Photo of the Day: It’s A Bird, A Plane, A Dolphine!

May21

Another day – another photo. This weekend we were pretty much jam-packed with shoots, but there was still just enough time to snap some really great little scenes here and there. The photo above is of a Coast Guard Dolphine helicopter and power boat drilling in the St. Johns River near Green Cove Springs – taken during a bit of down time on Friday. Enjoy!

Photo of the Day: Up, Up, Up and Away!

May19

Here’s the latest edition of our infamous photo of the day! This photo was taken a few years ago in Jacksonville, FL, overlooking the lagoon at Huguenot Park. As the sun set, it provided the perfect back lighting for this amazing columnar thunder cloud. Cap that off with the sliver of the moon, and the great colors, and I just couldn’t help but stop and take a few photos. Enjoy!

The Boca Experience Part 2: Wild Florida

May8

It’s official – you can stop holding your breath now. The long-awaited second post from our corporate shoot in Boca Raton is officially here. This time, we’re sharing some of our favorite photos from the Florida Everglades and surrounding areas. Unlike a swamp, the Everglades are actually shallow, slow moving rivers of water that meander from headwaters in northern Florida to the open water surrounding the southern tip of the peninsula. This amazing location is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from alligators and crocodiles, to wading birds, panthers and black bears.

Above is a black necked stilt, one of the many species of birds that calls the Everglades home. At the turn of the 20th century, the area was home to flocks of birds numbering in the millions. It was not uncommon for a flock to take flight and blot out the sun, stretching for as far as the eye could see. But in the 1920s, the once plentiful birds were nearly hunted to extinction because of the fashion of the day – large, gaudy hats decorated with profuse numbers of bird feathers. Thankfully, the wildlife has been making a healthy comeback over the past 60 or so years, and though not what it once was, the Everglades are still an amazing place to visit.

Anyway, here are several of our favorite photos from the shoot – as always, downloadable as HD desktop wallpaper. Enjoy!

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Photo of the Day: Look Out Below!!!

Apr2

So, it seems this photo of the day thing is becoming more common…

Above is a photo I snapped while headed back from a commercial shoot is South Florida. Part of the shoot was out in the Everglades, so we decided to take Rt 27 North to Lake Okeechobee. On the way out from the lake, I saw this plane diving down toward the road at an alarming angle. Thankfully, I recognized the body style as a crop duster, so I didn’t have a heart attack, crash, burn and die.

Instead, I pulled over, and started snapping away as the plane did a circling pattern over our heads. Enjoy!

Photo of the Day: Reflections of Sunset

Mar24

For those of you in the Jacksonville area, you know today was a dreary, dark and rainy mess of a weekend. Well, today we had scheduled an engagement shoot for Andres (one of our photographers) and his bride-to-be, Carla. Things were not looking good about an hour before the shoot, but there was this little window of clear sky that looked like it just might show up at the right time.

When we arrived at our first location and the rain was still coming down, I was beginning to question my judgement, but like magic, we started snapping and the dreary sky gave way to a hint of sun. By the time our shoot was over, the layers of cloud made for one of the more stunning sunsets I have seen in the past few years.

And, if you were wondering, here’s one of the photos of our happy couple from tonight!

As always, you can download this image as a desktop wallpaper. Enjoy!

Photo of the Day: FireSky

Mar2

I don’t frequently post photos of the day – in fact, this is my first – but I thought you all would enjoy this shot. Last night, while driving west toward home from a shoot, I watched as the sun slipped between two layers of clouds and began to paint beautiful colors all over the sky. It was one of those sunsets where literally the entire sky was ablaze with reds, oranges and yellows. By the time I got home, things were fading a bit, but I was still able to grab this photo. As always, you can download this image as a desktop wallpaper. Enjoy!

The Haiti Chronicles – Addendum: The Final Product

Feb20

If you’ve been following our blog for any time, you’ll know I recently went on a trip to Haiti with Reach Global. Together with Chris Yarborough (ICY Pictures) and Melissa Putney (Director of Communications for Reach Global Latin America), we spent the week visiting a total of 3 churches, 2 orphanages, 3 schools, a seminary and a health clinic. In total, Chris shot over 12 hours of footage and I captured well over 1500 images.

During the following week, Chris whittled down the material into a three minute piece, blending his footage with my stills. Below is the final product – a tool we pray will be used to call many to pray, send and go to Haiti. Enjoy!

PURCHASE PRINTS TO BENEFIT HAITI
Want to purchase one of these panoramas or any of the other images featured in our Haiti series? Visit our online ordering site: www.deremerstudios.photoreflect.com to choose your favorite image. All profits from the sale of these images will be donated to Reach Global’s Haiti initiative.

Memorial Bridge – Rediscovering a 90 Year Old Panorama

Feb13

So, I’ve always been a big history fan. Recently, this has manifested itself in a borderline obsession with the Memorial Bridge, in Portsmouth, NH. In researching the building of the bridge at The Portsmouth Athenaeum’s website, I found a large archive of photos from the construction process (see the video I created below from 1920′s news reel and photos during the construction of the bridge). But what really peaked my interest was a series of 6 photos, taken from the same vantage point (the top of the North Tower) and seeming to have been designed to be displayed together in a primitive sort of panorama.

And that got me wondering – would it be possible to stitch these 90 year old photos together into a modern panorama? First, I tried our commercial stitching program, but due to slight differences in the images and limited overlap, it wasn’t coming together as I hoped. So much for the easy way! But by this point I was determined – and started to stitch the photos together manually using Photoshop. After about an hour, I had a pretty presentable final product (above).

I still get a kick out of the idea that 90 year old images, taken with a comparatively rudimentary camera, were able to be turned into a modern panorama. Pretty exciting stuff – Enjoy!

HD Time Lapse – Remembering the Memorial Bridge

Feb9

As you may have heard, last night the main span of the Memorial Bridge (Portsmouth, NH) was floated out – severing the 89 year connection the bridge made between New Hampshire and Maine. As a tribute, I put together the video below. It incorporates a few of our images, but even better than that, I put together a multiple-camera HD time lapse video from the webcam photos of PortsmouthWebcam.com. Being 1,200 or so miles from Portsmouth, it was a real blessing to be able to watch the bridges final hours. Many kudos to the folks that put these webcams together!

The video finishes with vintage footage and a few vintage stills from news reels back in the 1920s that feature the construction and opening day for the bridge. If you would like to read more about this great bridge and see more photos of its inauguration, check out SeacoastNH.com.

Here’s the full 2 minute HD YouTube video below:

Remembering the Memorial Bridge

Feb6

Today, I found out from a friend that they have begun to dismantle the Memorial Bridge. If you’re not from the Seacoast of New Hampshire, its just another old bridge, well past its prime, but for those who grew up around this iconic bridge, it feels like the end of an era.

The bridge fist began to take shape during the summer of 1920, and on August 17, 1923 the bridge opened for traffic. When built, it had the world’s longest lifting span, at 300ft and was dedicated as a “”Memorial to the Sailors and Soldiers of New Hampshire who participated in the World War 1917-1919.”

Autobiographically, I can still remember the sensation of riding my 10 speed across the grating, heart racing as I tried to stay on two wheels while riding on the steel grating of the center span. I was always quite relieved to make it to the other side in one piece. But that was the joy of the bridge – it was a bit of an adventure. As I got older, I moved from two wheels to four – and driving my old Triumph TR-6 over the bridge – with the towers rising high above and the water rushing below is still a very visceral memory.

However, over the last several years, the bridge has not fared well. At nearly 90 years old, the bridge was beginning to crack and break despite the efforts of NH and ME work crews to keep her up. In the end, the decision was made to dismantle the bridge and replace it with something more modern. Really, there was no other choice.

Thankfully, over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to photograph the bridge. Here are some of my favorites – in 1080P and perfect for your desktop wallpaper. Enjoy!

The Haiti Chronicles – Part 6: In Panorama

Feb2

This is (most likely) my final post on Haiti. Over the course of the week, I had the opportunity to photograph several panoramas, both in Port-au-Prince, and in the more rural Gressier. Above is one panorama we captured of the beautiful sunset over the western mountains. Being accustomed to some pretty amazing Florida sunsets, I really enjoyed the combination of mountain, sea and cloud that we experienced that night.

Above is the a photo from the overlook (well technically, the wall of the overlook), looking down toward the port for which Port-au-Prince derives its name. To the right is the main road through town, and in the foreground are the bustling city streets and tent villages where people now live.

Lastly, is this panorama from Gressier – looking east a little before sunset. All of the blue shelters you see here were built by Reach Global teams, with materials from Samaratin’s Purse. The hillsides here are truly beautiful, with a mix of tropical vegetation, humble homesteads, and larger residences along the coast. In the background, though obscured by haze, are the arid mountains of the northern peninsula.

As I think back on my trip, now nearly a week-gone-by, I am still struck by the joy of these folks. Beyond the poverty, beyond the destruction, beyond the squalor, it is that humble joy in the midst of so little that I believe will stick with me the most. This is especially true in the church, where the pastors, teachers and people all seem to sense a growing movement of God. Lord willing, I will be able to return in coming years and see the expansion of this progress of Hope.

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!