Cristin and Cameron’s Wonderful Winter Wedding!

Jan31

Here’s a few sneak peeks from our first wedding of 2012! Cristin and Cam were married all the way up in New Hampshire. Despite the absence of snow, we had a grand time out at Portsmouth’s Prescott Park, taking wedding photos and generally having a grand ol’ time.

The wedding and reception were at The Pearl, a converted venue that was once the home of an African American congregation dating back to 1868. Congrats Cristin and Cam! Enjoy the photos!

TO DOWNLOAD PHOTOS: simply click on the photo you like from the gallery below. On the bottom right, click permalink. Right above the photo is a link to the full resolution image (1280×720 is usually what it says). Simply right click that link and save it to your preferred folder.

The Haiti Chronicles – Part 5: Into the Jungle

Jan31

Our last full day in Haiti was a great opportunity to be among the people in the countryside. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Port-au-Prince, life in Gressier (about 20 miles from the city) is almost recreational in nature, with farmers and roadside stand-keepers working diligently yet relaxed at their trade.

In the morning, we had the pleasure of taking to the country as the locals, walking along age-old paths that wove through the hilly terrain. On our brief walk (pictured right), we strolled through fields full of plantains, along (and in my case through- whoops!) a chilly mountain creek, and along the back roads of this vibrant area.

On our walk, we had the opportunity to visit with one of Reach Global‘s partner ministries, a school of nearly 150 students. There we met Maxo, a native Haitian who works for the UN and as co-director of this growing school. It was really encouraging to see his passion for these kids. Though he would never tell you himself, he contributes over a third of his UN salary to pay his teachers and enable even the poorest of children to be able to attend. However, their conditions are by no means ideal. Part of the school is currently meeting in a home that remains severely damaged from the earthquake (below). Thankfully, the other half of the school meets in a brand new building built by Reach Global teams, with plans for a second building to replace the damaged schoolhouse.

I’ll close this section with one of my favorite photos from our trip. Though Haiti is sorrowfully in need of so much, it is certainly not lacking in natural beauty. On our last day, we went atop one of the foothills in this lush countryside to watch the sun set. To our east, the hills were dotted with shelters which Reach Global teams (together with materials donated by Samaritan’s Purse) had erected – over 1,200 in total. To our west, the rugged mountains of Haiti met the Caribbean as the sun filtered through layers of clouds. It was truly stunning.

Below is a collection of photos from our last two days in Haiti. Enjoy!

The Haiti Chronicles – Part 4: Beauty and Ashes

Jan28

Our third day in Haiti was filled with some wonderful experiences of hope, as well as a stark reminder of the oppressive darkness that still seems to hang over this nation. Above is a photo I took while at Séminaire de Théologie Evangélique de Port-au-Prince (STEP) seminary during one of our interviews. Though you can’t tell it from the blurred background, this spot overlooks the city – this sticker a poignant reminder of our purpose in Haiti – a call to serve God by pouring our lives out for others.

One of the things I really appreciate about Reach Global‘s philosophy for Haiti is the humble mindset that we as American missionaries do not have it all figured out. While we certainly do have things to offer, the Haitian Church has many things it can teach us as well. They are the ones who know their culture, who see the needs and are best equipped to minister to their people. And so, with that in mind, we spent our morning at STEP, hearing what our Haitian brothers envisioned for this fledgling church. It was really a treat to hear their heart for the church and their desire to see Haiti transformed by the power of the Gospel.

We also had the opportunity to visit Jesus in Haiti for their Wednesday night service. When you picture the service, don’t think of your typical Baptist Wednesday night. It was much more vibrant and energetic, though not charismatic. The flow of the service was fluid and participatory, marked with lots of worship, a few testimonies and a message.

Another goal for Reach Global is the support and multiplication of indigenous churches among Haiti. Historically, missionaries have entered Haiti and largely planted American-styled churches among the people. In contrast, Reach Global is asking the question, what would a Haitian Church look like? The church at Jesus in Haiti (above) is one such manifestation.

Speaking of beauty in Haiti, the photo above is of the Milky Way taken from the roof of our base home, the Haitian Queen. Because the countryside is so dark, after just a few minutes (and a rather scary climb up the metal latter to to roof) you can clearly see the Milky Way (Above). I’ve been to several dark sky sites over the years, but I would venture to say this was the clearest view of the night sky I have seen. Having spent so many years in Jacksonville, where a clear night means being able to see a few dozen stars, this was pretty special.

Below is a collection of photos from our third day in Haiti. Enjoy!

The Haiti Chronicles – Part 3: Seeing the Hope

Jan25

Our second day in Haiti brought us to a small orphanage and the ministry, Jesus in Haiti. Though the two locations are maybe 40 miles apart, the trip (which included going through Port au Prince) took nearly two hours. The roads there are unlike anything I have ever experienced – like five or six times the insanity of New York City. Not only are there cars and an endless stream of motorcycles on the road, there is also a massive amount of people, carts and bicycles, all fighting for these narrow roadways. Needless to say our driver, Miguel, really knows his stuff!

At the top of the post is a photo of me with one of the orphan boys. Seems my goatee is an endless source of amusement for these kids. Though I am missing a few hairs from my beard, the joy of being around these kids is contagious. I can really see why people are so drawn to adopting after visiting places like this. Thankfully, over 50% of the kids in this orphanage, run by an amazingly energetic Canadian named Jasmine, are somewhere in the process of adoption.

Above is the newest ‘development’ in Haiti. All the structures you see lining this hill (about 10 miles north out of Port au Prince proper) were erected virtually overnight. Soon after the earthquake, thousands fled the rubble and settled in these arid hills. The natural scenery here is stunning, all the more punctuated by these makeshift dwellings that have become people’s homes.

Below are a collection of photos from our second day in Haiti. More coming tomorrow Lord willing!

The Haiti Chronicles – Part 2: Shock and Awe

Jan24

Landing in Haiti, we were greeted with a relatively orderly experience through immigration and customs – but upon exiting the building, it was clear we were in a new world. We were surrounded by people – many trying to carry our bags for us – even grabbing on and not letting go – all in an attempt to make their living – which you certainly can’t fault them for.

Once we met our team contact and got in our truck, we were greeted by nothing short of shocking imagery. Right outside the airport, people are living in tiny structures smaller than most self storage units, made from scrap tarps, wood and metal. In places, there must have been groups of over 200 of these homes, side by side and several deep for the better part of a mile. Trash and rubble are still all over the place – the aroma at times was pretty assaulting. People live in conditions that are heartbreaking (like the photo below).

But even in this desolate environment, I was in awe by the joy of the Haitian people. It would be an oversimplification to say that everything is joyful here, because its not, but for my middle class eyes, the joy these people display is amazing. Like the photo at the top of the post (and several of the images in the gallery below), the Haitian people as a whole have learned a profound truth – possessions do not equal happiness, nor does poverty equal despair. This is especially true among the people who are being served and loved by the church here in Haiti. It’s a lesson I, and I believe our Americanized culture as a whole could learn much from.

Below are a collection of photos from our first day in Haiti. More coming tomorrow!

The Haiti Chronicles – Part 1: Departure

Jan23

Above: A rugged portrait of Port au Prince.

Over the next week or so, I wanted to share with you all a special opportunity I recently had to visit Haiti on behalf of Reach Global. Now, this wasn’t your traditional mission trip – but rather an opportunity to spend a week among the people of Haiti as well as those investing their very lives into this vibrant, complex and struggling people. Together with videographer Chris Yarborough and Reach Global Latin America’s communications guru, Melissa Putney, we chronicled the lives of both missionaries and Haitians.

I thought it would be best to unfold this series as it unfolded to me. Though it is rather cliche, it is true to say that photos do not do the experience of seeing Haiti for the first time justice. The sights, sounds and aromas of this nation were almost alien to this suburban photographer. I hope through these next several entries you too will be touched by the beauty, heartache, love and desperate need that represents the people of Haiti.

Below are a collection of photos from our whirlwind team meeting in Miami. In total, four teams traveled to various portions of Latin America and the Caribbean (Haiti, Brazil, Mexico and Columbia). You can see the whole team above – I thought it would be unique to pose us in front of the approach for Miami International Airport, as we were all about to hop on our respective flights early the next morning.

Freebie HD Wallpaper – Washington & The Smithsonian!

Jan12

Well, all good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, that’s true for fine art photo adventures as well. On our way back from our time in New England, we took a half day to do a whirlwind tour of DC. In the 5 hours we were there, we visited the Capitol, Civil War Memorial, Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. Here’s a selection of our favorite photos from the trip!

Above is a photo of some bird (I have a really good memory). Despite being perched on a branch, it is actually no longer living. To the right is a really cool piece of history for a guy that loves both photography and aviation. This is the actual camera used to photograph the Wright Brothers’ first flight. All those famous pictures you’ve seen of those first flights were taken with this very camera! Pretty cool stuff.

Below is one more photo from the session. In focus is the legendary Bell X-1, the first aircraft to exceed the speed of sound (in level flight) way back in 1950. In the foreground is the North American X-15, This plane still holds the record for the fastest speed ever reached by a manned rocket-powered aircraft. Enjoy the photos!

Deremer Studios Receives Bride’s Choice Award!

Jan11

It is with great appreciation that we announce some great news. Once again, our brides have spoken – naming us a 2012 Bride’s Choice Award recipient. Each year, WeddingWire.com selects the top 5% of wedding vendors based on feedback from recently married couples. This award marks the tenth award we’ve received since we founded Deremer Studios in 2003. We’re so thankful for each of the 375+ couples we’ve had the chance to serve and are so thankful for this wonderful honor!

I want to again thank all our brides who spoke out on our behalf. As a small token of our appreciation, I’ve compiled a generous collection of fine art HD wallpaper for you to download and enjoy. Feel free to download one, several or them all!

Thanks again – it really means a lot to us!

- Nate [Owner]

Freebie HD Wallpaper – New England Winter Part 4: Snow?

Jan6

Well, here it is – the last installment from our New England fine art trip. Today’s theme is focused on snow. Finally, at the end of our wither trip, we managed to see snow – about 1/4 of an inch of snow. Not exactly the stuff of dreams, but snow all the same. However, by the time the sun set, it was all gone with balmy temperatures in the high 30s. Enjoy the photos!

Freebie HD Wallpaper – New England Winter Part 3: Fog

Jan4

Welcome to part 3 of our New England adventure. Today’s theme is fog – and there was lots of it during this predawn shoot. You don’t normally associate fog with winter, but a few times a season, you’ll find the perfect conditions for fog along the banks of the Piscatiqua. This day was no exception – it was the coldest day of the season and the resulting difference in the temperature of the open water as compared to the air produced this frigid fog over the river. It sure made for some pretty unique photography conditions – and with the 15kt wind and 5F temperatures, it also reminded me of the value of gloves (which I neglected to bring).

The photo above was not taken on Halloween, is not from Europe, and does not depict a castle. Shocking, I know. In fact, this is the old prison located on the eastern tip of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Known in its time as the “Alcatraz of the East”, this turn of the century prison housed a wide variety of military prisoners (including U-boat crews) until it was decommissioned in 1974. You can read more about this fascinating structure here.

If you’ve been following our blog recently, you may recognize the lighthouse above. This is Whaleback Light – a granite block lighthouse constructed in 1829. About three years ago, I took a similar sunrise trip to this location under very similar conditions, and took a series of photos as the sun rose over the fog bank. That photo is one of two that National Geographic selected for their prestigious stock photography site. We’ll see how these do! Of course, there’s a nice selection of all my favorite shots from this shoot below. Enjoy!

Freebie HD Wallpaper – New England Winter Part 2: Coastal NH

Jan3

Here’s part 2 from our New England fine art excursion. Today’s theme is Coastal New Hampshire. On this shoot, I spent a few hours along the coast of Rye and New Castle, as the sun set and the stars begun to shine.

The photo above is of Rye Harbor – a tiny little natural harbor that hosts a tight-knit community, made up mostly of lobstermen. As the sun set between a few layers of thin winter clouds, it would peek through with vibrant beams that tinted the entire scene.

The seawall at the end of Rye Harbor provided a great natural frame for the Isles of Shoals, located 8 miles off the coast of NH. The photo above is of Star Island. On its rocky shores you can see the Oceanic Hotel, one of only a few remaining great resorts from the Victorian Era, as well as Gosport Church and a monument to Pastor John Tucke.

As day gave way to night, I traveled a bit further up the coast to New Castle, NH – a small town located on a collection of rocky islands along the south bank of the Piscatiqua River. The photo below features Whaleback Light – one of my favorite subjects in the area. Though the moon was out, the clear skies and low humidity allowed me to capture a generous collection of stars to the east.

Enjoy the photos!

Farewell 2011 – Last Photo of the Year!

Jan1

What did we do for New Years? Take photos of course! Well, that wasn’t the plan, but with an amazing fog bank rolling into the region, I had to step outside and take a few time exposures. So, here is a series of photos from our last shoot of 2011!

Wishing you and yours the best for 2012!

Deremer Studios

Exceptional Photography at an Affordable Price

Monthly Archives: January 2012