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

If you feel like every report on the news is about the oil spill, you should be in Florida right now.  Everyone here, naturally, is intently watching the changes.

I’m glad to warn you that this is one of the shortest blogs I’ve ever written.  Why?  Go back and read the previous blog.  While the situation has sadly changed West of here, all remains the same in the Destin area.  We’re enjoying beautiful beaches, and the water is wonderful.  If you didn’t know about the spill in the Gulf, then you wouldn’t know about it by standing on the beach.

I talked to an officer of Florida’s environmental protection service yesterday [forgive me--I can't recall the exact agency.  He's an officer of the law, including the sidearm, who works with environmental issues].  We saw him on the beach, riding a 4-wheeler [what a cool job!], and we stopped him to ask about his work and what he’d seen.  We learned that an official is posted every 5 miles, and they patrol that 5 miles everyday for a 12-hour shift.  What has he seen in our area?  Nothing.  Whew!

Below is a collage that I shot a few days ago, and all looks the same . . . except I’m seeing more people on the beach now.  That day was a Red Flag day–rough currents.  We’re now enjoying the Yellow Flag . . . which means “Get Your Butts In The Water And Have A Great Time Getting Sunburned.”

I’ll keep you updated on what we see here.

If you’re looking for a few links where you can follow the status of the oil, check out the previous blog.

Catch you next time,

mr. bill

[if you click on the photo, you'll see the rest--but you get the idea.]

Our Facebook pages are filled with questions . . . how are the beaches?  have you seen oil?  have you canceled your trip?  can you still shoot photos?  are the beaches closed?  do you smell anything in the air?  what are the locals saying?  how, mr. bill, do you retain your rugged good-looks and youthfulness?  . . . The questions go on and on.  Normally, this is where I tell you how beautiful the beaches are, how the sessions are going wonderfully, how our kids are having a superb time playing in the sand, that we’re enjoying fabulous seafood, etc., etc.  This year, though, everyone is asking about the oil disaster.  So let me tell you what we’ve seen different this year than in the other 7 years we’ve been in Destin:

Nothing.

No kidding–the beaches look beautiful, the sessions are going wonderfully, our kids are having a superb time playing in the sand, we’re enjoying fabulous seafood, etc., etc.

Not that you asked, let me give you a glimpse into Sheree and my perspective on the situation, and I’ll also try to answer the questions you’re asking.  Remember that I’m no expert, this is just the look from a guy who visits the area once a year–so take this input for what it’s worth.  Let me begin with the “business” side of our time here–how is Beyond Photography handling the oil issue?

As you may or may not know, Sheree and I have just finished 1 of 11 weeks of our stay near the Destin area.  We’re planning to stay the entire time.  We have not seen a trace of oil, no tar balls, we haven’t noticed an odious smell in the air, and to my knowledge, the experts are saying that Destin remains completely untouched.  We’ve not had any sessions cancel.  In fact, just this week we booked 2 more.  I understand the panic that vacationers are feeling right now.  When I listen to the news, it sounds pretty awful.  Who knows?  Maybe it will be bad, but right now it’s great.  I know that oodles of families have canceled plans to visit this summer.  If you’re unable to change plans at the last minute [difficult work schedules, etc.], I understand.  If you’re more flexible, and you can adjust schedules more easily, I’d suggest that you still come.  Our friends here who operate businesses understand the dilemma you’re facing–and they’re all refunding deposits for clients who cancel . . . even last-minute cancellations.  [Check with your Condo, etc., and ask about their specific policy.  Believe me, they have an answer, and they're giving it often right now.]   Naturally, we’re doing the same.  Folks have wondered:  “Will you refund my portrait retainer if we have to cancel?” Seriously?   Of course we will–unless we’d like to be as popular as BP Oil is right now [ignore that our initials are the same].  We’ll either apply the retainer to another session, or refund.

So regarding our business here:  It’s business as usual.  Really–nothing has changed.

Here’s a question Sheree fielded on Facebook yesterday:  “Please be honest.  We’re planning to come down to Destin.  How do the beaches look?”

You didn’t have to even say, “Please.”  Here’s our honest answer.  Again, I’m no Marine Biologist, nor a weather guy, but here is what we’ve seen.

Destin and Miramar Beach [a little further East, where we're staying] looks the same as it ever has–except the water is a little more emerald this year, more brilliantly-colored than normal.  Honestly, we haven’t seen any change.  Honestly, if I do, I’ll be quick to post a blog to that effect.  Now for the less-positive news.  Sheree and I drove to Perdido Key for a session last night [about 67 miles West of here].  The water is beautiful, folks are still swimming and fishing there.  Honestly, though, there is a noticeable smell in the air.  It’s not overpowering, and it comes and goes with the winds, but y0u’ll smell it.  I guess you’d call it a “petroleumish” smell, but not nearly as obnoxious as a refined petroleum, not as distinct as the smell of motor oil, but more . . . vague.  That’s all the effect we noticed, other than boats poised to block the waterway inlets.

It’s been tough to watch the impact on the locals here.  The media panic has crippled some businesses here.  Busineses should be booming right now, but they’re seeing a decrease in visitors, and lots of cancellations.  Not that I know specific numbers, but judging from traffic, Destin seems “really, really busy,” not “insanely busy,” as it often is right now.  I know of a fisherman who lost 11 chartered trips–last month–when he could have still fished anywhere he normally would have.  That’s at least $11,000 for him.  And that’s only one business.

So maybe you’re wondering:  Why are Sheree and I staying so optimistic?

Why wouldn’t we?

1.  We know that we have no control over the oil spill, or where/when it lands.  We can assume that things will go well, or assume the worst.  So we could wring our hands, and pull up and leave tomorrow.   Or we could plan to enjoy ourselves and work as planned, until we can’t.  If we do have to return early [worst-case scenario for us], we’re so, so, so grateful that we can.  We’re able to pack up and continue our work back home, or some other location.  Our local friends here don’t have that luxury.

2.  The waves and the wind have a tremendous impact on the direction of the oil.  Want proof?  Check out one of the links that Sheree has religiously followed: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/05/01/us/20100501-oil-spill-tracker.html

Right now, we choose to hope that the oil avoids this area.  Will the oil affect this area?  I suspect it will.  In the meantime, we choose optimism.

If you’d like to see more information about the oil, and its impact on this region, let me give you a few links to the folks who really know:

NOAA.com

destinoilspill.com

Until next time, we’ll keep you updated on what we see here.  Thanks for checking in, and we’ll talk to you soon.

Yours,

mr. bill

“It’s simple,” I always reply.  “I have someone else shoot them.” My kids give me the same problems, but I RARELY/almost never have those issues from someone else’s kids.

I’m showing off some of our family’s beach portraits from last year.  Britney Fulgraf, a dear friend and Photographer from Lakeland, FL, came to visit last year in Destin, and she kindly dragged her camera with her.  I’m showcasing our own family photos in this blog for 3 reasons:

1.  In spite of me, I really do have the greatest-looking kids ever.  Thank the Lord for a hot wife.

aforementioned hot wife

2.  Our clients often ask about clothing choices for the beach.  We always choose something out of the ordinary [not white and khaki] to show some options.

3.  My mind is already in Florida, and we’ve just decided to make a SPRING BREAK TRIP TO DESTIN!

If you’re headed to the beautiful coast for Spring Break, we’d love to see you there March 20th – 27th.

Of course, if you’re near Destin this summer, we’ll be there all summer:  May 30th-August 13th.

This year will be our 7th summer of shooting on the beach.  Each year we’ve tried to improve our shooting, posing, and variety–last summer we introduced the chair and ottoman to several of our sessions.  Sheree and I have already plotted out our next improvement for this year . . . you’ll be able to see the previews after our Spring Break Sessions.

So if you’re planning a vacation to the Destin area for Spring Break or Summertime, plan on a family portrait.  If you need more details about scheduling, click here to visit another of my blogs that explains the process.  Afterward, give us a call so that we can answer your specific questions. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!  As always, thanks for giving me the best job in the world.  Yours,

-mr. bill

P.S.  Here’s 2 more photos for you.  The first shot is the only one of my family that I snapped.  As Britney worked with Sheree and Bella, I was shooting images of her son, Simon.  I turned around, saw my girls, and clicked this one.

Let me warn you about the final photo from our family’s beach session, but first let me give a little background to our business.  I am really blessed to work in a business where all of my clients are women.  Yeah–Dad shows up for the family session, but not usually for the sessions of the kids, and he doesn’t normally schedule or order the portraits.  Offhand, I can only think of ONE husband who is my primary contact for the entire process.  [Not coincidentally, he's the only client that Sheree doesn't mind me meeting for beer and cigars].  Anyway–I know the REAL reason that our clients want to see photos of my family is so that they can see photos of ME.  It’s awkward, really, how often clients ask for my photo.  If Sheree only knew, she’d be a jealous woman.  So for all of the ladies who’ve requested a photo [for some odd reason, I can't recall who that is at the moment], here is the infamous “tigercrawl” portrait from the Beach.  WARNING:  this is the kind of photo that enrages the jealous husband–proceed at your own peril.  You’re welcome.

–Lori

Lori was kind enough to share a little about her family’s experience in Destin, Florida.  When I first read her email, I chuckled to myself and thought, “Me, too!” [except my kids can't get enough calamari!  they're weird.]  More than any other trip, our family counts the years by our trips to Destin.  Each summer we see all-too-clearly how our own kids are growing up too fast.  I’ve mentioned in past blogs how our beach portraits are especially meaningful to Sheree and me.  Why?  More than most, those photos freeze time for us.  In our minds, for a moment, our kids are forever kids.  That’s why our theme for Beach Portraits is “Vacation Forever.”

More than most years, I am really, really looking forward to the annual trip to Florida.  I talked last week to a buddy who schedules condos in Destin, and he informed me that bookings are sharply UP from last year–already!  [If you're looking for a great place to stay in Destin, check out www.destingulfgate.com.]   Beyond Photography has only recently published our dates for Florida portraits, and we’ve already scheduled 4 sessions.  I guess I’m not the only one ready to go.

If you’re planning a trip to the Destin area, make your vacation last “forever.”  We are now scheduling sessions for May 31st-August 12th.

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.

*If you’re a Central Arkansas resident, we’ll deliver your portraits/albums to your home.  If not, we’ll arrange to ship them to you via UPS.  [For many of our clients, this solves the question of Christmas gifts.]

***************************

This post features a few images from last year’s trip to the beach [this is not the aforementioned Lori].  If you’re a subscriber to the Bill’s Blog, you’ll be seeing quite a few more beach images in the next few months.  I’ll also be bragging about some of our favorite spots near Destin.