Nancy Kirkpatrick is contributing so much to The Permanent Tourist with her posts on Tuesday and Wednesday.  We work very well together and appreciate the fact that our talents compliment each other so well.  I first featured Nancy on the blog when I discovered her wonderful photography.  Especially her photos of flowers.  Her ability to bring each blossom to life in such a way that it looks like you could reach out and pick is quite an art form.

On July 15th, from 9am – noon,  Nancy will be teaching a very special class at Glynn Visual Arts.  The Language of Flowers will take students through the steps of creating visual art through photography.  Discovering the right lighting, the necessary equipment and the art of capturing the detail of flowers will all be part of the course.

Nature has a vast language.  Each plant, every petal, all of the color is a dialect in its own way that can be captured by a camera when the right techniques are used.

You can make reservations to attend the class by calling 912-638-8770 and visit www.glynnart.org for further information.

Nancy has so many tips to share and such wisdom and insight into life.  I know that you’ll enjoy this class!

Glynn Visual Arts – 106 Island Drive – St. Simons Island, GA 

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 9th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

View of Neptune Park from the top of Lighthouse

Walk-about Wednesday – Neptune Park

Photos and story by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Just a few days ago I posted some tips for taking fireworks photos with your phone’s camera. Since I am a full time photographer (and writer), one may tend to think my equipment is always top notch, a great camera, pricy lenses, creative filters and, of course I get the occasional question, “How much of that is PhotoShopped?”.  Yes, I have some decent equipment. Not the latest or greatest by any means. Much of it I’ve had for many years. I am also quite proficient with my editing software but I use a light touch. I prefer the natural rather than the extreme. That’s just my style.

So for today’s Walk-about, I offer photos taken only with my phone camera. A Samsung Galaxy Note3. No PhotoShop or special creative filters were used. I used only two basic edits, both from my phone’s edit menu, no special filters or apps.  Auto Adjust which helped to brighten overall and bring out more detail in shadows, and Crop to eliminate any elements that did not support the main subject. I’m including some tips as well – some explanation as to why these photos – taken with a camera phone – are still “keepers”. These are all things anyone can do. I also practice deliberate, judicious shooting. I took only 10-15 photos in this series. So very little time spent looking for the “best” of 100 and very little space used for file storage.

I chose Neptune Park on St Simons Island to “walk about” with my phone since this is a well travelled, much photographed area, especially in the summer months. I went about 9:00 AM in order to beat the heat and avoid the harsh sun and shadows of later in the day. An hour or two earlier would have been even better, but since I planned to be there no longer than 30 minutes to get my images for today’s blog it wasn’t that critical. I finished in 1/2 that time then spent the next fifteen minutes in the shade of the Live Oaks just watching the world go by. It’s a good life when you can enjoy your job outdoors and not be in a rush!

For the lighthouse, I was standing quite close to the base, shooting up at an angle. I included the top edges of the structures clustered around the lighthouse’s base to give it a sense of place. I took only two images, the first one I discarded because the upper tree branches were centered, which was distracting instead of interesting. So I moved slightly to the right and the branches now draw the eye easily up to the top, typically the focal point of a lighthouse.

Next, I took three views of the gazebo: close, closer and closer still. Both horizontal and vertical. Always a good method to follow whenever you have the opportunity. You get three very different looks for almost no effort. One of my favorite instructions goes like this: “When do you take a vertical shot?” The right answer to that question is, “After you take the horizontal”. Again, two looks; no effort.

This is the second view of the gazebo – a bit closer.

And last – closer still. In fact. I am inside the gazebo now and waited until the children on bikes were framed in the openings, giving another layer or dimension to the scene. For this one, I did brighten with Auto Adjust in camera so that the gazebo structure is not a dark black mass since it was taken against a very light area.

Next is the picnic area under the live oaks. A little more difficult for the auto exposure on the camera, but it did OK. The sky is still blue and the massive tree fills the frame because it is the star, after all. The brick lined grills add foreground interest and the pier in the background adds more dimension. For memory images, the sense of place is all important. The tree by itself is impressive enough, but by itself, it is just another live oak in the south. By framing the tree carefully with the other park elements, you now have a memory photo. You know where you were.

Look in all directions after you take a shot. Behind, in front, the sides, beyond. Here is a sweet shot taken right after the picnic area. I did not have to move from my shady spot. Just zoomed in and used the hanging branches for a frame. Auto Adjust again to brighten the interior a bit and bring the rocking chairs out of the dark shadow. If auto adjust doesn’t get the look you want, play with the slider until you have something that pleases you.

Lastly, the wonderful mama and baby whale art by the play ground. This one is a little tougher. Children are usually climbing all over it and the big folks in their lives are gathered round taking pictures. I had to wait a little while – not long. While I waited, I walked all the way around paying attention to what would end up in the background of my subjects. And this, with the sea behind the sculpture was what I liked the best. More pleasant than the playground fence, for sure. And more naturally supportive of a whale’s own habitat.

So that’s it. You do not have to have expensive equipment to get wonderful images of your vacation or your home town. Your camera phone is always with you. With a little care, a little thought, your phone can take great photos. Ones you want to keep, share and be proud of. To recap all the above: 1) try for early or late in the day; 2) take a moment to study your surroundings; 3) take it close, closer, closer still; 4) take a vertical, then a horizontal; 5) take your shot, then look in all directions for the next one; 6) try to layer elements to get dimension – foreground, middle, far; 7) if you have the time, wait for your best shot; 8) make use of framing, both for sense of place and for supporting elements for your subject; 9) watch the background so it does not compete with the subject.

But the most important tip anyone can give for better photos – always – is to enjoy where you are first. Put the phone away; switch it to airplane mode! Find a place to sit and take it all in. Discover the personality, the light, the sounds, the activity or the peacefulness. What I call the local color. Find that first. Then get your phone out and record what you were just feeling. The best images are the ones that evoke a feeling. Make you want to go back there. Be there. Be in the moment. Enjoy!

by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 8th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Travel Tuesday – Istanbul

Photos and Story by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Some time ago good friends who are great travelers returned from a trip to Istanbul and couldn’t say enough wonderful things about the sites they’d seen, the delightful food they’d discovered, the ease of getting around this beautiful city. So with expectations high, Istanbul became a destination reality.

Arriving from high above the city on a golden late afternoon, the natural beauty of this city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait set the stage for what would be a memorable two days. As the summer night fell gently into the sea, fuschia, teal and gold colored lights announced a nearby lighthouse, inviting an old fashioned stroll along the waterfront, complete with warm sea breezes adding to our delight at discovering this beautiful city.

Because our visit occurred during the month-long Ramadan observance, dinner was delayed until after sundown when we then joined locals for our hotel’s evening feast (Iftar). What an experience to sample traditional favorites (fresh fruit, vegetables, halal meats, breads, cheeses, and sweets) while music added a festive air.

Heading to the Old City by taxi the next morning, I marveled at the pristine conditions we passed through. Istanbul certainly stands as a proud testament to the worlds’ greatest cultures, having been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We decided first to see the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque. Built between 1609-1616 its architect, Mehmet Aga, decorated the interior befitting the jeweler he originally was. The 260 windows flood the interior space with light, which is covered by a dome 77 ‘ in diameter and 141’ high. And it is stunning.

Out in the bright sunlight, we are delighted by colorful vendors. The Turkish ice cream kiosks are endlessly entertaining with the silly tricks played with ice cream on sticks twirled deftly just out of reach of eager hands. Porcelains, rugs, sultans hats, spices and endless colorful scarves and fabrics line the walkways. We stop to admire and are drawn into a shop for hot turkish tea while we shop.

Opposite the Blue Mosque stands the regal Hagia Sophia. Built by the Byzantine emperor, Justinian, The Hagia Sophia, whose name means “holy wisdom,” is a domed monument originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in the sixth century A.D. It later became an imperial mosque, and in 1934 the government of Turkey converted the Hagia Sophia into a museum, stating that this unique architectural monument of art would give humanity a “new institution of knowledge.”

I marvel at man’s incredible will to achieve his dreams, to build something that will outlast him, to create from past marvels something new that was never achieved before. Experiencing one of the great cultural centers of the world, I cannot help but feel honored to be witness, once again, to the universal greatness of humanity.

by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 7th, 2015 | No Comments »

I love the work of local artist, George Netherton.  I’ve gotten to know George through Albert Fendig’s wonderful Plein Air event each year at the Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation.

During the month of July you’ve got to make the time to get over to The Horton Gallery at the Southeast Georgia Medical Center in Brunswick.

You’ll be delight by the scale of the pieces…..

The lighting that highlights them so well…..

The subject matter……

And the brilliance of George’s use of color and composition.  George Netherton possesses a passion for Coastal Georgia that simply cries out from the canvas he works on.  This is a perfect way to while away a hot, summer afternoon!  Beauty heals the soul and calms the spirit…..find the time…..cross the causeway and treat yourself to this awesome talent!

Melissa | people | 07 6th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” was first performed in 1940 at the Berkshire Music Center in Tanglewood.  For years the Boston Symphony has performed at Tanglewood, classes are offered to aspiring and practicing musicians as well.  It is a magical place as is this piece.  Thompson’s “Alleluia” is uplifting and inspiring, perfect for a Sunday morning.  This piece connects me with spirit in ways nothing else seems too.  I think you’ll love it as much as I do!  Have a wonderful, peaceful day…..focus on what brings you happiness and DO IT!  Don’t waste time….live your dreams!

Melissa | Simple Sundays | 07 5th, 2015 | 1 Comment »

Taking Fireworks Photos with Your Phone

Advance scout! Try to position yourself upwind of the fireworks to keep the smokey aftermath of from obscuring your next shot.

Brace yourself! Night time means lower light which will cause more movement blur than daytime shots. Steady your phone or camera on a railing, lean against a lamp post or even another person.

Anticipate! Watch a few rounds so you know where the bursts are likely to flower. Then take aim, steady yourself, wait, wait, click, click, click.

Use auto focus! Once you are in position, aimed and steady, tap the screen to lock focus on the burst – but don’t take the picture until the next burst enters that focused area. Then click, click, click.

Use portrait mode! Take most of your shots in portrait mode. Turn for a few in landscape mode. Try a few angled shots as well. Then you will have more variety to choose from for posting.

Don’t zoom! Zooming will only make it more difficult to catch those falling trails of light. You can crop in camera later.

Add effects later! Use your native phone app only. Adding 3rd party effects while you are shooting introduces lag time and you have no time to spare in low light with moving objects. Add those cool effects for Instagram later.

Take time to enjoy! Yes, you will want to overshoot to get a few great shots. But don’t try to get every burst. The real WOW factor in fireworks is in the moment they happen.

Be creative! Plan a few shots with people, kids, trees, a lighthouse or monuments in the frame. Try as silhouettes against the bright bursts or light the subjects with a flashlight from behind, with the fireworks in front.

All images from Pinterest.

Melissa | Out&About | 07 4th, 2015 | 2 Comments »

We’re celebrating our independence this weekend!  What better way than with some delicious, juicy ribs and lots of fresh veggies as sides!  This is my special rib recipe, easy and so yummy!  Be safe and enjoy this holiday!

BBQ’d Pork Loin Ribs

Summer Cucumber Salad

Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes

Herb Buttered Corn on the Cob

Sweet Tea with a Twist

BBQ’d Pork Loin Ribs

2 sides of pork loin ribs

1 cup ginger ale

1 cup good beer (I used Red Stripe)

1 tablespoonCajun rub (I use Sangre de Cristo Spice Co.’s, available on-line and at Island Natural Foods Market)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.  Place the ribs in the ginger ale and beer, cover with foil and bake for 2 hours.  Remove from the liquid and rub thoroughly with the Cajun spice mix and brown sugar.  Refrigerate for 2 or more hours.  Heat the grill to 350 degrees, place the ribs on the grilling rack and slather with Jack Daniel’s sauce.  Grill, turning often, until both sides are cooked and caramelized.  Serve with LOTS of paper napkins, or better yet, put a roll of paper toweling on the table!

Summer Cucumber Salad

2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (I used a mandoline to get these almost paper thin)

2 teaspoon sea salt

juice of one large lemon

3 cloves of garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

4 teaspoons sugar

1/4 cup warm water

In a large bowl sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt, place wax paper over the top and place a couple of large cans on the paper to weight the mixture down.  Let sit for a couple of hours then squeeze out the liquid and lightly rinse.  Place the cucumber slices in a clean bowl and add the remaining ingredients.  Allow to refrigerate for an hour or so before serving.  I keep these in the refrigerator all summer.  They are always cool and delicious!

Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes

Buy them locally at Uncle Don’s Local Market in all the various colors and sizes.  Slice, sprinkle with a bit of sea salt and freshly chopped flat leaf parsley or basil….so good and so summery!

Herb Buttered Corn on the Cob

6 ears of corn, husks pulled back, not removed, and silks removed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

1 tablespoon fresh flat leaf parsley, minced

1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

sea salt and pepper to taste

Mix the butter with remaining seasoning and slather on the corn.  Pull the husks back over the corn ears and place on the grill with the ribs.  I put these on the upper shelf and once the ribs are cooked I put them on the larger grill for just a few minutes.

Sweet Tea with a Twist

Sweet Tea is the “house wine” of the South, but my version has a bit of an adult twist!  I like adding a shot of corn whiskey to each glass with some fresh mint to top it all off.  A great new Georgia distillery Thirteenth Colony has their corn whiskey for sale at the 19th Hole on St. Simons Island.  It also makes a great mint julep if you prefer.  Here’s there website if you want more information or recipes: http://thirteenthcolony.com

Melissa | Finally Friday!, food & entertaining | 07 3rd, 2015 | 3 Comments »

Recognition is a good thing!  Especially for people in the arts.  So today I have to say a huge THANK YOU to readers from Elegant Island Living magazine.

For the second year in a row The Permanent Tourist has been voted “Best Local Website”.

I always find this humbling and have the initial reaction of “Really???”  But I am truly honored and will shout it from the roof tops!

Since Nancy Kirkpatrick has joined me in writing the blog we are blossoming and growing.  Her photography is spectacular, never one of my strong points, but I’m learning!  It’s great to have a kindred spirit to brainstorm with….let the creativity flow!

Pinterest

Who knows where the next year will take us, the blog and anything else that may come up!  We’re ready, our hearts and minds are open and we’re here to serve the Golden Isles with wonderful stories, pictures and information on living in this amazing part of Georgia!  Without the support of readers and sponsors we could not make this happen.  You are appreciated!

Thank You Elegant Island Living Magazine and your wonderful READERS!

Melissa | Out&About | 07 2nd, 2015 | 2 Comments »

Walk-about Wednesday – Brunswick

Story and Photos by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Our Town. As a resident of a nearby island, it may seem a stretch for me to refer to Brunswick – situated across the causeway on the Southeast coast of Georgia – as “our town”. But sometimes words must have their way and in this case, Brunswick is everybody’s “our town”.

Cherished historical buildings line the main street of Newcastle. Many with great architectural detail. Its Old Town residential and commercial district is the largest small town urban National Register of Historic Places district in Georgia. With this town as my destination, I set out with camera, a fresh battery and empty compact flash card packed in my car for the short drive across the causeway and into the heart of Brunswick.

Heading down Gloucester, I turned left on Newcastle and one block later pulled into a parking spot.  Checking my camera settings, I climbed down, locked the car and scanned indecisively for something worthy. But much like an old time divining rod searching for water, my camera lens has a mind of its own. Soon it was picking out beautiful brick patterns, interesting doorways, details up high and down low. The blue sky and clouds supplying a just right urban backdrop.

For two hours I followed my camera’s lead. And in two hours I was chagrined to discover I had covered only two blocks. How could that be? Scrambling for time, feeling the 90 degree heat, I headed back to my car and the AC, the water bottle, the comfort I shamelessly rely on. Home I drove, back across the causeway and the green marshes, the waterways. Slightly nervous that I’d cut too short my foray. “There is serious wealth of subject and detail there yet to be captured”, I scolded myself.

Upstairs, with editing music selected and playing, I began my nervous upload. Watching as image after image sprang to its virtual height, I was amazed that in only two blocks there was so much. So much to save. So much to preserve. So much to love and protect.

With that thought, a recent conversation with a good friend who has lived near Miami for more than thirty years came to mind. I’d mentioned where I was headed for photos; that I loved the historical details in the buildings there and wanted to make sure I captured them for myself. He lamented that too many of Miami’s lovely buildings, its historical marvels, have been razed. Torn down indiscriminately. History replaced by the unimaginative.

I feel very fortunate that here, close to me, close to us, “our town” is still standing proud. Still has potential to stand proud. If I, you, they, all work together to lend that old fashioned hand of pride, we just might ensure that Brunswick remains the charming place that history made.

by Nancy Kirkpatrick

Nancy’s photography can be seen and purchased via:

Facebook: Nancy Kirkpatrick Photography

www.nancykirkpatrickphotography.com

Fine Art America

Melissa | Out&About | 07 1st, 2015 | No Comments »