Taking A Day Trip; Making The Most Of It

Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton, North Carolina (click to enlarge)
X-T1, 18-55mm lens @ 24.3mm; 1/180th sec. @ f/11; ISO 200

Late last week, I took a day trip to scout out two wildlife refuges in anticipation of some fall and winter wildlife photography.  The two refuges are about 135 miles (217 km) from my home.  I didn't plan on any photography in the refuges as my time there would be from late morning until afternoon, just when wildlife is pretty much inactive.  (However, I did see an adult black bear on one of the gravel roads on which I was traveling.  He/she was a bit comical in his/her actions.  He/she would run 40-50 yards (36-45 meters), stop, sit on its hind end, turn its head to look to see if I was still behind it, then get up and run some more.  He/she did this a few times until it got to a side road where it veered off into the woods.  Heck, I even stopped and just watched it so it didn't have to run, but it did.)

Sears, Edenton, North Carolina (click to enlarge)
X-T1, 18-55mm lens @ 50.5mm; 1/140th sec. @ f/11; ISO 200

Not wanting to make the trip only about scouting the refuges, I thought about what else along my way could I find to do instead of just driving to the refuges and back.  Since my wife decided to accompany me on this outing, I thought it would be nice to take the country roads and pass through a few small quaint towns on the way home.  If we saw something of interest, we could stop.

We did decid to stop in the small, waterfront town of Edenton, North Carolina.  I had been through there in the past, but just drove through and never really visited.  Time for a visit.  I thought we could walk in the historic downtown, visit the waterfront and she could window shop (if only window shop!) if she desired while I did some street photography. I love wandering around with no specific agenda just seeing what I can see that might be visually interesting.

This plan killed three birds with the proverbial one stone by obtaining the knowledge I needed for future photography at the wildlife refuges, also provided interest to both of us in the town and I made some interesting images as well.  I'll post some of those images today as well as later this week.

All of the images from that day were made with my Fujifilm X-T1 and the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens.  I didn't want to carry more than one camera and one lens as I walked around. That small, lightweight yet highly capable body and lens combination provided me with versatility and the potential for excellent image quality as well.  In fact, this basic combination was perfect for the time we were there.

Reflection of Family and Blind Man Playing the Flute for donations,
Edenton, North Carolina (click to enlarge)
X-T1, 18-55mm lens @ 44.4mm; 1/60th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

There are many things about small towns that appeal to me.  Whenever I travel, I try to go though small towns, down country roads and meet the people who live there. In my experience, from the way I've been treated, to the genuineness, to taking time to engage in interesting conversation hearkens back to when I was younger and life was simpler.  (I know, I'm old, "get off my lawn you kids!" or "I told you not to throw that ball into my yard (garden), so now I'm keeping it!")  

Fishing with two poles, Edenton, North Carolina (click to enlarge)
X-T1, 18-55mm lens  @ 50.5mm; 1/180th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

Small towns and the people who live and work in and around them make wonderful photographic subjects.  My advice is to seek them out, visit, get to know some of those wonderful folks, patronize the small shops, be genuine in all of your interactions with them, make some interesting photographs and walk away with a smile.

More images from that day on Wednesday.  

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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