OBX | NC PHOTOGRAPHER

We recently travelled to the OBX of NC for our annual family beach trip. This was the first year without my Mom since her death last year. We had plans to take this trek that we enjoyed for 7 years with her and our family one last time last year; but she was too ill to make it. This trip had sadness because of that, it had healing because of that. Grief is ever present in those that have experienced it but we must continue. We continued and made new memories that she was ever present in the mind set of. It was a year of different. It has been a year of different all around. As we approach the anniversary of our goodbyes, there are a lot of waves to ride and memories that arise. It’s hard. It is the hardest thing I’ve had to go through in life.

That said, I am thankful for this trip every year and love photographing the experiences we have. If I am feeling a sense of burnout it always gives me fuel. We spent our days at the beach near Avon pier, on Ockracoke and at the point at Hatteras. We had great weather with pretty sunsets and sunrises. I ran and enjoyed those mostly but one morning I got out with the big camera as you will see. I love the silhouttes I captured at sunset over the Pamlico Sound on one of our first evenings. The boys had the best time with their cousins and played and played.

John Michael made a ridiculous beach tree the last day, complete with bait fist. What can I say, they have some imagination. Levi caught his first fish, a 17.5 in. blue which almost got his name on the plaque of biggest fish caught. However, his uncle Tom caught a 27 in. red drum the next day. I like to think Mama had something to do with both of those catches. And that rainbow, I think that was a hello from the other side from her as well. My Sister and I went on a beach horseback ride which was amazing! I took a selfie in Mike’s sunglasses, how is that for a couple portrait, haha. My uncle harassed the ice cream van driving lady and got free ice cream, because she was for sure sick of him hitting on her. Haha. We saw a pair of baby deer in our yard. There was a full moon. Wow, we saw and experienced a lot and it was wonderful.

Anyway, some of my favorite captures from our time at the sea.