Irene Passes By...

As the first hurricane of the season for 2011, Irene got a lot of attention.  She was a big storm and caused a lot of potential threats to the East Coast over the last five days, and unfortunately some major damage did occur in some locations.  As the course for the storm veered northwest, however, it became apparent that Charleston just might escape any major storm effects other than some flooding and minor debris scattered around.  We had some strong winds and rain, but overall, the storm didn't cause too much damage and provided a beautiful sunset on Friday evening on the Ashley River.  Many of my neighbors gathered at the end of the street to see the gorgeous sunlit storm skies and enjoy the breathtaking view.  I grabbed a few shots before my camera completely fogged up without surrendering to the humidity. 

The archway at the end of St. Margaret Street, right on the Ashley River. 

A couple with their dog watches the sunset. 

A new dock was put into the river a few months ago, and it seemed to be sustaining the high water and winds for the time being. 

A look down the street where one resident shoots a few photos from her front lawn.

Another neighbor enjoys the skies with his Welsh Corgie. 

One Life Photo Competition

Recently I entered PDN's One Life Photo Competition featuring my story documenting Kyle's recovery from his near fatal gunshot wounds sustained in Afghanistan in June 2010.  There are many special stories out there, but for me, this one was personal, so it meant a lot to me to be able to share it.  Please visit my portfolio and vote, daily!  I truly appreciate your support.


http://keolson.see.me/onelife2011/grid


Here are a few samples from my portfolio: 

 

The Moose

Always trying to keep up with some small independent photography on the side, regardless of where I am and how busy I may be with other parts of life.  Despite not having much free time recently to wander and shoot, I dragged my camera around with me and ended up at one of my favorite local dives for some wings and beer at the end of last week.

The Tattooed Moose is a chill local spot in the northern part of downtown Charleston, near a great Mexican restaurant, Santi's, and the strip clubs.  Maybe it's not your kind of 'hood, but the deals are fine, the food is tasty, the beer selection wide and the company is solid.  And they just got Big Buck, done and done. 

The cooler holding all of the unique and ever-changing brands of beer stocked at the Moose.  

The overhead lights at the bar, made for an interesting image out of nothing, one of my favorite things to do.   

Checking things out at ground level.  I've always been drawn to feet with photography. 

Walk on the Beach

I walked the beach on Isle of Palms about a week ago - despite the beautiful sunny weather in Charleston, the beach was brisk with a strong breeze cutting through.  It was lovely though and is one of the many reasons that I love living here. 

A look down the beach at the start of the walk. 

A couple of the stairways leading back to the main street. 

Some cute older couples pass by hold hands with a brief nod of the head to one another.  Loved it!

One of the two couples walking down the beach into the sun.

 

There were several people kite surfing and here one guy catches some good air while a couple walks down the beach. 

A detail shot of one of the trash cans on the beach; they are large green metal bins with rusted palm trees designed on them. 

Getting Back to It...

It's time to get back to my own personal photo blog.  As many of you know, my life had a few unexpected turns this year and I switched gears to a more personal blog focusing on Kyle's healing from his injuries sustained in Afghanistan.  It is with such pleasure I start 2011 with a new entry here on K. Olson Photos because he is doing well and is nearly back to 100%.  I plan to have one last post on the Road to Recovery blog but from here on out, it's back to the normal KOP style filled with random photos of every day life.  From rain storms, to tree frogs to road trips to sticks in my back yard; I hope to always see what's out there and present it to you in an interesting and unique light; the way it looks to me.     

Wishing you all the best for 2011 and thank you for your support and for continuing to follow my work. 

A new thing for me in 2011 is time to myself in Charleston.  I moved downtown by Hampton Park last fall and I'm loving it; and it was time for some good photo exploring in my new 'hood.  Last weekend I went for a walk around the park with my friend Kayte and her dog, Bella.  We had a great time and after some candid shots of Bella I also tried for some portraits.  I have been inspired by our overwhelming amount of dog portraits at the studio and wanted to venture for some more outdoor lighting shots in my free time...

Bella runs through Hampton Park enjoying no leash!

Walking down a path in rich afternoon sunlight. 

I liked the shadow Bella was casting in this light - so many choices for cool photos to be made. 

I love the warmth of this photo. 

Ears UP!!!

Winner portrait from the path leading to the gazebo. 

Canadian Geese - couldn't help but shoot a few water reflection images. 

Abstract water reflections as the sun was setting - I pumped up the saturation and contrast here to make this more extreme. 



Stormy Sunset

After leaving work one evening last week and getting ready for a drive down to Valdosta, GA, the stormy skies leftover from a passing storm made for a beautiful double rainbow and a gorgeous sunset. I pulled over a few times to get some images.

I'm told the sunsets in Charleston in the fall are particularly beautiful, but this is one of the best I can remember since moving here last October. Looking forward to seeing many more.



The double rainbow going over the Cooper River - tricky to do the colors justice, but gorgeous all the same.


Shooting through the windshield while driving over the Ashley River Bridge - love these lampposts and the contrasting sunset.


Shot through the window, grabbed a palmetto in the foreground while passing by!


The ominous sky, I've always had a thing for clouds.


View down the Wappoo Cut, heading toward John's Island.

Blue Angels in Charleston

A few weeks ago the Blue Angels - Navy F-18 jets - came to Charleston and provided some great entertainment in the sky. A good friend was kind enough to take me out on his boat to enjoy the show from the Cooper River on Saturday - it was my first air show and it was very impressive. All of the rumbling vibrations outside of the studio all week had me curious and my expectations were most definitely met.

I went out to Mt. Pleasant and watched the show again on Sunday with some close friends visiting from Massachusetts - a different vantage point provided for some nice images to complete the flying collection.

I apologize for being behind in the blog recently - I have kept up with my shooting, just haven't had the time for all of the editing. Trying to catch up these next few weeks so keep checking, and that means you E.D.



This large plane, a C-130, started off the show and we were just passing through the Ashley River heading toward a place to anchor for the afternoon.


Tons of people lined the edge of the Battery for a good view of the show as the C-130 flew over the right side of them.


The C-130 made a high, steep ascent into the air over the Cooper River Bridge to end his part of the show.


1, 2, 3, 4


Four F-18's fly over the Cooper River Bridge.


Pretty sweet synchronized dive.


Diving still.


All six F-18's fly by while in a very tight formation.


Nice to see the writing underneath these six as they fly right over us in tight formation - these pilots have tremendous skills.


Cool split after the dive.


View from under the Cooper River Bridge at Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant.


Blue Angels and Palmetto trees.

The end of the show on Sunday with all six of the Blue Angel fighter jets screaming through the sky together in very tight formation.