Archive
New Bern and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Pre-Hurricane
Lightning, OBX, North Carolina, 2005
Thinking about all those in the path of Hurricane Florence, the Outer Banks (known locally as OBX), New Bern and much of the rest of the states of North and South Carolina.
While staying in the historic city of New Bern, a two and a half hour road trip north to the Outer Banks resulted in the image above. Having forgotten my tripod in New Bern, I rested my camera on a towel on the railing of the hotel room’s terrace during a lightning storm and timed the opening of the shutter just right to capture the largest strike I have ever seen. It shook the building and the composition of the bolt and the lifeguard stand in the flowing sea oats made the image.
These are images of the Tryon Palace and New Bern Grand Marina, North Carolina, created in 2005. These are images from beautiful New Bern which is now already under water because it is located at the confluence of the Neuse and the Trent rivers. It is a historic city much of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the buildings, residences, stores and churches date back to the early eighteenth century.
The Governor’s Palace, New Bern (also known as Tryon Palace, above), served as the capital of North Carolina from 1770 until the state government relocated to Raleigh in 1792. George Washington actually slept in New Bern. Visiting the room in which he stayed, was an eerie and historically moving experience.
Here’s hoping that both survive the Hurricane and can re-build as soon as possible.
What a Difference a Day Makes / Hurricane Irma’s Wrath
What a difference a day makes…The image below was created on a beautiful evening in Coconut Grove at Florida’s Dinner Key Marina. The water was perfectly calm and the sailboats were lit by natural light from a full moon… Fast forward to Sunday as Hurricane Irma came ashore on the
Moonlit Sailboats, Coconut Grove, FL 2010 / ©Barry Steven Greff
west coast of Florida some 100 miles across the state on Marco Island. Notwithstanding how far away the eye of the hurricane was, her intensity and strength had significant impact on much of the east coast because the storm stretched further than the width of the State itself. Below are a couple of news images of what Dinner Key now looks like after the storm. The moorings of the
sailboats that were secured specifically for the storm, were no match for her. The winds and surge of the water dislodged many of the boats with some of them winding up on the shore as seen above while others capsized in the water.
As a resident of a state that has gone through many hurricanes, Floridians are a resilient bunch. No doubt, given enough time, Dinner Key will once again be restored to its natural splendor. It’s been done before and… I’m sure it will be done again.
You can help those affected by the storm by contacting the Red Cross at 1-800-HELP NOW or online at: http://rdcrss.org/2y1q1VV
BSG Recognized by 2017 International Color Awards
BSG Recognized in the 2017 International Color Awards
Pelican’s Rest, Biloxi, MS 2010
© Barry Steven Greff
THE 10th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS HONORS PHOTOGRAPHER BARRY STEVEN GREF FROM THE U.S.A.
LOS ANGELES (3/10/2017) – Professional photographer Barry Steven Greff of the U.S. A. was presented with the 10th Annual International Color Awards Nominee title in the category of Silhouette. The ICA is one of the industry’s most important events for color photography.
10th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from Christie’s, New York; Contemporary Art Society, London; Sotheby’s, Paris; ING Collection, Netherlands; Y&R, Malaysia; Preus Museum, Norway; Art Beatus, Hong Kong; Ogilvy & Mather, Amsterdam; Whitechapel Gallery, London; and J. Walter Thompson, New York.
“It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 6,178 entries we received this year,” said Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director. “Barry Steven Greff’s “Pelican’s Rest,” is an exceptional image entered in the Silhouette category and represents contemporary color photography at its finest.”
INTERNATIONAL COLOR AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in color photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in color photography. http://www.colorawards.com
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Contact: Barry Steven Greff
Telephone: 305.576.8400
Email: barrystevengreff@gmail.com
Website: http://www.barrystevengreff.com
America….My Country, Tis of Thee
Through the lunacy these days of our political “landscape” (pun intended), it is crucial for us all to remember the simple basics for which we stand. From the physical beauty of our land to the inner
Nubble Light, York, Maine 2004
beauty of so many of our good people, it is a national pride that should join us all. To me, these classic images created along the coast of Maine are the epitome of the feeling of Americana. The commonly shot Nubble Light above was perfectly lit at low tide when I came upon it while two seabirds were circling the tiny island that sits 100 yards off of Cape Neddick Point.
I watched as the two birds circled, and timed the shot so that one bird fit the composition of the scene in the sky while the other blended into the image just above the little red shed.
New England Light, Maine Coast 2004
The bottom image was shot at dusk in what was again, perfectly warm New England light. The tiny white specs on the rocks and in the water are seabirds settling in for the night.
I will never forget stopping to ask directions from a local to the best place to eat lobster. He was out for an evening walk and did everything short of drawing me a map, going well out of his way to make sure that I knew exactly where I was going before I pulled off.
To me, these are true examples of America…and, btw, the lobster was unbelievable.
The Art of the Sea from the Motion of the Ocean
When most people look at the ocean they see the waves as they ebb and flow. Although most find it enjoyable to the senses, something additional happens to me. I tend to follow the actions of the
Ebb and Flow, Deerfield Beach 2013
waves as they come ashore and then again as they retreat back out. I also gravitate to those sea shores that contain rocks, piers or any other solid structures around which the water must traverse. I visually slow the motion of the water down in my mind’s eye and foresee the beautiful form it takes as it surrounds the rocks or pylons in its way.
Time and Tide Wait For No Man, Deerfield Beach, FL 2013
Using a tripod during the dawn or dusk hours I can capture the slowed down motion of the water as it crests and eventually hits the beach and returns from whence it came. Seeing the scene in advance helps me create the final image and timing is everything.
I am sure that for all eternity, one of my favorite forms of art…will be that of the Sea.
After the Storm / Surf’s Up / Time to Shoot
As indicated in the last post, as a long time resident of South Florida, if you pay attention to the local media broadcasts, you can maintain a pretty good idea as to what, if any, effects a storm will have on your area.
Goodnight Irene, Deerfield Beach, FL 2011
As often happens, it is not until late in the game that the storm takes a wobble one way or another. Matthew went 30 miles west just before passing South Florida, resulting in 100 miles between the eye and us. That turned out to be good news for our area, only downing some branches, and the occasional tree uprooted by a strong gust.
Sunrise after Sandy, Stuart, FL 2012
Notwithstanding, in the past I have gone to the beach to shoot after the danger has subsided and created some classic images. The sky is eerily beautiful and the waves are always strong (hopefully not too strong because the storm surge is often as damaging as the wind).
Not feeling up to it this time, here are a few from some former storms. Until the next one.
Cure the Blues with a long, dry walk into the Ocean / Lit Pier
For me, in the past, nothing cures the blues, or brings you right into them, like a walk out on the pier at night. No matter what time of year, there is ususally a nice breeze blowing and once out toward the end you are walking just above the ocean waves.
Lit Pier, Deerfield Beach, FL, 2014
If you are lucky during the summer months you might see some lightnining strikes out at sea, but whatever time of year you head out, you are sure to take a mental break from whatever is happening in your life at the time as the sea flows around you.
So, in order to cure the blues, head straight for them…the deep dark blues…and hopefully you can accomplish this and ..still stay dry.
