If you haven’t noticed, we’re feeling the aftershocks of the Industry-Earthquake in Destin.  455 miles from Destin, Beyond Photography is feeling the summer fever.  Not only is our family longing to hit the beach, our clients are, too!  We’re fielding at least 4 phone calls per week regarding beach sessions.  Last week we scheduled sessions from Denton, TX, and Amarillo, TX!

WE’LL BE CREATING BEACH PORTRAITS ON THE BEACHES NEAR DESTIN–MAY 23-AUGUST 31st.

Call to schedule your appointment, and make your vacation memories last forever.  In the meantime, check out another blog to learn more about the process.   I look forward to seeing you in Florida!

-mr. bill

501.766.5671

P.S.  Special thanks to my pal Britney from belvederestudio.com.  She’s the Photographer from Lakeland, FL, who captured the images of my family that you’ll see in the slideshow.

You’d think I’d gladly turn the lens their way, pose them properly, and click away.  Then I’d walk away the hero.  Why wouldn’t I?!  It’s my job, it’s what I enjoy, and it’s my livelihood.  So what do I say?

“I’m so sorry, I can’t.” And I keep walking.

Not really the answer you’d expect from a Photographer?  Or even a somewhat-nice-guy?  Let me set up the story, and hang on for the surprise ending . . .

We’ve been creating beach portraits for 8 years now.  We always work to find beaches that aren’t crowded with sunbathers and other Photographers, but we’ve had several sessions where we see other folks with cameras.  We smile, nod, and go about our session.  I know that many of the people there with cameras are either shooting for themselves, or the camera holder is a faux-tographer.  Someone with experience is really, really easy to spot:  He/She walks with assurance from place to place, and confidently positions her subjects where she wants them.  And as soon as he/she leaves that spot, you’ll see the others follow suit and try to replicate the shot.    If the person of confidence is toting a tripod, folks think, “THAT GUY must be really serious!”

So it wasn’t a great surprise that the panicked woman stopped us for help.  We looked confident [we were], and therefore looked like we are in no hurry at all [we were!].   We met her last year, about 30 minutes before sunset, on the beach.  No kidding–this is a true story.

She and her family had obviously planned the night, since they were all in matching clothes.  The panic, frustration, anger . . . it was all over her face.  Her family, behind her, looked the same.  Since Mom is always the one who plans the family photo, she felt the blame.  She explained:

“We called someone to meet us here to shoot our photos, but they didn’t show up.  We’ve tried calling, but they won’t answer.  Will you PLEASE take a few pictures of our family?” she begs.

“I’m so sorry, I can’t.” And I keep walking.

Let me explain to you why I can’t, and also explain why I don’t explain it to her.  I’m feeling quite explanatory tonight.

I really, honestly, feel awful for her.  She got to town, found a business card/ad, and called someone to shoot photos of her and her family on the beach.  If she’s like most Moms, she’s been dreaming about this for many months.  She bought clothes specifically for the night, cajoled her husband into compliance, pulled the kids off the beach a few hours early so they could nap, shower, and get ready.  They arrived at the beach, and she considered tying her children to the car bumper so they wouldn’t get dirty in the sand.  Then she realized the bumper is filthy from the drive, and merely threatened them with serious whippings if they touched sand.  Nevermind they are walking barefoot in sand . . . “Don’t you touch the sand!!!” Confused, the kids obeyed for a few minutes.  Time for the photo session!  Other families posing for photos.  Her faux-tographer wasn’t there yet, but just a few minutes late . . . then more minutes, then 30 minutes.  She hears the tune “Mister Sandman” as she peers at her wrestling children.  She has called the cell number, to no avail.  Her stranger with a camera didn’t show up.  Trying to redeem something of the night, she looked around at others with cameras–and stopped us.  We looked like we knew what we were doing.

So why don’t I help?  I can’t stop to pose and shoot for her, because there’s a family–my clients–following me, waiting for my next instructions.  I really would love to help, but my time belongs to the Mom who hired me to be on the beach that night.  We’ve had a few conversations about her family, her home decor, her hopes for the session, and I have a plan in mind before we arrive on the beach.  Before I arrive [early] to the session, I actually have a pretty clear idea of how it will unfold.  [Here is one of my secrets:  If it's a large group, I've actually sketched out poses beforehand in a notepad.  I don't have the pad with me, but I see it in my mind.  So if it looks really "natural" for me to pose a large group, it's not--I'm not there yet.  But I've worked on it beforehand.] I don’t dare stop to shoot for someone else, because I’m always glancing at the sun as it gets lower in the sky . . . and watching my time slip away with it. That’s why I don’t even stop to explain.  When the sun finally drops below the horizon, I know that I have about 12 minutes to finish.  [Although I've totally revamped my camera and lenses.  Now I'll have a full 24 minutes!]

So now you’ve heard the story about the Mom on the beach who asked for my help when her faux-tographer didn’t show up.  Are you ready for the surprise ending?  [Insert dramatic music here]

THAT SAME SCENARIO HAS UNFOLDED FOR US, EVERY YEAR, FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS!

No joshing, I couldn’t even think to make that up.  At least once, for the last 5 years, we’ve been stopped on the beach by a family that was abandoned by a faux-tographer.  Amazing.

This, then, is my own Public Service Announcement.  Other people, much smarter than me, will have their own opinions, but here is mr. bill’s list explaining

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT BEACH PHOTOGRAPHER

1.  Don’t talk to strangers! If it’s someone that you’ve never met/never heard of, be wary.  Try to find a referral.  If one of your friends has used the Photographer, you have an idea that they are legit.  This is where it’s helpful to find a Photographer in your area that goes to the beach for portraits.  If they are local to you, they are accountable.

2.  Expect to pay something beforehand. Imagine the frustration of the Mom who was stood up on the beach.  That frustration goes both ways!  Imagine a Photographer standing on the beach, calling a quiet cell phone, stood up on the beach for a sunset appointment.  It’s not only irritating, it’s money lost!  Not only will that Photog not shoot that session, he/she might have turned away another appointment for the night.  A professional values his/her own time, and values yours as well. Your retainer assures the Photographer that you are serious about the appointment.  The retainer also allows him/her to focus attention solely on you.  And by the way . . . if you haven’t paid a retainer, and the faux-tographer leaves you stranded, you have little/no recourse for your trouble.

3.  Expect to pay.  Really. This is where I insert the adage that old people love quoting:  “You get what you pay for.” Granted, this isn’t always true . . . but normally is.  The desperate Mom from last year summed it up:  “She said she’d be here, and for $200 she’d give us a disk with all the photos.” And this concept ties into the next . . .

4.  Beware of the “Shoot and Burn” photographer. Since the digital age, we’ve seen an explosion of “shoot and burn”–shoot the photos, burn to a disk, and walk away.  Transaction complete.  On the surface, this sounds like a great deal.  90% of the time, it’s not. Why not?  It’s a business model built on quick money for as little commitment as possible. You don’t want to be someone’s “1-night stand.”  The Beach Shoot-and-Burn-Photographer might actually turn out to be a good deal . . . but buyer beware.   If you called me, and directly asked for my opinion about a potential Shoot and Burner, here is the first question I’d ask you:

“Do they also sell prints, or just disks?  Can you buy actual photos if you want to?”

If you answer “Yes, I also get photos,” then I’d say, “Well, do some homework on them, and it might be a good find.” [Forgive me for oversimplifying the conversation here.]

But let’s suppose you answer, “No–he/she only sells the images on a disk.  No photos.” My advice?  “STAY AWAY.”

I know this is a touchy subject!  I have friends in the business who are Shoot and Burners.  I’m writing a blog explaining myself, but it’s really taking me some time.  Until that one is published, here is the preview:  Shoot and Burn only [never any actual prints] is BAD for the client, WORSE for the Photographer who does it, and GREAT for guys like me.

5.  Shop at the right store. I own 4 french cuff shirts, and a handful of cuff links.  Where did I buy these beautiful items?  I’ll give you a hint–it wasn’t Wal Mart or Old Navy or Target.  I also own plenty from those 3 stores, but none of my dressy clothes.  To my knowledge, you can’t even FIND cuff links at Wal Mart.  Likewise, you can’t find every style of Photography from every Photographer.  This sounds so obvious, but bears mentioning:  Before you hire, check out the work of the Photographer.  As you do, ask yourself:  “Does this style/look match ME?  Does it match the decor of my home?  Does it fit the area where I want it displayed?” If you’re looking for something really timeless and classic, you’ll have to find someone with experience.  Likewise, if you want something “high fashion,” that’s a specialized look.  If you want something uber-casual, fly by the seat of your pants, that’s not the style of every Photographer.  If you have a moderately large group, please hire someone with experience.  Truth be told–creating family portraits; more than just 1 or 2 children, separate the pros for the amateurs.  How?  Another great question from you.  Surprise!  That’s another blog, found here. I don’t usually link this many blogs together, but I’m really trying to stay on topic.

Now you’ve heard my unofficial/official tips for finding the right beach Photographer.  What about you?  Please feel free to comment below, and chime in with your own input.

Hopefully, the right Beach Photographer for you is BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY.  [Maybe we're not.  That's really okay.] We’re spending the summer in the Destin, FL, area again this summer, shooting all over the Destin, Seagrove, Miramar, Seaside, etc., areas.  We’ll be there MAY 23rd through AUGUST 31st.  We’d love the chance to see you there!  Log on to the main website to see our Beach Gallery.  If you have any questions, please give us a call or email . . . or check out yet another blog here that explains specifics about our Beach Sessions.  It would be my pleasure to help your vacation memories last forever.  Thanks,

-mr. bill

Over the course of a year, there are 3 questions that I hear most:

1.  “How do I get photos on the beach?”

2.  “How do I get photos with Santa?”

3.  “Has there ever been a cooler song than American Pie by Don McLean?” –I really doubt it.  [You'll never guess what song just popped up on Pandora Radio.]

So let me just get right to the point.  WARNING:  This is a much more straightforward, informative blog than I normally write.  You will be spared my insightful observations and my witty . . . wit.

BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY WILL BE CREATING BEACH PORTRAITS NEAR DESTIN, FLORIDA, MAY 23–AUGUST 31, 2011.

If you’d like to create a timeless vacation memory for your home, here’s the process:

*Check out the website:  Click here to view our “Vacation Memories” gallery.  There you’ll see some of our work from years past, and get some ideas about clothing, your favorite style, etc.  You may view our portrait pricing guide by clicking here. Due to the nature of beach portrait work, we ask all of our clients to invest in at least one 24″ print.  [Feel free to ask Sheree or me "Why?"]

*With all of our sessions, we ask for a $750 retainer to hold your session.  $100 of that is a location fee, while the remaining $650 applies to your portrait order.   We’ll ask for a larger retainer for large family groups.

*Call or email with your calendar in hand.  We only shoot at sunrise and sunset, so our sessions are limited.   I suggest scheduling your session early in your trip.  Don’t shoot on the first day!  Kids [and husbands] are tired of the car, and want to get out and play!  Don’t wait too long, though, as sunburns tend to get worse towards the end.  You’ll also need time to order your portraits while you’re still in Florida.

*Soon before your trip, we’ll email directions to the location, and some of the final details.

*We’ll meet you on location and create some fantastic images!  [ . . . and we'll have a great time while we're doing it!]

*Then, we’ll meet at your place or our home–in Florida–for you to select/order your portraits.  Normally, this is the day after your session.

*We’ll arrange your portrait delivery–via UPS or in person [depending on where you live].  For many of our clients, this solves the question of Christmas gifts.

Welcome to today’s educational blog.  You are blessed to be here, for today I am in the mood to freely impart my brilliance.  Yes, today the Big-Shot Photographer [that's me, if you didn't know], will demonstrate 2 elements for a great Beach portrait. And since I’m being so generous, I’ll also tell YOU how to recreate a great Beach Portrait.  You’re welcome.

TWO ELEMENTS OF A GREAT BEACH PORTRAIT, AS EXPLAINED BY MR BILL THE BRILLIANT:

1.  Be sure that the Lord blows a little on the ocean, giving great texture.

While you’re at it, ask Him to blow in some spectacular clouds, and clear the haze off the horizon so the setting sun really pops the color in the clouds.  If you’re bold, be certain He gives a glimpse of a rainbow [not on this image, but it did happen during this session.  It's happened twice in 8 years of shooting beach photos].

2.  Get the right grandparents in front of your lens.

I’ve known this couple for almost 24 years.  This is Robert and Mary, last year, with their grandkids.  For a grandparent, this is a photo of their legacy.  For me, it’s a photo of a second-generation legacy.  Their sons are close friends of mine, and through High School I spent most of my spare time at their home.  Not only me, but my entire group of closest friends took up second-residence at their place.  Their patience and generosity shaped the lives of their own boys, then me and the others, and now their own grandchildren.

That’s it.  Get a great setting, get the right people, and there you have it–2 elements for a great beach portrait.

We’ll be creating more this summer, and hope to see  you there.  If you’re near Destin, Seaside, Seagrove, etc., let us capture this season in your family’s legacy.  WE’LL BE THERE MAY 23 THROUGH AUGUST 31.  I hope to see you there.

P.S.  If you’d like to know what a great friend I am, and learn a little more about one of their sons, check out the series of 4 Spleen Blogs.  That’s their son, Jeff, we’re mocking.

The beaches I’ve seen still look great.  You’ll see a tarchip every once and awhile, but not much.  We’re seeing the cleanup crews comb the beach with nets, picking up tar as they see it.  Folks, including me and my kids, are still getting in the ocean.

So–if you have plans to visit the area, I’d keep them.  I don’t know what might–or might not–change soon, but right now, it’s great.

“And that’s all I have to say about that.” –Forrest Gump

******

Since I’m a photographer, this wouldn’t be a proper post without a photo or two.  Since mine are the best-looking children alive, why don’t I post some snapshots of them?  Good thinking, don’t mind if I do.  Following are some photos from last night.  I wanted to preserve their scraggliness forever.

. . . and I saved the best for last.  Sheree was lying on her stomach with the camera behind the kids.  She told them to turn around for a photo, which they did.  She then instructed, “Kids–lay like I am.”  Which they did.

Why is Harrison holding his hands like that?

He’s lying on his stomach, just like Mom said . . . and he’s holding the camera, just like Mom.

Good morning!  It’s 6:56 am in Miramar Beach, FL.  You haven’t heard much from me lately, because I’ve had nothing new to report until now.  As of this morning, we had some tarballs wash ashore.  (See the photos below taken from Sheree’s cell phone.)

I wanted to drop in with a very quick blog to let you know that I’ll be out of pocket for the next several days.  The boys and I are driving back to Arkansas today.  We’re leaving the heat of Florida–relieved by a dip in the ocean–for the heat of Calico Rock, Arkansas–relieved by . . . coming back to the ocean.  Heat or no heat, we’re terribly excited for the trip!

If you followed the infamous “Spleen Blogs,” you know that my closest friends are those I met in my Jr. High years.  One of the guys, Jason, served a few years in Afghanistan [if you click on the "Soldiers" tab of the blog, you can see Jason before he left].  While there, he made it clear to all of the guys that he wanted a “Guy’s Trip” to the woods of Calico Rock–just Dads and their boys.  It’s been far too long!  Back in our college years, we used to camp and backpack much more often.  So we’re off for hiking, spelunking, rappelling, shooting guns, drinking from a fresh spring, cooking over a fire, telling stories, and sleeping under the stars.  Normal guy stuff.

Sheree and Bella are thrilled to stay here in Florida.  Some folks are just weird–she doesn’t relish the idea of sleeping in a tent when it’s 90 degrees, 173% humidity.   She doesn’t like the idea of swimming [with a bar of soap] in a creek.  Odd, I know, but I nonetheless love her.

SO–if you’re wondering about beach conditions, or anything Beyond Photography-related, she’ll still be manning the fort.  You can check the beach updates on her Facebook page (search for Sheree Baker Ramsey if you’re not already friends or become a fan of Beyond Photography, Inc.).  Otherwise, feel free to email with anything else:  beyondphotography1@gmail.com.  If you call, and it takes a few days to reply, forgive me–it’s because I have the phone, and I’m [radically] out of service area.  I’ll get back to you, though.

Thanks again for tuning in!  I’m sure you’ll see the ugly record from the camping expedition when I return.  I’ll probably also retell some of the stories from past camping experiences.  We’ll post them under the “cautionary tales” section.

Nervous.

It’s 1:17 pm, Friday, June 18th.  Don’t forget Father’s Day this weekend [which I had, until Sheree reminded me this morning].

This morning was an odd morning to visit the beach.  According to all reports, the oil effects are encroaching this area.  Nonetheless, it was the most people I’ve seen on the sand and in the water.

Great photography, huh?  Thank you, iphone.

Remember that I’m in Miramar Beach, on the Frangista side.  Where is that to Destin, you wonder?  Here’s a map of the beaches that I’ve snagged from www.destinoilspill.com.

So far, according to the reports that I’ve heard, and what I’ve seen firsthand, our area is still untouched be the ill-effects of the oil.  Folks [including my family] are still out and about, enjoying the beaches as much as ever.  The mood, though, is nervous.  I talked to 2 fellows this morning, both local business owners, who have already seen a dramatic drop in business.  They feel like they’re watching a train wreck . . . one that hasn’t happened yet, and they’re standing on the tracks.

We’ve been so blessed that the winds and the currents have kept the oil away from this area thus far.  We continue to hope and pray it stays that way.

Yesterday, I’m sick to say, tar balls on Okaloosa Island closed the area for a short while.  The area is back open now, and has resumed “business as usual.”  This is all according to a local paper–the Northwest Florida Daily News.  If you’d like to see today’s report from the paper, click here.  Yes, everything is still clear in our area right now.  Sadly, though, folks are waiting for the worst here–yet they are sympathetic to other regions.  They’re well aware that the situation is horrifically worse in Louisiana.  Those regions are facing an economic and ecological nightmare.  Even if the ecological damage is minimal here [we pray], the economic damage is already being done.  Tourists are going elsewhere, and the local economy goes with them.  It’s not a “ghost-town” here, as I’ve heard someone [stupidly] report.  I never thought I’d be sad, though, that I haven’t been stuck in traffic on Hwy. 98.  By this point in the season, every business should be “standing room only.”  The longest I’ve waited for restaurant seating is 10 minutes.

So that’s what’s new here.  In a nutshell:  We’re being told that the sheen is getting closer, but we still don’t see any change in the beaches.  As always, if anything changes, I’ll be quick to let you know.  Thanks again to all of you who have been kind to tune in for the updates.  If you haven’t, click on the button to “subscribe to the blog.”  That just means that you’ll be updated when I post something new.  And it means you’re cooler than others.

Most of my blogging [well . . . ALL of my blogging] since I’ve been in Miramar/Destin has discussed the lack of oil conditions here.  You’ll be seeing more of those blogs very soon.  Several of you have commented, on Facebook or in person, that you’ve followed our blog closely to know the actual conditions here.  Thank You.  Sheree and I take that seriously, and we’re doing our very small part to report our perspective as accurately as we can.

If you follow my blog, you’ve seen Peyton several times.  It’s always a joy when I look at the schedule and realize that I’ll be seeing this guy . . . he is so, so funny.  When Peyton gets excited, you can see his enthusiasm from his toes to his hair.

A few nights ago, Mom, Dad, MiMi, Peyton, and I strolled over to the beach.  As the sun set, it cast a shaft of light across the sand–the perfect spot for Peyton’s first [and my favorite] shot of his session.

Peyton at the beach

1.  “How do the beaches look?  Any oil, or signs of oil?”

See for yourself–here are a few snapshots from about 45 minutes ago:

To my knowledge, there have been no tarballs/oil slick/etc. spotted in the Destin area.  The green you see in the bottom photo is the June Grass washing in.  It’s a little thicker this year than normal, but I’m told that it will be gone soon.  Plenty of folks still swim, and we saw a guy about 15 yards off the shore, past the grass, with his fishing pole.

As always, if you’d like a more official view of the oil conditions, click here.

2:  “How has this impacted Beyond Photography and your sessions?”

Thanks for asking, and I’m happy to answer.  So far, we’ve shot 6 portrait sessions [including last night], and I’m shooting again tomorrow night.  We have several more sessions scheduled through the summer, 4 of which we’ve scheduled since we’ve arrived in Florida.  We’re blessed that Destin has been spared the ill-effects of the oil, and we’re proceeding as normal.  I just talked to a friend who helps manage a local Condo, and he informed me that they are “still slammed with guests.”

I’m finally posting a real portrait that I’ve created since arriving here.  Granted–it’s not from a beach session, but I’m proud to show off anyway.  This little lady has become a friend in our years of coming here, and she graciously joined us for lunch yesterday [cedar-plank grilled Grouper atop Bill's famous salad--my dorky kids absolutely loved it].  Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll chat with you soon.       -mr. bill

Sigh.

If you’ve followed my blog for much time at all, you might notice that the tone and topics have changed.  Formerly, every post featured my recent session.  I promise that I am still shooting portraits [that's for my friend Little Liz, a Photographer mentor who loathes the term "shooting" as it applies to photos].  You’ll soon see more work, particularly from here in Florida.  I’ve decided, though, that this small corner of the web will be more specific to what’s going on in our world . . . not really a novel concept at all, since that’s what a blog IS.

Due to the disaster in the Gulf, I’ve been handed the topic that interests everyone back home.  As you can imagine, the “oil condition” in the Destin area is the most common inquiry I hear on the phone, email, and especially Facebook.  So this blog is for you who are wondering, “How is the oil condition in the Destin area?”  To which I answer,

“What oil condition?”

I know that all of us are [by our very nature] limited in our perception–largely influenced by our actual, physical locale.  I don’t think this has ever been as clear to me as it is now.  I’m following the oil conditions on the National News, online sources, Facebook posts, Local News in Florida, and from the input of locals here.  And, of course, I walk to the beach and look myself.  I have to tell you, it’s mind-boggling what I’m hearing.  Due to the genuinely devastating nature of the oil spill, I’ve not spoken frankly about the media situation.  I’ve tried to convey–honestly, with integrity–the situation as I see and hear it.  I’ve read accusations that locals here are providing falsely-optimistic reports so that tourists will still come to town and spend money.  From my limited perspective, that’s Hogwash.  Folks around here, I can assure you, are more nervous [and oftentimes], more prone to pessimism than anyone.  I can’t blame them! Imagine their perspective:  Consider all that you’re hearing about the oil disaster.  Now imagine that you have 4 months to earn 90% of your year’s income [summertime, plus one of the world's largest fishing rodeos in October].  Now here is where it’s a real kick-in-the-gut:

This summer’s beach looks better, right now, than I’ve ever seen it here.  Last night we felt the mildest temperatures we’ve ever enjoyed on a June evening in Florida.  In the midst of this, folks are canceling reservations left and right.

Like I mentioned in a previous blog, I don’t fault anyone for canceling.  First, I hear what you’re hearing, and it sounds disasterous down here.  It’s not.  Secondly, none of us know the future, and things might turn for the worse.  If it does, I’ll be one of the first to post another blog about the changes.

Is the oil spill a monumental disaster?  Yes.  Ecologically, economically, and otherwise.  Should there be extensive media coverage about the impact on the Gulf?  Yes.  Should BP and politicians be scrutinized for their [lack-of] handling the situation?  Yes.

Is the media glad to exploit sensationalism?  Yes.

A month ago, we heard how the entire Gulf would be covered–like the horrific mess near New Orleans.  Have you heard any media retractions?  “This just in–we grossly overstated the case!  Please ignore previous reports, some areas have actually been spared for now.  Stay tuned.” Certainly not.  Don’t get me wrong–I’m not a media-bashing, burn your TV proponent.  I just take the News Outlets for what they are–big businesses trying to turn a profit.  That’s fine by me, I’m a small business trying to turn a profit.

The unfortunate reality, though, is that the wild reports you’re hearing are killing local commerce here.

So where do you look for answers?  Amazingly, Facebook is changing the landscape of how we receive “news.”  Ask your friends on Facebook–those who live in the area, and those who visit.  Sheree and I are also following a few websites:  http://destinoilspill.com/ .  We’re also checking into NOAA’s site.

Until next time, we’ll be here.  Thanks for tolerating my rambling.

-mr. bill