If you didn't already know, I spent New Years Eve weekend celebrating in Outer Banks, NC. Now this isn't a short drive from where I live, it's not even a state away, it's an 8 hour drive. My husband, myself, and 4 of our friends hopped in a SUV and made the trek down to OBX on Friday hoping to find a little relaxation, warmer weather, and great food. Well we couldn't have hoped for anything better then what we found. High 60's, blue skies, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I had never been there before, but friends of ours have a vacation home right on the ocean and they had suggested this mini vaca. We jumped at the idea, and after finding a sitter for Eva (thanks sis), we told our friends we'd be able to join them. I'm so glad we did. It's a magical place. Striking sunsets on one side of the island, to breathtaking sunrises on the other, great food, enormous houses, and a vast range of wildlife. This is my trip told in photographs. I hope they will move you enough to visit the Outer Banks yourself one day. It's well worth it, even in the midst of winter, it was a haven.
For those of you who might like to know, all my photographs are taken with my Canon Rebel T2i. The lenses I used most of the time on this trip where my 18-55mm and a 55-250mm. During daylight I used a polarized filter and sunsets and sunrises used a magenta filter to enhance the colors. I highly recommend using filters.
We were just a boardwalk away from the beach. Just amazing.
The mornings were so peaceful. Here a mother and her daughter walk the beach looking for shells.
Not sure if you can see the dark fin in the photo below. I didn't notice it till after I took the picture.
These fences line the beaches there. They make for beautiful symmetry.
This man walking his dogs caught my eye. I loved the colors against the blue waters.
My friend Amy photographing shells on the beach.
My husband bought me a great pocket photography book for Christmas. It kept mentioning to change your perspective in order to get more creative images. So thats what I did. I think it worked.
The boys playing a good old game of frisbee.
Dolphins were in abundance. We were told by our friends that they are seen frequently all year round. It's quite an amazing site to see.
I couldn't get enough of the birds as you will see.
This photo embodies serenity. I still can't believe I snapped the picture just in time to get their wings perfectly synchronized.
This is the beautiful Lighthouse that you can see from miles around reaching up into the crystal blue sky.
I didn't want to overwhelm you. There will be more to come. I've saved the best for last. Check back soon.
