jay wickens photography

"The Family Dog"

2012-01-28T15:47:00.002-05:00

As a kid growing up we always had a dog. As a grown up so to speak we have always had a dog. This is our family dog Wriggly weighing in for the winter season @ 112 lbs. making him a very large lovable dog. Sometime in the future I might get my cough back?? Then again maybe not!!!

Enjoy

"Crab Pots"

2012-01-24T18:18:00.003-05:00

Nothing like living on the Outer Banks during the winter season. The weather plays such an explosive realm on our scenery. No matter were you travel along the Outer Banks you will see immediately how much the fishing community influences our islands, from commercial, to crabbing and netting shrimp, as well as beach and pier fishing. This image is a stack of crab pots ready to board along the Wanchese Harbor.

Enjoy

"Wings Over Water"

2012-01-17T17:42:00.002-05:00

Got to love these Brown Pelicans who are becoming very numerous here on the Outer Banks.

This guy is doing the typical low water glide in the Wanchese Harbor.

Enjoy

"IN Flight"

2012-01-16T09:32:00.002-05:00

Capturing images of a single bird in flight is always challenging in some aspect of photography.

Do you use a tripod vs hand holding, trying to keep a constant focus on the subjects eye so it remains sharp on the image, locking in the motion vs showing some wing blur to created a sense of movement, these are just some of the things we keep in mind while were setting up the shot. Not to mention being in the right spot at the right time. And lets not leave out the angle, low high shooting upwards or downward all of these factors play into a good bird in flight image. Hey then try even reverting to black and white to see how that makes the image feel.

Enjoy

"Old Brown Eye"

2012-01-11T14:56:00.002-05:00

Everyday there is a new image to be created. Portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or what ever you come across. Never leave the house or office without your camera "today's shot is gone tomorrow"

Enjoy

SURF ART

2011-11-28T16:37:00.002-05:00

"The Green Room"

Back to doing a little surf editing of some shots I'm submitting to a surf mag. Went a bit artsy on this one why- just because I can and the photo works for this type of editing. Never say never and never stop pushing the sides of the box.

Enjoy!

"GOD"S ART"

2011-11-04T16:21:00.002-04:00

"Fall 2011"

Ah the air has changed, fall has come and is about to give way to winter. Of course everyone love's the mountains this time of year but here on the Outer Banks we can also brag a little on our back woods scenes. But in my opinion it's all about the artist (GOD) it's just my job to show his work for all to see.

Enjoy

"Fall Surfing "

2011-09-28T12:56:00.003-04:00

"Surfing OBX Style"

It's the fall season here on the OBX and that means the Atlantic Ocean begins to stir up it's action and surfers hit the water and hit it hard. Converting to B/W then bringing back a little color gives this image a little more to look at and study.

Enjoy

"New Life"

2011-09-01T15:23:00.002-04:00

"Transformation"

So as most people have heard and seen on the National News hurricane Irene hit our area on the Outer Banks and then proceeded north to continue it's destruction. Instead of posting photos of the aftermath here I decided to bring a new perspective to our hardship. The day after sitting around full of stress with no power for 32 hours was taking it toll when I noticed beside my driveway my wife's handy work. At first I found it strange looking upon theses flowers in bloom when less than 18 hours earlier the eye wall of Irene came thru with sustain winds of 75 mph and higher gust bending trees to the point of snapping off like toothpicks and here these flowers remain. Nothing else better to do I got the tripod, camera, macro lens, and a little stool for comfort and began shooting away. Only a few minutes later butterflies, moths, and other insects came visiting this flowers nectar. I found myself wondering were did all these bugs and birds go during this whirlwind of disaster. Conclusion, God's grace and mercy still finds away into man's heart after such a day and His beautiful creation begins anew for us all to find hope.

"Janette's Pier"

2011-08-18T21:46:00.002-04:00

"Evening Calm"

As you can see the ocean is fairly flat in surfing lingo so it lead to slowing the shutter speed down to created that milky look as the waves rolled to shore. Also this is the Outer Banks newest fishing pier in Nags Head. "The Jannette's Pier concrete pilings and the first wind mills on the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy

"Transformation"

2011-08-14T22:14:00.003-04:00

"From Camera Raw to Aperture 3 to CS5"

Here is another landscape image from a couple of evenings ago. I decided to post the three images to show where it started to the final image. The key was the gray scale conversion in the second image which set up the rich colors in the final print.

Enjoy

"Endless Summer"

2011-08-11T23:55:00.002-04:00

It's so good to have an evening off to shoot for the pure fun of photography. I have to honestly say I don't know of any other place that I would rather live than here on the Outer Banks. So Pea Island was the location as the sun began it's decent for the day. The wind blown sand, the rolling texture of the dunes, the small sand fence that still remains exposed, the clouds falling towards the west as the suns warmth reflects off the east side, what a way to end a great day on our island. Thank you God for your perfect art work.

Enjoy

"The Art of Photography"

2011-08-06T18:36:00.002-04:00

Once again shooting families enjoying our beaches is pure fun. Normally I don't post shots of myself but this one is too cool. Captured by my assistant during our evening client session a couple of nights back. My assistant just got her new camera and I set it up for her and she followed my settings as we went thru our shoot. She has a raw talent for composition and that is special in our business of photography. Then I showed her some editing techniques to start off with and this was her shot on the left and the exact image I shot of our client as she shot me. What made her image special to me is not just the sky which was a given but she nailed my flash going off making this image, as well as the cool sand sculptures on the left.

Enjoy

"Good Morning"

2011-08-02T14:00:00.002-04:00

Morning Sea Oats

Our morning began with a very impressive giant red ball sunrise as it made it's way thru a layer of clouds on the horizon. As I was cruising along the beach road I found these three sea oats atop the dunes overlooking the ocean. As you can tell this is not the original shot to say. It is but with a few strokes in the PS (photoshop) darkroom I wanted to create a more or less artsy image and wa-la here is the outcome.

Enjoy

"Grandson Time"

2011-06-23T10:40:00.003-04:00

"At the Zoo"

My grandson Isaac is just a couple of weeks from turning two and he is a bundle of joy and love.

Yesterday we took a drive up to Virginia and visited the Norfolk Zoo, what a nice zoo it was full of things to do and animals to see. They also had a train ride which is his favorite thing of all, here is a photo of Isaac, me and one of the giraffe's as we were making our way around the sites.

Enjoy

"Pelican Portrait"

2011-06-01T20:32:00.002-04:00

"Brown Pelican Portrait"

Yesterday I had a meeting with a client who is purchasing a number of my prints. One of which is this portrait shot of a brown pelican I shot last summer on the beach. After resizing the original print to 24 x 24 I couldn't resist to play around with this one again. A few months back I started to take some of my images and grunge or dirty them up a bit, some images work out and some don't but the effect is quite cool when it does.

Enjoy

Dedication Day

2011-05-21T16:54:00.003-04:00

"Jennette's Pier & the US Army Golden Knights"

25 million $$$$$$$ and a few extra bucks to pay for the dedication ceremonies of the new Jennette's Pier in Nags Head hosted quiet a few folks this morning as the Golden Knights started off the event. After a few words from the governor and other elected officials the pier was opened for a free day for all to enjoy fishing or walking the 1,000 foot pier. If you haven't been go check it out.

Enjoy

"Osprey Glowing"

2011-05-17T14:40:00.002-04:00

"Osprey Glowing"

If your living or visiting the Outer Banks you have most likely seen this raptor. Their nest mostly man made are numerous along are waterways, bridges, and canals. They are very skilled at fishing for their main diet. Now they are also an arch enemy of the bald eagle so keep your eyes out for these two birds of prey fighting it out under the Carolina blue skies.

Enjoy

"Lost but not Forgotten"

2011-05-15T20:57:00.004-04:00

"Eaglet"

Wow, it's been some time since updating this blog. For the last week I've been involved with this eaglet in it's pursuit of survival. A week ago today it jumped or fell from it's nest landing straight down on the lower limb of it's nesting tree. I watched it for two and a half days crying out each time one of the parents return to feed them. As far as I could tell it was not being feed while on that lower limb. I 'm not sure what happen next but when I returned it was gone. I searched for two days thru the swamp muck and grasses as well as in the woods but no sign. Then yesterday he showed up on the bridge. Here he stands over his second squirrel we hand feed him. Later he headed into the woods in pursuit of one of his parents that was sitting on another tree watching us very intently. I have not seen him since. Hope he survives this ordeal until he's ready for flying which by my calculations should be within a week or two. This area has fox and bobcats so he's not off the hook by any means. Good luck eaglet I hope nature deals you a favorable card.

"A Tree Of Life"

2011-04-07T16:59:00.003-04:00

Well many people and friends asked me if I got any shots of the sunset Tuesday evening in which I did. Here is one of the images in an area I check out often. Like finger prints each one is totally different and in there own right magnificent. Normally I compose my images using one of the rules we all learned in photography classes, but this one I kept the subject (2) sunset and tree pretty much centered, just think it works better here. Of course the rule does apply to the horizon which I did apply.

Enjoy

"Stormy Weather"

2011-04-04T19:45:00.003-04:00

"Insane Skies"

I guess there is not a photographer in the world that when storm clouds of this magnitude roll in scramble to find a location worthy of the moment. As I was crossing over the bridge to the beach I could not believe the formations that was going on, what made it even more unique was it was isolated only in one section of the sky. Even though by itself the cloud would make an awesome image I preferred to anchor it down with the Nags Head Pier along side of it.

Enjoy

"Evening"

2011-03-18T23:53:00.003-04:00

"Anchored"

Wow the weather I believe has finally made that change into spring like temps and with daylight saving time in effect there is plenty of photographing to do. I was on my way to our worship band practice an as I was crossing over the first bridge on Colington Road I saw this old net boat anchored in a nice pool of calm water with the evening sun reflecting it's rusted side so I made a u-turn and here is the result. I have to thank the kind owners of the Colington Creek Inn a beautiful Bed & Breakfast for letting me and my tripod capture this moment. If your ever in this area look this place up you won't regret it, and maybe this scene will replay itself once again.

Enjoy

"Simplicity"

2011-03-13T23:07:00.002-04:00

"Simlicity"

I truly believe springtime has arrived on the OBX. What a beautiful day of warmth and Carolina Blue skies and as the evening came I new I had to shoot some sunset photos. This was one of the last frames I shot about a half hour after the sun went down. After looking up the title word I knew it fit perfectly. Webster's definition is "a thing that is plain, natural, easy to understand,

the simplicities of pastoral living. The perfect word for a perfect day God has made.

Enjoy

"Red,White, & Blue OBX Style"

2011-03-05T20:04:00.002-05:00

"The American Bald Eagle"

I have to truly say if I could do one thing the rest of my life everyday I'm talking about it would be to photograph these magnificent birds. This image was taken yesterday as I was checking on the nest. I have to also say this is one of the hardest birds to photograph in flight when they are swooping down on you filling your frame. The sheer speed this bird generates in flight is amazing so trying to spot focus on their eye is hard to say the least, not to mention your handholding your lens and spinning in cycles.

Enjoy

"Motion"

2011-03-03T14:00:00.002-05:00

"OBX STYLE"

Oh Boy the sun was shinning and the ocean was pumping and that means surf photography was the platter for the day. I even took a bit of sunburn as the day progressed into some fine waves.

This shot is of Noah Snyder as he was doing some jet ski take offs tuning up for bigger swells to come. As the morning sun highlighted the ocean I tried a few motion shots for a more artsy look and this was the outcome of my efforts.

Enjoy

2011-02-24T22:58:00.002-05:00

"PowerHouse Ministries"

This evening I was shooting some promo work for Chris who heads up PowerHouse Ministries. My set up was two off camera Canon 580EX II speedlites triggered by a mini pocket wizard and shooting in high speed sync allowed me to capture the subject as well as the killer sunset sky. This image has almost the same feel as an HDR image but this is only one exposure. Camera is my Canon 5D Mark II along with a 16-35mm wide angle lens shooting low to the ground. I like being able to use this set up on location because it is light weight, fast to set up and break down and I can handle it all myself without an assistant. If anyone wants any further info give me a shout.

Enjoy

"February the Month of Changes"

2011-02-18T15:08:00.005-05:00

"The Old Truck"

Time has a way of passing you bye if your not careful to document it along the way. For the last 32 years I've pointed my camera lens at many different scenes, life styles, objects, beauty, destruction, and wildlife while living on the Outer Banks of Carolina. I've witnessed the changing seasons, storms, heat waves, droughts, winters that never seemed to end and every year it's been this month of February that I love the most. The reason it never fails to give us the winter we wish would end along with a week of spring like temps to assure us that just around the corner our beaches will come alive and all that is new will cycle thru again.

"A Currituck Landscape"

I spent many years snow skiing Snowshoe, Killington, Brice, Wintergreen, Blue Knob on the east as well as Aspen Highlands, Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, in Colorado, Snow Bird, Solitude, Park City and my favorite Alta in Utah. It's safe to say I loved to play in the powder.

Now that my knees have harden I'm find behind the glass showing off the white stuff, no matter what the subject is.

"Nesting"

And then came week two of February 2011 with temps lingering in the low 60's, this means short sleeve shirts, exposing what was once tan skin now a powdery pale at best but who cares it's short sleeves man ! Outside is the place to be we've got eagles laying eggs, green blades of grass begining to shoot up from the frozen tundra (well maybe not so frozen) anyway there was 3-4 inches of fresh snow a couple of days ago pictures prove it.

"Ground Foliage"

For the last two days I have spent the entire day morning to sunset shooting ducks, swans, turtles, you name it, if I saw it I had a lens on it. I truly enjoy shooting all sorts of photography but I have to say I'm at peace alone in the woods, down in the marches, or just walking around searching and watching the many species of wildlife that inhabit our islands, and seashores.

"The Coot"

For the past two evenings the sunset light has been fantastic turning the marches into golden reeds sometimes as if on fire bouncing off the water as blue as the skies above. Here a Coot swims thru stopping from time to time munching on the new grasses under the flooded impoundments as their stop over will soon be ending in a few short weeks. Well there is no need in hoping for spring to start now knowing that winter is taking a little break before reminding us not to put away our foul weather gear but none the less I for one have taken full advantage of God's handy work as often as I can.

Enjoy

"OBX Landscapes"

2011-02-13T19:45:00.002-05:00

"West Side"

Here is another image just as the snow stopped falling. As I mentioned in my last post I spent the morning looking for those images of the Outer banks that are totally opposite of the normal beach scenes. This image is the old boat house in Kitty Hawk near the bridge. I wonder how many thousand times I passed by never pointing a lens in it's direction???

Enjoy

"OBX February Snow"

2011-02-11T00:17:00.003-05:00

"Winter Home"

February on the Outer Banks and yet another snow fall. This one got all the photographers out looking for that one image to add to the collections. I really wanted to hunt around for some images that were a little bit off the normal path so with my snow boots on I went exploring a bit and came across this wood duck habitat as the snow was ending. Like an artist painting photography beckons for composition and a subject that draws the viewer into the story it tells.

This image pulls the eye from left to right sliding down the angle of the tree trunks and the roofs of the ducks house as well as pushing from right to left.

Enjoy

"Still"

2011-01-31T15:19:00.002-05:00

"Yesterday"

I love being a photographer, and I really love the quietness and the stillness during a morning shoot. Even though I have passed by this scene countless of times, I don't mean counting fingers on two hands I mean virtually by the number of years I finally saw the painting by God's hand and the story it tells. The Outer Banks of NC not only is a beach community for an ever growing tourist wave it started long ago as small fishing towns and those salty ones who carved out their living shrimping, crabbing, and net fishing. As time passed others came and found joy and relaxation sailing, and recreational fishing as well. Here an old worn out sailboat sits atop the water as a fly fisherman's bait with out motion secured only by it's ties to a dock worn out by years of winter and summer elements, pointing towards the rising sun to warm it's bow once again.

Enjoy

"A Face Only A Mother Could Love"

2011-01-24T02:14:00.003-05:00

"The Stare"

This is an image I shot last summer which I just now have started to re-visit and edit. This is a local Brown Pelican which we have many colonies of these birds living year round. I got lucky on this one being he was hanging out on top of a dune in Pea Island as I was driving by. I think I spent close to an hour with this guy close up and personal, at one time he walked right up to my feet and followed me for a few feet before climbing back up to the top of the dune. Thus he made for a very close head shot.

Enjoy

"Weather"

2011-01-17T15:53:00.003-05:00

"The Field"

I very much love when the weather is active and creates drama in our skies. I saw this lone crop tractor and had to snap an image. When I was setting the shot up I noticed the power lines and told myself I'll take those out during editing but after I brought up the image I really like how the power pole helps lock the image together giving more to the story of this photo.

Enjoy

OBX WINTER

2011-01-13T23:38:00.002-05:00

"The Monument"

The Wright Bros. Monument in Kill Devil Hills has had more photo time than a super model.

Here is yet another image from a different angle and composition. To be honest it was the soft orange sky that pulled me in to take this shot tonight as I was passing by. With the temps in the low 30's and falling it was all I could do to hand hold my camera, good thing for IS on my lens.

Enjoy

"Special Light"

2010-12-28T16:34:00.002-05:00

"A Currituck Morning"

Wow! what a Christmas with all the family and eight inches of fresh powder to blanket the yard and trees highlighting the beautiful colored lights of celebration. Sure going to miss them all as one by one they head back to their homes and busy schedules. Returning back from the Norfolk Airport before sunrise my oldest son and I stopped for a few moments with nature, along the Currituck sound. Here a single Swan sails in to land with the rest of the flock as the morning sun radiates his under belly and wings awarding me with one of the greatest pleasures I get to do. God bless all of you this season and I hope you have taken a moment to give Him thanks for the wonderful gift we all share, LIFE.

Enjoy

Snow OBX style

2010-12-16T16:24:00.002-05:00

"The Whalehead Club"

Ha ! Global warming has arrived on the Outer Banks and for the first time I can remember before Christmas week. Short lived as it will be it sure gave me a couple of fun hours behind the glass of my 24-70 mm along with my Canon 5D MarkII. Then the rain came with slush and muck following close behind. Well Merry Christmas everyone, enjoy your families and check back soon.

Enjoy

"A Change in Diet"

2010-12-13T20:29:00.003-05:00

"In the Wild"

What can I say about this image. I honestly thought Blue Herons were fish eaters only, wrong again. It's not everyday shooting wildlife that you get to see nature in it's rawlest state. I was shooting some Pintail ducks when this large blue heron came in and started pounding the bank at the waters edge. I have to say nothing unusual about that, I was content that he was stabbing at small fish when I saw a larger meal fighting for it's life. Turns out I quess they have a stomach for water rats. To make a long story short I shot 29 images as this bird tried but than gave up on a meal that was just to large to swallow.

I quess the moral of this story is ! It's not what you eat but the quanity of each meal. So as the holidays are filled with tons of tasty treats (lighten the load) before it's another New Years resolution to lose weight.

Enjoy

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

2010-12-09T19:06:00.003-05:00

"CARDS"

Every year at this time we all receive many Christmas and Holiday cards from friends, businesses, and most of all family. I have to be honest I really stuggled this year with my card style, but finally I am sticking with this one. So to all that read my blog I wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and hope the love of Christ fills you hearts as well as your homes. This small flock of Mallards stand on the morning icey shallow waters of Macky Island in upper Currituck county.

Enjoy

"OBX Snow"

2010-12-05T15:46:00.003-05:00

"Our Snow"

Well no dought this is not the northern states were snow white blankets contrast the landscapes of barns on farm fields, but this is my home and this is a rare time having our first

snow well before the end of year. The old wooden fence kinda helps me hope for a white Christmas and warm memories with family and friends.

Enjoy

"2010 Christmas Tree"

2010-12-03T22:53:00.002-05:00

"Oh Christmas Tree"

Just returned home from the end of this weeks photo assignment for the Virginian Pilot. This photo will be the next NC Coast cover shot on Dec 10th. This was the annual Christmas Tree lighting and celebration on the water front in Manteo. Here we still call it a Christmas tree as well as we give thanks to God for His son Jesus, with all the crazyness in this world these days I for one am glad I live here, but I do pray for sanity to return again to this country as no doubt we have been robed of so much heritage.

"Jesus is the only reason for the Season"

Blessings

"Battle of the Banks"

2010-11-15T18:27:00.003-05:00

"Barrels and Air"

Today was the 3rd Annual Battle of the Banks, and there was plenty of photos being snapped off by many surf photographers. This event if your not up to speed is a local rivalry between the OBX surfers and the Va Beach surfers, of course you have to be invited to rip in this event. The whole contest is centered around the best tube rides but when the conditions soften a little "rare air" is the next best thing. Today had both barrels and air to keep the judges counting.

This image is of Matt Beacham a local who grew up here but now resides in Califorinia but no one here counts that against him.

Enjoy

"ALONE"

2010-11-13T17:17:00.002-05:00

"Stormy Weather"

There is a sayng in the Bible about building your house on sand, sort of fits the picture here. This house is one of a few in south Nags Head waiting on it's final days to be taken away to the Graveyard of the Atlantic once reserved only for sailing vessels and other sea going craft along with it's crew. For the past 31 years I've seen this picture played out numerous times along the shores of the Outer Banks, still it draws me everytime with feelings of excitment, mystery, peril, as well as sadness.

Enjoy

"A Fall Bride"

2010-10-17T19:31:00.004-04:00

"Joy in the Morning - Joy in the Evening"

Soon to be married I had the pleasure of shooting Joy's bridal portraits today at the Currituck Club. Nothing compares to natural lighting to enhance a woman's beauty. This image was taken on the benches near the lighthouse in the soft afternoons light as it filtered thru the trees.

Enjoy

"Good Night"

2010-10-05T20:11:00.003-04:00

"Sweet Peace"

After a long day on the computer it was so nice to go outside in my enviroment. We had quiet the amount of rain and systems moving through as fall has come and tonight was another sky full of clouds with nice opennings to let the light filter down. This image was captured on the mainland westside.

Enjoy

"Life Style"

2010-10-03T21:58:00.003-04:00

"It's Time To Girl Up"

The more time a photographer spends behind the lens the more chances of a very cool photo. No matter what the subject or style of photography is your cup of tea. While out shooting some images for an upcoming cover shot I captured this image of a woman biker on a really cool looking bike and as she turned to leave I snaped this image full frame catching of course her licence plate but also a short section of her pig tail over her back shoulder anchoring the story of this photo.

Enjoy

Editing Time CS4

2010-10-01T13:08:00.005-04:00

Editing with CS4

From color to B/W with a twist. There are different ways of making High Key images. One of couse is using an over exposed image to begin with. Here is an example of taking a normal exposure and ending with the same result. Change to B/W, crop for effect size, dodge, dodge, dodge, highlight the details (eyes and lips), add a slight color adjustment or leave it B/W. Add a frame or logo and it's a wrap.

Enjoy

"Harvest Moon"

2010-09-23T20:44:00.002-04:00

"Flashlight in the Sky"

Tonight I decided to shoot the moon as the moon itself, don't get me wrong I have shot this spear in all kinds of landscapes thru out the years but tonight I wanted to high light it's on glory to itself. So after getting my exposures set to capture the rich burnt orange hues I took three images on a tripod of course with different f/stops but the same shutter speed and ISO giving me a somewhat HDR effect and went to blending them to capture my final result.

Enjoy

"Stunning"

2010-09-17T23:28:00.004-04:00

"Where Beauty Meets the Beach"

Starting editing the images from wednesday's wedding and had to give this one blog time. I love the setting and the light hitting the pier making an interesting background. Of course Lisa is stunning to say the least and I'm sure Chris is one happy groom as this couple celebrated thier wedding here on the OBX. Congrats you two.

Enjoy

" OLD SCHOOL "

2010-09-14T21:13:00.002-04:00

"Cannonball Endurance Run"

Once again another first here on the OBX. The first running of the Pre 1916 Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run from Coast to Coast. No were more fitting a site than the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills the brothers were bike builders you know!!, to start off the 16 day treck across the good old USA to finish on the west coast of Califorinia in Santa Monica. I got the photography assignment from the Virginian-Pilot to document the event for the Sunday paper. Now I'm working on a few images for prints and note cards so if you like check them out on my website.

Enjoy

Calm Before the Storm

2010-09-04T21:59:00.003-04:00

" Morning Solitude "

Thrusday morning I decided to snap off a few frames under the Kitty Hawk Pier just in case things might change as Hurricane Earl makes it's way up the coast. Once again our shores were spared again as Earl moved eastward into the Atlantic allowing for many more shots of this image.

Enjoy

Hurricane Earl - The Beginning

2010-09-01T21:33:00.002-04:00

"Morning Perfection"

Well here we go as Hurricane Earl shows his first sign moving the Atlantic swells upon our shores. With calm west winds and a very nice ground swell surfers took to what they do best here on the OBX a day off work and surfing all day.

Enjoy

Hurricane Danielle 08.30.10

2010-08-30T23:54:00.002-04:00

"Season Opener"

Day one of Hurricane Season 2010 came rolling in and the action was hot. Shot taken of Jesse Hines local pro surfer from top the Avon Pier on Hatteras Island. Check out my website for other shots of today's swell in a couple of days as I labor thru the images.

Enjoy

"PROMO SHOT"

2010-08-26T14:33:00.002-04:00

"The PR Project"

Everyday is a new day and a new adventure here on the shores of the OBX. I shot some opening promo shots and working on a CD cover idea for Paul Rowlen's new band and release coming soon. I think were on the right track here.

Enjoy

"A Treasure Of Life"

2010-08-20T01:02:00.003-04:00

"PaPa's Pal"

I could not stand it any longer. I took a trip north to Cleveland, OH., for two reasons. One I was shooting a wedding south of there but most of all for my Grandson's "First Birthday". Since that time a little over a week I've been doing the red eye on this computer with hundreds of wedding photos to edit. It's 1:00 AM and I can't wait any longer so I uploaded one CF card of images from the day before his birthday. I wont't boar you with family traditions but I brought along for him this little Chicago Cubs Teddy Bear and of course had to give it to him a day early, along with a photo shoot. That's what Grandpaw's do !! Here is the birthday boy and his mother and his bear (Dad's at work so he didn't know about the bear yet). Oh ya he walked his first solo steps (that was his gift to me); Thank You Isaac. :)

"Ohio Wedding"

2010-08-17T01:55:00.003-04:00

"Tieing the Knot"

Thanks Robin & Sam, I had a great time shooting your wedding photography in Penninsula, Ohio. The lodge was a great location and your wedding was awesome. Your images are coming along so hang in there a few more days. Looking forward to seeing you guys again next year at Erin's & Tim's wedding.

Enjoy

"Young Guns"

2010-08-16T23:35:00.009-04:00

"RIP CURL GROM SEARCH SURF CONTEST"

Nothing is like the OBX when the Atlantic Ocean begins to stir from miles out, and Sunday's contest was nothing less than perfect for the young and up coming shreaders to show their skills. These guys and girls came from both coast as well as far down as Barados. The ground swell keep the action pumping for the whole day as heat after heat narrowed down the finals.

Enjoy

For more photos check out my "Buy Online" icon on my website @

jaywickens.com

** Hey I also met up with Chris McQuiston he owns and runs the " Local Sessions"

magizine, check it out in the surf shops, it's worth the look. **

"A New Birth"

2010-07-31T19:08:00.003-04:00

"Baby Loggerheads"

I was able to capture a nice little treat while on an assingnment with the NC Coast last night. It's the beginning of Sea Turtle season along our shores. This year we have eight nest from the northern beaches of Currituck down to Kill Devil Hills. Just after arriving to the sight these two little loggerheads popped out at the same time and made a bee line to the Atlantic with about fifty onlookers. Loggerheads are and endangered species so they are closely managed and protected during these times. Most are born during the night hours so photos are rare to get along with a no flash rule. Hope these make it to the Gulf Stream, the odds are not in their favor with a 1/1000 kill ratio.

Enjoy

"Enjoying the OBX Beaches"

2010-07-29T11:07:00.004-04:00

"The Beach Life"

I love my job! I get to meet great couples and their wonderful children almost everyday and this family is one of the best. I'm just starting to look thru their photo session from yesterday evening and wanted to post before I pack up my gear and head off to todays wedding shoot.

Enjoy

"Family Fun"

2010-07-27T09:06:00.002-04:00

"Fun at the Beach"

Sunday evening was windy and warm but this family from Kansas City was great to work with and enjoyed the beaches of the OBX.

Enjoy

"Sunset"

2010-07-25T14:32:00.003-04:00

" Summer Set "

The thermometor readings have been off the charts here for the last two months, and last nights sunset showed signs of burning the skies. This image taken on Jockey's Ridge one of the largest shifting sand dunes on the planet. As the sun is on it's northern most axis I choose this lower angle down from the peak to give a more sinking look to the photo.

Enjoy

"Good Night OBX"

A few minutes after the sun went down and the skies cooled a bit I saw this group of kids saying their good byes to this day and one day closer to the end of their vacation before it's back to school. Kind of puts a nice feeling to an alwsome sunset.

Enjoy

"Live"

2010-07-21T23:37:00.003-04:00

"Mojo Live"

If your visiting the OBX this summer or your a local check out Mojo Collins and his band playing around town. This is old style blues in the raw format. Give his website a look also and grab up one of his CD's.

Enjoy

Naval Bombing Range Show

2010-07-15T23:00:00.004-04:00

" F-18 Hornets"

The Outer Banks is just not a tourist destination for beach lovers and summer events, it also has one of the largest bombing training sites for the US Navy. Jets soar in from all over the east coast and east of the Mississippi River to test their skills before deployment overseas. Each year they open the area up for anyone who wants to see these guys in action up close and personal, today they hosted around 400 guest as jets, helo's, and other planes came in to show why the US Navy pilots dominate the skies. I wish all our service men and women God's protection as they do the hard work so we can play at home.

Enjoy

Landscapes

2010-07-13T21:40:00.004-04:00

"Oregon Inlet Station"

Last night came with some much needed rain and as the sun began to rise Carolina Blue skies once again chased the night skies away. I'm looking forward to this time of year as storms begin to swing thruough giving our scenery that special touch and the sea oats change into golden pods.

Enjoy

"OBX has another Artist"

2010-07-09T14:46:00.002-04:00

"New Artist"

Here is a poster I put together with some photos taken last night of Esther Faith Molnar as she performed with a few local friends and her producer Nick Baumhardt from Nashville, TN. You can check her music out at www.estherfaith.com, she's worth the look and listen.

Enjoy

"A Night of Music"

2010-07-09T02:49:00.004-04:00

"Ester Faith"

Living in a somewhat tight community here on the Outer Banks it's been a joy watching our children and friends children grow and become young men and young women seeking out their nitch in this world. Tonight was yet another one of these kids coming into her own releaseing her first CD and giving us all a taste of what's to come. Ah to be young again, on second thought I would'nt trade these times for a pot of gold! Best wishes Ester as you seek your dreams.

Enjoy

"HDR with a Twist"

2010-07-07T23:46:00.002-04:00

"The Docks"

This evening shot was taken at the boat slips in Cape Hatteras. From time to time I like to shot images in HDR just to see how wild they can become. Believe me the color image is off the chart in vibrance but it was this image that grabed me the most. I converted it to a sepia high contrast color scheme and wah - la the final look.

Enjoy

"The Set"

2010-07-05T09:36:00.002-04:00

"2010 Fourth of July"

Here is a three pack put together for framing, the photo on the right is the original of the first post I did last night so you can see how different the feel is when changed in photoshop.

Enjoy

"Celebrating"

2010-07-04T23:53:00.004-04:00

"Manteo's Light Show"

Well another 4th of July has come and gone with great weather, warm beaches, and a firework show. This year due to some new code rules we only had two sites for fireworks instead of the normal five, so my wife and I headed towards Manteo for our annual gazing of the lights. I choose a site across from Roanoke Island to capture a little scenery as well as the light burst. The above shot I changed into a sepia tone then tweaked it a bit and brought back the colors of the firework bust for a different look and feel to the image.

Enjoy

"The Good Things in Life"

2010-07-02T09:41:00.005-04:00

"Hey"

With all the hussle and bussle and down right political "crap" that is stressing us all out each day there is still out there if you are willing to look for it the simple and most pleaseing sights on this God's green earth. Yesterday I came across this Moma brown bear and her three little

ones munching down on some fresh soybeans. Now I feel relaxed again and ready to take on yet more of our daily dose of human garbage. I thank God that he stll let's me see the good parts of life from time to time.

Enjoy

"Three Peas an a Pod"

"Flower in the Rain"

2010-07-01T08:38:00.004-04:00

"Rebirth"

Yesterday started out at 5:00 AM waking up to a frantic wife screaming I needed to take her to work due to the fact she left her keys in the ignition for the last 30 hours, and even better it was pouring down rain in buckets. Now not complaining mind you about the rain since we have been under an extreme heat wave with all vegetation as well as human life forms digging their roots down deep for any sign of mositure I managed to get my wife under control ha ha and I drove her to work then stopping for coffee, for one must be able to see as driving under auto pilot only works 50% of the time. Well as the rain let up and I was checking out the car battery I noticed all the flowers my wife has planted and has tried to keep somewhat alive during this stretch of time. Don't ask me what the species is but this bright yellow flower pictured above

summed up the essence of life as it found a "rebirth" with a much needed water supply and cooler weather only God can provide us all.

Enjoy

Smiles of Love

2010-06-29T22:53:00.003-04:00

"Smiles of Love"

The old saying that a picture paints a thousand words is oh so true in this image. Some things just fit tight as a glove and I believe these two fit that saying. This is the fifth wedding couple from Ohio that I've had the pleasure to document their special day this year here on the Outer Banks, and I'm looking forward to August heading to Cleveland to shoot number six. Thanks

to all you brides from Ohio.

Enjoy

"Newly Weds"

2010-06-27T23:14:00.003-04:00

"Casual OBX Style"

Thank God for evening weddings after todays temps, somewhere between hot and hot. We spent about and hour and a half shooting inside the house's air conditioner then hit the beach for the ceremony. After down loading from my camera card I saw this image and was very much intriged by the non beach access look. It almost has a simple oriental feel to it all though it's only a few more steps to the dune line and ocean. Becky and Jim I hope you have a great honeymoon this week.

Enjoy

"Hot Summer Days"

2010-06-23T09:39:00.002-04:00

"Just Another Day at the Beach"

Yesterday's temp reached 98 deg, so far the hottest day of the year. I was shooting an assignment up on the northern beaches when I came across this small family of wild horses with their newest member of just a few weeks old. The lighting was so intense with that hazy feel to it that I decided to give this image a more high key look.

Enjoy

SUNSET with ELEGANCE

2010-06-19T22:33:00.002-04:00

" OBX Light "

Even though the beaches draw thousands of visitors and newly weds to the Outer Banks its that special light that takes place after the sun goes down that paints love and elegance in a memory that will never pass. Congrats Jessica & Jimmie as you relive your special day.

Enjoy

Photoshop

2010-06-17T03:20:00.002-04:00

"Blurring it Out"

Sometimes you just can't sleep, this morning is one of those days. I tried a little TV (boring), a little reading (way to early to focus my eyes) so I decided to play around with PS- CS4 and a photo from a recent wedding. It was a far away shot with beautiful blue skies and ocean waves in the background when I first started but decided on this tighter crop after some surface blurring. Well maybe now I'll try to sleep again before I head out for some sunrise shooting.

Enjoy

The Proposal

2010-06-15T21:15:00.003-04:00

" Soon To Be Wed "

Had the pleasure of not only meeting this couple but shooting the actual proposal and engagement images this past Saturday. Hiding up on the dunes with a telephoto lens as Paul went to his knees and asked Maggie to be his wife as they stood along the shore line of Coquina Beach. A few more shots on the beach and then finished up around Manteo's scenic sites with the last shot as they sailed off toasting their moment with wine and cheese. Congratulations !

Enjoy

"Fun in the Sun"

2010-06-08T00:48:00.002-04:00

"Heads Up"

Going semi crazy editing hundreds & hundreds of wedding photos. Looking forward to catching up with work and sleep. Just wanted to give this one a pre post.

Enjoy

Wedding Day

2010-06-04T09:11:00.003-04:00

"The Line UP"

Woke up got out of bed ran a comb across my head --- whatever!! I think I got about 3 hours of sleep and jumped right back on yesterdays photos. I came across this one and converted it into B/W with a red filter effect and a little tweeking. I guess I'm too much old school because I love the intensity that B/W gives a photo. Well I'm heading for the shower and packing up my gear

"It's Wedding Day" for these two.

Enjoy

"Way to Much Fun"

2010-06-04T02:41:00.003-04:00

"Who is Who"

Cleveland, OH. "Rocks" the northern beaches of Currituck County. I have no words to enhance the fun we had today shooting this wedding party. One thing for sure, tomorrow has all indications of more laughs and great times as Mary and Shannon "Tie the Knot" OBX style.

Enjoy

"Wet but Love Conquers All"

2010-05-18T15:34:00.004-04:00

"Sealed in Time"

The clock struck 11:09 as I shot this final image at the Currituck Club in the rain to close out a wedding that soaked the quest and the wedding party Outer Banks style. With wind gusting around 30mph and rain pouring sometimes sideways Erin and Chris kept their smiles and love as they became husband and wife. All in all it was a great time and I wish many blessing to them both.

Enjoy

"Today's Wedding"

2010-05-16T23:17:00.003-04:00

"The Bride The Groom"

There is a saying here on the Outer Banks "just wait awhile and the weather will change". This was so true today as rain and gloom set in all morning and into the early afternoon only to clear with Carolina Blue skies about one hour before this wedding was to take place. Even though both images are indoors I still liked the hand painted scenic view for this combo set.

Enjoy

"A Couple"

2010-05-15T22:05:00.005-04:00

"A Day To Remember"

I've always enjoyed shooting weddings for couples I really don't even know but I find this passion increases when they also are friends. Congratulations you two and enjoy Charleston, and Savannah.

Hearts full of "Love"

and "Jumping for Joy" on a wounderful day.

Enjoy

"Roses"

2010-05-11T20:51:00.003-04:00

" Tribute to Mothers"

Happy Mother's Day

Enjoy

"The Queen Mother"

2010-05-10T09:12:00.003-04:00

"The Actress"

Yesterday of course was Mother's Day and I hope everyone of you had a great day with family and friends. I had the nice pleasure of meeting Rhonda Karson of Tucson, Az. and shooting her for the Virginian Pilot as she will be staring as Queen Elizabeth I in this years production of the Lost Colony. This play has been a spring board for many actors and actresses such as Andy Griffith, etc. I wish her much success as she performs each night during the summer season here on Ronoke Island. If you get a chance to visit the Outer Banks this is one of it's highlights.

Enjoy

Foggy Evening

2010-05-05T21:19:00.003-04:00

"Halo of Fog"

This morning and this evening we had a nice cool fog roll in to our shores. This was the first time I've tried an HDR image with fog, so I was quite interested in how it might turn out. After a few attemps I landed on this image staying with more of the gray tones to give the sense of cool air blowing in.

Enjoy

CAT EYES

2010-04-28T23:58:00.003-04:00

"Cat Eyes"

Shot this image of a common house cat while shooting a wedding reception this past weekend. Thought it might make a nice wall hanger in the right contemperary decor.

Enjoy

2010-04-24T23:36:00.002-04:00

"Rings of Hearts"

This image was requested by my bride and groom for thier wedding today. I have shot this image many times before but I decided to add a few more touches of lighting to create hearts of light around the main ring & hearts, which I have to say changes what has been an old image into a new look.

Enjoy

Morning In Hatteras

2010-04-17T20:07:00.002-04:00

"Shadows of Light"

Morning light, a telephoto lens, laying prostrate on the cold sand, snapping off multiple exposures, and most of all finding the perfect "simple subject" pays off everytime. How many times have we all passed by a broken shell not giving it a second thought as we look for more desiralble subjects. Maybe there's a lesson here, maybe even with each other.

Enjoy

Ocracoke Lighthouse

2010-04-14T20:19:00.002-04:00

"A Welcome Sight"

Today I was on an assignment shoot in Cape Hatteras. After I finished up I took the ferry over to Ocracoke Island for some personal time. Of course this lighthouse has been photographed hundreds of times but no matter there is always a new way of capturing old images with a little imagination and the help of a great sky. I personally like this images composition using 2/3 rds of the lighthouse and anchoring the photo with the tree on the bottom right corner.

Enjoy

OBX Bird

2010-04-13T23:25:00.003-04:00

"Home Builder"

If the Outer Banks were to ever select a county bird no dought it would be the "Osprey".

From mid March on these raptors return back to the OBX for their summer retreat to rebuild the nest they left in the early fall as they mate and lay thier eggs. I would bet you can't drive more than a mile near the sound side or the ocean without seeing this bird in action. Here is one of the pair I was shooting busy rebuilding it's nest in Nags Head.

Enjoy

It's a Beach Day !

2010-04-12T22:04:00.003-04:00

"Seal the Deal"

The cold Atlantic was busy with action today on our beaches. A large whale was feeding off the coast, dolphins were rolling around with each other (if you catch my drift), the birds were working the bait fish, and this big Gray Seal decided he needed to work on his sun tan. We don't get to see these guys much as we do the smaller harbor seals so this was a treat for everyone who got the chance to see him. Almost looks like a large dog with his hair shaved.

Enjoy

Easter Morning

2010-04-08T08:38:00.004-04:00

"Golden Peace"

I don't know if there is any better time than watching the sunrise over our beaches than on Easter morning. Gathering with friends and other believers thanking God and celebrating the ressurection of Jesus.

Enjoy

57 Chevy (Three Views)

2010-03-21T21:56:00.006-04:00

"HDR View"

I shot three exposures of this 57 Chevy this morning, brought them up into Promatix Pro for tone mapping, into camera raw for tweeking, and PS CS4 to convert to jpeg. After four or five different mixes I went with the more natural look than the artsy style, due to the trees dominating the back ground.

"B/W Conversion"

Second with a lot of my images I like trying them out in different mediums such as this B/W. I sort of like the way HDR worked on the shade and highlight tones through out this image.

"Quick Masking with HDR"

Third I thought it might be interesting in applying a quick mask to the B/W and bringing back the color of the auto only. Give it a try if you get a chance and send me a comment if you have any questions or just want to give me your thoughts on these images.

Enjoy

Best of Show

2010-03-13T21:57:00.003-05:00

"Southern Comfront"

The day began with rain and more rain as the annual OBX car show was to take place. As the old saying goes here on the Banks, "if you don't like the weather now just wait a few hours" and true to the saying the skies opened the sun began to shine and we were all blessed with one of the warmest days we've had this winter (I mean T-shirt weather). Many great looking cars and trucks from old to new and the crowds were steady all day. Here is the over all winner a Ford F250 limited edition taking home the gold from Camden, NC. This bad boy was fully outfitted for the beach and surf fishing. If you missed this years show you need to put it on your schedule for 2011.

Enjoy

HDR Photography

2010-03-11T22:51:00.003-05:00

"The Dump Truck"

With the digital age taking over photography it's hard to stay true to the old standard way of shooting and proccessing. Maybe it's just that winter has taken it's toll on me or I'm just changing. Which ever it is I've been busy lately creating glass orbs, and playing around with HDR photography. Above is an image I took yesterday near the Organ Inlet Marinia and turned it into an artsy painting look. HDR or High Dynamic Range is nothing new but it does take a little different way of shooting as well as finding the images that work. If you have'nt tried this yet give it a chance.

Enjoy

A Taste of Summer

2010-03-10T22:40:00.002-05:00

"The Bug"

My past comes back to visit me. The VW bug, not only the car I learned how to drive in but also the first brand new car I owned in 1973. Surf racks, four on the floor (stick shift), an AM/FM radio with my converted 8 track disc player, very close to the one above except mine was sky blue. Ah memories---- with spring like temps today I found myself seeking out images with color, vibrance, and a warmer feel after what has been a long winter for us living the beach life.

Couldn't resist this shot as I was passing thru Nags Head window rolled down and the heat off.

Enjoy

Something New

2010-02-19T23:24:00.003-05:00

"Glass Orb"

I have never been one of those photgraphers to do much manipulation to my images, but after learning a very simple PS trick I had to dig thru some old images to find one to play with. The original image I took during a wedding shoot last summer of an arch the brides family made for the ceremony. With a few clicks the result is kind of neat.

Enjoy

OBX Snow on Snow

2010-02-14T15:38:00.002-05:00

"OBX Winter Day"

Well some believe in global warming, some believe in nothing, I choose to believe in the wonderful blessings of life no matter what the temp. Here is an image I captured yesterday as the winter is in full cold mode here on the Outer Banks. The migrating snow geese will be here for a few more weeks till they move north again giving way to spring time temps. I for one will miss these special times when we get a glimps of the white rain known as Snow. Even though the accumalation amounts are low here, still it allows for some scenic sights along the way.

Enjoy

Duck Hunting

2010-02-09T23:55:00.003-05:00

"Five Heads are Better Than One"

Ah the middle of winter and it is very cold here on the Outer Banks. There are a few critters who migrate here every year that have no problem with these temps, such as the above pair of ducks a male redhead and a male lesser scaup. I shot this image yesterday as we got a little sunshine and blue skies which seems to be a rare state of late. It did give me the oportunity to capture some killer reflections along with the ducks stirring the water to allow for the bobbing head effect. Hope everyone is staying warm if not grab you camera's and let's go duck hunting.

Enjoy

jay

Good Night Moon

2010-01-27T22:25:00.003-05:00

It's winter, it's cold, and it's bald eagle nesting season. One of my favorite birds to photograph and with the moon rising and a little patience I got off the shot I was waiting for. Photographing nature and it's many inhabitants can be challenging but also very rewarding.

Don't forget to give thanks for all things that are good.

Enjoy

Cleveland is oh so cold!!!

2010-01-14T16:13:00.003-05:00

"My Grandson & His Mama"

My wife and I are up in Cleveland visiting our grandson and his parents of course, also here for the Wedding Expo at the IX Center for OBWA. Nice timing huh ! I'm playing around with my 50 mm lens all day with this being my morning shot wide open f1.2 no flash. I find this lens very moody since it gives a warm milky feel to the subjects. On the other hand outside from a distance the lens is very sharp and clean. Both images taken with a Canon 5D MkII full frame camera body. I think I need to give this lens much more camera time during this years wedding season.

Enjoy for:

Some days your the windshield / Other days your the bug !!!