist Bill Blatzheim,

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 - Apple Valley

Apple Valley

Eagan directed by Randy Schafer with accompanist Margaret Boehlke, Eastview directed by Greg Douma accompanist again Margaret Boehlke and Rosemount with director Steven Albaugh accompanist Judy Sagen and there was the Dakota Valley Festival Children’s choir directed by Kari Douma and Kelley Sundin accompanist Kellie LeClair.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Eastview Greg Douma

Greg Douma - Eastview Director

So each choir presented several pieces on their own presenting a dazzling array of choral styles eras. Of course the little tykes stole the show because of their great energy and antics that they used to present their material.

Dakota Valley Festival Children's Choir

Dakota Valley Festival Children's Choir

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Kelley Sundin

Kelley Sundin

After each choir presented then all the choirs got together to create a triumphant mass choir.  This large choir was conducted by Dr. Angela Broeker from the University of ST. Thomas and the accompanist with Mark Johnson.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 - Mass Choir III

Mass Choir III

The evening was concluded with the Battle Hymn of the Republic and of course the entire audience was invited to sing along.   I am sure you can imagine the power, energy and pride that were displayed while that song was being sung, it was pure pleasure.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 choir reflections

choir reflections

The only way an astonishing festival like this can go on year after year is by the commitment and support of the entire school district leadership, the school principles, the music departments of each school and the retired choral leaders in the community that continue to give above and beyond what would be expected of any mere mortals and I for one am a very grateful community parent.    I thank you all and I salute you.

Dakota Valley Choral Festival 2011 Eastview choir

Eastview Choir

Many more images are available.  Contact me if you would like to request some.

Most of my images are for sale at the online gallery.

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Graffiti Graveyard Duluth MN

Posted on October 30, 2011 by waynem

Have you ever heard of the concept Graffiti Graveyard?  I did a little Google search to see if this is a common name and if there were places like this throughout the country or even  throughout the world but all I have not come up with anything.  So this must be  something peculiar to the City of Duluth Minnesota.

Graffiti Graveyard UMD BullDog

My wife and I adventured up to Duluth one fine autumn afternoon to visit our son at college.  After visiting for awhile and going out to Pizza Luce for some of the best Pizza in
the nation, my son wanted to show us this place that the locals call the Graffiti Graveyard.

Graffiti Graveyard Sandals

“There also exists under a section of Interstate 35 a stretch of graffiti known as the Graffiti
Graveyard. It is known throughout Duluth. Many residents remember visiting the
Graffiti Graveyard during their teenage years.”

From Wiki

So we decided to go.

It is located right across the street from the Bayfront Festival Park and then you go under highway 35.  I know an odd place for such creative works of art.

Graffiti Graveyard Cat in the Hat

There are two things that blow my mind about this place.

  1. The incredible number of works of art.
  2. The way that real art is destroyed by people painting new stuff on top of old stuff.

Graffiti Graveyard Trash

The creativity and level of artistry is truly amazing for some of these works of art.  My sense as I looked at some of these pieces is that some of the painters were “REAL ARTS”
in a more conventional means also. Meaning I am guessing that some of these painters make their living creating these or some other types or art.  But then to see an incredible work destroyed by someone painting some junk work on top of a masterpiece.  It is
kind of like there is no code of ethics among some of these artists as to how to treat other people’s fine work.  That was so odd.

Graffiti Graveyard Dr Seuss

One more thing that amazed me was the realization that this collection of art went on for ¼ to ½ of a mile. Can you imagine that?  What a huge collection of works.

So if you are ever in Duluth I would highly encourage you to get out to the Graffiti Graveyard.   I would encourage you to not go out there at night and if you do make sure you go out with a large group and bring good lights. The place can get a bit scary.

 

Graffiti Graveyard Reflections

See you on the next adventure.Contact me if you want to license any of these images.

Many other images are available at my gallery http://waynephotoguy.imagekind.com/

Updated – I found a great youtube video on the graffiti graveyard here..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VLfa4Py-cQ

 

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World Encounter – A Tapestry of Tanzania

Posted on October 15, 2011 by waynem
Food and light World Encounter - A Tapestry of Tanzania

The magic of well presented food.

I do not know about you, but I have always had an interest or maybe even a passion to be involved with two special types of aide organizations. The first one is the type of agency that brings clean water to small desperate communities throughout the world and the second is the type of organization or ministry that provides micro loans to tiny entrepreneurs around the world. Well World Encounter is this second type of organization and I was contacted by my great friend Stephanie Gates to see if I would be the photographer for their fundraising event. I said yes in a heartbeat, even before I check my schedule. This whimsical scheduling methodology luckily even worked out for me this time so I was indeed able to go.

World Encounter - A Tapestry of Tanzania

Curt Rosen Director of World Encounter

World Encounter headquartered in St Paul, MN is led by Curt Rosen who is a man of heart and vision. He was explaining the organization and the incredible work they do by building in support networks to the women who receive the micro loans. One of the mechanisms he was explaining was how being they do not have collateral for the loan, they have 9 other community women sign for the loan with the recipient. This mechanism encourages them all to work together, to support one another in their business adventures and to even stand in for them on a day where a business owner cannot be running the business. That is completely brilliant. I actually thought I heard that they have a 100% payback record on their loans and of course these payments back to World encounter then get pushed back into the community as another loan.

The Market World Encounter - A Tapestry of Tanzania

In the Market

If you are anything like me by this time you are thinking of the old movie it’s a wonderful life where George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) runs the tiny Savings and Loan and while he is in the daily grind, all he sees is frustration and difficulty. But in the height of his frustration and desperation he is given a vision of how his toiling has changed the world, World Encounter is exactly like that.

The story of Esther - World Encounter - A Tapestry of Tanzania

The Story of Esther

At the event, they shared a story of Esther, an uneducated woman left as a single mother was given a micro loan and with her keen mind and diligence she created a thriving enterprise. I am sure that story is repeated over and over again with the help of World Encounter.

the incredible food World Encounter - A Tapestry of Tanzania

Wonderful Food

Of course this event was a fund raiser so anyone who has ever been connected with any fundraising knows a happy patron is a generous patron. So the best way to make patrons happy is with incredible food and have the wine flowing. I thought I was at one of the Twin cities finest restaurants. All I can say is wow and thank you.

The evening ended with a giveaway of paintings and baskets from Tanzania and the recipients were very grateful.

World Encounter - A Tapestry of Tanzania

Painting Winner

Thanks for the great event World Encounter and I encourage you to consider supporting them. Check them out at World Encounter

More photos can be found on the Facebook page..
Wayne Moran Photography stop by and like us.. Thanks so much.

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Canvas Prints

Posted on October 12, 2011 by waynem

If you have never tried printing huge canvas prints, now just might be the time.

Easy Canvas Print on the wall

Easy Canvas Print on the wall

I was contacted by the industries Brendan at Easy Canvas Prints to see if I would do a review on their canvas prints. I immediately agreed because I have never printed any of my images large on canvas and it was high time that I got it done. So I jumped at the chance to create a canvas print.

Easy Canvas Print Over the Fireplace II

Easy Canvas Print Over the Fireplace II

Easy Canvas Prints offers high quality, gallery-ready prints at an affordable price. I was a bit overwhelmed with the possibilities that could be created. But not only that, Easy Canvas Prints also offers an extensive idea gallery – a wedding picture, a beach picture from our recent trip to North Carolina, a picture of the pups or a nice family photo. The possibilities are endless. I knew I wanted to keep my canvas landscape related or something to do with fine art. I knew just the image, the pier shot for North Carolina!! Most excellent.

So being I had never printed a canvas before I was not sure what to expect. Was it going to be like real painting on canvas, was it going to be like sprayed on or what? So I was so excited to see the final results.

Easy Canvas Print Detail

Easy Canvas Print Detail

It looks so professional and looks like it was actually painted on the canvas. My favorite part of the canvas is the rich texture and tight firm feel of it as it wraps around the edging.

The colors are vibrant and eye-catching. It literally looks like something I would purchase from an art store. I have never owned a unique piece of fine art on canvas but I can tell you now, I am hooked thanks to Easy Canvas Prints. My canvas even became the focal point of or living room.

Easy Canvas Print Edge

Easy Canvas Print Edge

The canvas is high quality and came professionally packaged in less than a week after I placed my order. The canvas material Easy Canvas Prints uses is archival quality and has a specifically designed coating for superior color reproduction and resolution. Canvases are only intended for indoor use, but even in display of direct window light should still last for decades to come if cared for properly, per their website.

Easy Canvas Print Over the Fireplace

Easy Canvas Print Over the Fireplace

If you will be using a photo of your own, Easy Canvas Prints also offers a variety of enhancements including Black and White or Sepia Conversion, Retouching, and Photo Collages. Take a look – these would make awesome, gifts now that we are approaching the holidays.

I can’t wait until we have the fire place going this winter now. This will be the best room in the house.

Go check out Easy Canvas Prints .

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Cool Sr Portraits in Minneapolis

Posted on October 2, 2011 by waynem

Cool Senior Pictures

This past week a woman contacts me with an emergency email, “Help this is an emergency.” “Senior portraits are due on October 14th and I do not have them done yet. Can you help me?” Well luckily I had Saturday morning open and I knew it was going to be a gorgeous fall day so I was all over it.

Cool Senior Pictures session in Minneapolis, Eagan Photographer

Under the bridge

This session was going to be for Daniel. Daniel is one of those typical boys who just don’t want their pictures taken. But mom tells me he is handsome with blue eyes, he is a creative artistic kid and he is a skate boarder. Well now my imagination was peeked!! You mean we can have fun and be creative?? That is fantastic news to me!! This is going to be fun.

Cool Senior Pictures session in Minneapolis, Eagan Photographer

No Skates

The family was from way up in the northern suburbs and I am a photographer based in Eagan, MN way down in the southeast sector of the twin cities. We are almost worlds apart. Sooooooooooo gee, I guess we get to meet up in downtown Minneapolis for the shoot. Of course you know my passion for shooting in Minneapolis, so everything keeps getting better and better.

Cool Senior Pictures session in Minneapolis, Eagan Photographer

Wonderfully cool in black and white

I had heard Daniel was a skateboarder. Turns out he is actually a long boarder, shows what I know, but the idea that he was a skate boarder fired my imagination even more. I spent some time doing some research on all the cool places to skate board in Minneapolis. I ran across this fantastic video by a young videographer in the twincities Kevin Horner http://vimeo.com/2265354 . Sweet stuff..

So off I went with my trust assistant Mark (often referred to as MarkPhotoGuy) to capture Daniel. The day was indeed a gorgeous fall day but there was not a cloud in the sky. My best photos come from days that are overcast with a very thin deck of clouds so we are going to have to be extra creative. Either we will have to be in the shade or come up with enough light to overcome the harsh shadows create by direct midmorning sun. Alas, Mark and his great ideas to the rescue, with either a great eye for seeing some interesting place in the shade and then with his expert skills on the reflectors he is able to give me the light that makes those baby blue eyes sparkle. Again, great job Mark!!!

Cool Senior Pictures session in Minneapolis, Eagan Photographer

up close and personal

So Daniel was up for exploring everything. We started off in the always fun and interesting St Anthony Main area of Minneapolis and of course there is all kinds of interesting brink and great nooks and crannies to shoot in. One note of caution for all you other photographers, the old Pillsbury flour mill building is completely surrounded by a fence so there was no possibility of shooting next to it’s always interesting old rock walls. So we improvised. Ask a long boarder, creative guy I knew Daniel would love being under a bride for some cool ambiance and effect. And we sure found some great light and interesting backgrounds there. Wow! Gosh there is so much great stuff in that area.

Cool Senior Pictures session in Minneapolis, Eagan Photographer

Daniel the creative

Then we had to quickly sneak over to the warehouse district in Minneapolis. There are more incredibly cool buildings over there for great backdrops etc but there are also some great murals. We had to make an effort to capture something over there. So off we ran. At the wall I really wanted to capture the light was very harsh and not much that we could do so I changed things up and distorted stuff for fun.

Cool Senior Pictures session in Minneapolis, Eagan Photographer

Daniel and Mom

So we achieved our goals of capturing Daniels personality, creating great memories and capturing a moment in time as Daniel and family prepares for that next huge step in life. I was so happy to be a part of it. Thanks for the fun!!

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Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Posted on September 30, 2011 by waynem

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

If you are from the south east metro region of the twin cities you have to be at least slightly familiar with the Caponi Art Park http://www.caponiartpark.org .
If you are not familiar, let me bring you up to speed.

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park provides opportunities for reflective experiences as well as active participation in a variety of programs. The Art Park welcomes over 15,000 visitors each year. Visitors enjoy a quiet and peaceful atmosphere as they walk the trails and take in the art. The Art Park’s most prominent features include miles of wooded walking trails, a one-of-a-kind Sculpture Garden and the Theater in the Woods outdoor amphitheater.

A 60-acre sculpture in itself, the Art Park serves as a backdrop to cultural programs and educational offerings. Programs include the Summer Performance Series, Family Fun Tuesdays, Shakespeare Festival, Medieval Fair, Poets in the Park and Guided Tours.

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

This park is the life work of Antonio Caponi.


Caponi was born in 1921 in Pretare, Italy, a tiny village in the Appennine Mountains on the Adriatic coast. The rugged surroundings had a deep impact on him and a profound influence on his work. The story of these early years is told in Caponi’s lyrical book, Voice from the Mountains (Nodin Press 2010). Caponi came to Minnesota in 1946 to study at the Walker Art Center School and later at the University of Minnesota where he earned his M.Ed. As a student Caponi exhibited his work alongside his teachers and the Minneapolis Institute of Art purchased two of his sculptures.

While a student, Caponi made the first of his many contributions to the field of art. He rediscovered how to cast metal using the Lost-Wax Process by reading Benvenuto Cellini’s autobiography in its original medieval Italian. Once a tightly held secret, Caponi successfully introduced the process to the community for others to use. Consequently, he built the first metal foundry in a school while teaching at Macalester College. An example of the Lost-Wax Process can be found at Caponi Art Park in the sculpture Pompeii.

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

So in our midst we have this artist, this Renaissance man and it is he and his organization that put on the annual Medieval Fair. The Medieval Fair is an annual educational living-history program presented by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) Barony of Nordskogen chapter that brings the Middle Ages to life. SCA is an international nonprofit devoted to the study of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

The Barony of Nordskogen chapter is the active chapter of the SCA in the Twin Cities and surrounding area. Its members make education about the Middle Ages a priority and share their knowledge through historically accurate re-creations, demonstrations and classes.
At this event there were authentic pavilions on display in a Medieval Village as SCA members in period dress presented educational demonstrations and activities to the public, which included rapier and armored combat, music and dance, weaponry and armorers, storytelling Bards, jugglers, cooking, period games, heraldry, bone carving, fiber arts, and other arts and skills.

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

While this particular event is not as big as the annual Renaissance Festival in Shakopee MN, it was certainly a great way to spend the afternoon. So if you have not been to Caponi Art Park, get out to the park, it is a wonderful regional treasure. And, put on your list for next fall to get out to the Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair.

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Caponi Art Park Medieval Fair 2011

Learn more about Anthony Caponi

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Jubilee Minnesota 2011

Posted on September 19, 2011 by waynem
Oh what fun at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

Oh what fun at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

Jubilee Minnesota 2011

This past weekend in Apple Valley MN, more than seventeen churches got together to attempt to lift the burden for many of those in our community that need help getting by with the normal things that many of us take for granted.

Where does the idea of Jubilee come from?

In the Old Testament Dt 15: 12 – 15

It talks of releasing indentured servants or what we might call slaves.

12 If any of your people—Hebrew men or women—sell themselves to you and serve you six years, in the seventh year you must let them go free. 13 And when you release them, do not send them away empty-handed. 14 Supply them liberally from your flock, your threshing floor and your winepress. Give to them as the LORD your God has blessed you. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.

Releasing the pigeons at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

Releasing the pigeons at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

We get the idea that many people are enslaved to ways of life that are very destructive to them and their families. People can be released from this slavery.

Delivery at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

Delivery at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

In the New Testament, Lk 4:18-19

Jesus alludes to “the Year of Jubilee” in proclaiming spiritual release and restoration to the people.

Groceries to give at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

Groceries to give at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

These churches are getting together to provide for physical needs and also to free people from spiritual bondage and slavery. The way they attempt to provide for the physical needs is by providing a warm enjoyable environment where people are able to have a day of safe family fun and receive services that they may not be able to afford. There were eye doctors, chiropractors, nurses, counselors, legal advisors and more for services. There were bags of food being given to all that requested it. There were household items being given away to help people furnish their homes. There were clothes, shoes and toys being given away. One of the most favorite services being provided is that there were photographers available to take family portraits for all the families. Of course there was great music and wonderful food for the day, everyone just kind of assumes that will be the case now for these events.

Can you say cotton candy at Jubilee Minnesota 2011 in Apple Valley Minnesota

Can you say cotton candy at Jubilee Minnesota 2011 in Apple Valley Minnesota

It is by working so hard to provide for the physical needs of these wonderful people that some become open to having the serious discussion of why these people doing all of this work? These churches do this work so that they may earn the opportunity to tell people about the freedom from slavery that is available and given as a gift from Jesus. Many people were available all day long to have these life changing conversations.

The joy from a Clown at Jubilee Minnesota 2011 in Apple Valley Minnesota

The joy from a Clown at Jubilee Minnesota 2011 in Apple Valley Minnesota

To me, the most enjoyable part of the day was experiencing people that where truly thankful for all the people serving them. And it seems to be the most thankful people that are willing to accept the free gift.
If you want to know more about Jubilee, you can find out more here.
http://www.jubileemn.org/

Heart of the City Worship Band at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

Heart of the City Worship Band at Jubilee Minnesota 2011

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The Beauty of North Carolina Beaches

Posted on September 3, 2011 by waynem

The Beauty of North Carolina Beaches

I love the beach, it’s plain and simple. I do not think I have ever seen an ugly one. Ok, one that is polluted or something is less than attractive but even one like that still has that rugged allure to it. So now you know I love the beach.

Carolina Beach Pier - Sunrise

Carolina Beach Pier - Sunrise

That being said, there are some beaches that are more beautiful than others, and this summer I found something special. This summer we were able to spend some time in Carolina Beach NC which is a small town in south eastern North Carolina, just south of the richly historic city of Wilmington.

Glorious Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

Glorious Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

Some beaches are crazy tourist destinations. What that means is there are a billion things to do and a million people. That may be fun for a time but it is not where you find incredible beauty. The please places to find beauty are often where the people are not or certainly it may be at the times when people are not there. Like say early in the morning for a great sunrise.

Romance at Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

Romance at Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

Fishing is a glorious adventure at the ocean whether it be deep sea fishing, fishing on the pier or even fishing from right on shore. I was surprised how many people fished from right onshore and I was even more surprised with how successful they were. The trick one fisherman told me is you have to get your line right past the breakers. That area is teaming with all kinds of species of fish. This particular gentleman had a whole collection of fish already that morning.

Fishing at Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

Fishing at Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

The beaches of North Carolina are known for their sand dunes. These dunes are small sand hills covered with a type of coarse seaside grass that actually hold the dunes in place. So not only are they lovely and create a more mysterious view of the beach they also perform a very practice purpose of holding the beach in place and reducing erosion in times of huge storms like the recent hurricane Irene. And these dunes are also very picturesque.

Sand dunes on the Seashore at Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

Sand dunes on the Seashore at Sunrise - Carolina Beach NC

A few of the local attractions are
- The boardwalk
- Fort Fisher
- Kure Beach Pier
- North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Carolina Beach State Park
- Carolina Beach Pier

The eastern facing view gives the most incredible sunrises especially when a storm is starting to brew. We got lucky enough to witness a water spout on one crazy day. It was certainly one of many highpoints on the trip.

Waterspout Carolina Beach NC

Waterspout Carolina Beach NC

So if you like beaches at all and if you get a chance, go to the Carolina Beach area of North Carolina. I think you will find it as beautiful as I have.

Many of these images are available for purchase at my Online Gallery.

Friends,
I have entered a photo contest.
I sure would appreciate your votes.
I think you can vote here.
www.captureminnesota.com/users/waynemoran
Thank you in advance.

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