CHARGED Exhibit at Commune NFK

CHARGED is a local art exhibition that is on display at the Work Release Gallery at Commune NFK. The exhibit displays the work of ten artists, all fashioned from neon lights. The exhibit is also considered the 3rd Annual NEON Exhibition. The exhibition is curated by Clay McGlamory and Assistant Curator Cate Currier. The exhibit will be on display from June 23rd to July 23rd.

2016 Norfolk NEON Festival

Here are a few pictures from the 2016 Norfolk NEON Festival. The festival is a showcasing the publicly displayed artwork around the Norfolk Art District. Enjoy.

Independence Day Celebration from Norfolk, VA

Here are a few pictures from the 34th Annual 4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks show in Norfolk, VA. I took the following pictures and video on the Portsmouth side of the Elizabeth River. My goal was to capture both the boats and the marina in the shot, but the location where I planned on setting up shop was overcrowded. I moved a few feet down from the anticipated spot and the pictures turned out great. The video is from the finale of the show. Enjoy!

Norfolk Tides Turn Back the Clock Night

Here are a few pictures from Tuesday's Norfolk Tides "Turn Back the Clock" game. The Tides lost to the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs 2-3. However, fans were treated to hot dogs, popcorn, and soda at a special price of $.50 each. The Tides also wore replica jerseys dating back to the era of the Norfolk Tars.

I hope you enjoy the few pictures that I took. I normally capture more photographs at a Tides game, but I was too busy indulging in hot dog and popcorn heaven.

The Ocean View Fishing Pier

With the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel backed up for miles, I decided to take a stroll along the Ocean View beach and capture the fishing pier at dusk. Although this was an arbitrary visit, I do believe that the capture turned out well. I just wish that there were more coors in the sky. Enjoy!

The Southside on Ice

The following pictures were taken in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA shortly after a winter storm that hit Hampton Roads in February. The pictures were taken at various locations including the Virginia Zoological Park, the Pagoda Garden Tea House, the USS Wisconsin at Nautics, the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Mount Trashmore, and the Virginia Beach Town Center. Enjoy!

Gwinnett Braves vs Norfolk Tides

Here are a few photos of the Gwinnett Braves baseball team at the Norfolk Tides baseball game that was played on August 15, 2014. The Tides wore gnome-themed jerseys in honor of the gnome figurine of Tides manager Ron Johnson, a trinket that was handed out prior to the game in honor of the man. Also, during the game, a silent auction was held giving fans an opportunity to acquire a game-worn jersey. The proceeds of the auction went to the United Way of South Hampton Roads. The Tides won the game 5-0.

Hampton Roads Independence Day Fireworks

Independence Day is a time for vacations, food, fun, and fireworks! Like most Americans I prefer the first three before the latter, but firework shows can provide any photographer with a great series of captures. Unfortunately, shooting fireworks can be a little tricky, especially for someone who has little to no experience doing so. But why is something so fun so difficult to capture? Below I have posted a few pictures of local firework shows and some tips to help you when shooting fireworks. Enjoy!

Tips for Shooting Fireworks:

Survey the location and frame your photo prior to the show: There is absolutely nothing wrong with an isolated picture of the fireworks, but you can add more flare to your photographs with the surrounding scenery. Try to locate the setup prior the show and frame your shot around the fireworks. Focus on a fixed focal point and use a small aperture (between f/8 and f/16) to increase your depth of field.
Be careful of your surroundings: You do not want to shoot in a place where anything might obstruct your view, nor do you want to obstruct anyone else’s view. Shooting at a higher point can be a great advantage when photographing fireworks.
Use a tripod: It is almost impossible to properly shoot fireworks without a tripod due to the long shutter speeds needed.
Shoot in a low ISO: Shooting at a low ISO will allow you the necessary time to shoot fireworks and decrease any grain (noise) in your photo.
If possible, use a shutter release remote to decrease the chances of camera shake. If you do not have a shutter release remote, you can also use the timer on the camera to prevent/decrease the chances of camera shake.
Once you have framed your photo, turn off the auto focus (as well as the image stabilization or IS) on the lens. This will prevent the camera from searching for new focal points between shots and waist critical time between fireworks.
There are two ways to shoot the firework explosion:
- The first method is to use the bulb mode on your camera. The bulb mode allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter button (or button on the cable remote). Ideally you want to use a remote when using this method to decrease any chances of camera shake. Understand that timing is the key! You should anticipate the explosion of the firework and open the shutter (by pressing the button) right before the explosion, keeping the shutter open until the firework is finished exploding. Do not keep the shutter open for too long! Fireworks are a good source of lights and a long shutter speed can over expose the fireworks, washing out the colors of the explosions.
- The second method is to use the manual mode on your camera. From past experiences I have noticed that the best settings are somewhere between f/8-f/16 and between five to seven seconds. I usually start with f/8 and five seconds and make any necessary adjustments between explosions. You should not use the aperture or shutter priority modes. Shooting in aperture priority mode can mislead the camera to use a shutter speed that is too long. Shooting in shutter priority mode can mislead the camera and change your depth of field.

Norfolk Public Art

In Spring 2014, the city of Norfolk officially established an art district designed to build relationships between business owners, private investors, and civic organizers, in an effort to showcase variations of art and other creative ventures throughout the area. The Norfolk Emerging Arts District (NEAD), or Norfolk Arts District, is set in an area between Brambleton Ave and Granby St/9th St in Downtown Norfolk. The project is very similar to the Richmond, VA art plan, which began in 2011.

Politics aside, I think that this district is a great idea for people from all likes of art in Hampton Roads. Such a district can grow with the support of local businesses, educational institutions (Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and Tidewater Community College), the citizens of Norfolk, and other Hampton Roads communities. From my view as a frequent visitor to Richmond, I must admit that I truly desire for Hampton Roads to have the support in the arts that the city of Richmond has displayed for itself. Hopefully, the Norfolk Arts District will gain the support of the city and will continue to grow for years to come.

Here are a few examples of some current pieces of art around the district:

More about the Norfolk Arts District can be seen by following these links:

Norfolk Arts District's Facebook Page

Downtown Arts & Design District - City of Norfolk

AltDaily - A magazine about the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area

ARTS ZONE Norfolk arts district plan aims to link downtown to Ghent area - Inside Business

13th Annual Virginia Beer Festival

The 13th Annual Virginia Beer Festival took place in Norfolk, VA this past weekend. I enjoy this event not only for the beer, but also for the opportunity to take candid pictures of the beautiful people Hampton Roads has to offer. Enjoy.