I frequently make excursions to the Outer Banks of North Carolina when the throngs of tourists aren’t clogging NC12. On this particular trip I was drawn to Corolla Light, as I had never spent very much time on the grounds near the light. As I walked around, I noticed the clouds forming above, set up my [...]

It was my honor to have the privilege of photographing Megan Barnes, who recently was awarded the Girl Scouts U.S.A.’s highest award — the Gold Award.  Megan was a joy to work with and has a wonderful smile that truly reflects her engaging personality.  Youth like Megan, and the recent Eagle Scouts of Troop 212 I [...]

After scoping out this particular moonrise on “The Photographer’s Ephemeris” I set up on the beach and awaited the apparition.  The challenge was to not have the moon’s bright light blown out while still exposing the people on the pier.  This was the best of about 10 shots over 1-2 minutes as the moon popped above [...]

Every couple of months I scan my image library to look back at images that might inspire me to do something with them.  Back in February 2010, my in-laws had one of their frequent family gatherings in a house on “a” beach.  This time it was on the Oregon Coast – quite a bit different from [...]

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to follow the beach north of Corolla, North Carolina to the Virginia border.  Beyond the “fence” was False Cape State Park.  Not willing to venture into the surf with my Toyota FJ (and get a ticket), I decided to capture a few photos of the sentinels that barred my [...]

Over the holidays, I was privileged to photograph a marvelous event honoring one 15 year old young woman.  The “quinceañera” is a traditional event in the Latin American tradition which celebrates a 15-year old’s entry into womanhood.  The celebration is full of ceremony, inspiration, a reaffirmation of family values and fun – something we all can [...]

Lately I’ve been reviewing some of my images from my Southwest US photo safari and experimenting with single image HDR processing.  I recently purchased Nik HDR Efex Pro and it is now one of my favorite HDR processing tools.  While the “over processed” look seems to be all the rage these days, I prefer to attempt [...]

Last week I had the pleasure of shooting a surprise anniversary reception for Ann and Henry Stafford at the Planters Club in Suffolk, Virginia.  It seems that Ann and Henry never had a proper reception at their wedding, so their family and friends surprised them with one.  What a great couple!  Here they are. And it [...]

While my trip to the Smokies was a bit after the peak of the leaf fall, I decided to give the local area a try and see if I could find a few more candidates for learning my new favorite HDR program, Nik HDR efex.  The Yorktown Battlefield Park has some nice roads through what I [...]

My good friend Lee Owens and I made the “annual” safari to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get those great photos at one of my favorite places.  Arriving in good spirits after a long drive, we were met with … you guessed it … an early snowfall overnight which closed the roads to the [...]

Sometimes the best photos are in your own backyard.  This is one of my favorite spots nearby to photograph a sunset.  I check the skies about an hour before sunset and if the clouds have potential, I load up the FJ and head there … about 5 minutes away.  Sometimes I’m lucky, as in this shot. [...]

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I had the privilege of photographing a wonderful young couple at their wedding at the Bozarth Mansion in Spokane, Washington.  They were (and are) great fun to work with and too much in love.  Here are a few images.  More at http://www.dalewardphotography.com.

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I have lately been trying to re-create the look that I’m seeing more often in wedding and portrait photography — a slightly desaturated and dark sepia tint combination that really seems to work for portraits. My Lightroom 2 settings for this effect are at the end of this entry. You may have to adjust slightly for [...]

Reviewing some photos from a trip out west in 2006, I ran across these that were taken while I was at a conference in Phoenix.  I was hoping, while there, for an opportunity to take some photos during that “magic hour” — right after after sunrise.  I had scouted a location in the Superstition Mountains east [...]