What did the camera say to his digital son?

You can never be negative.

Sorry – just saw that, and being a photographer since the old film and flashbulb days, I just had to pass it along. Just chalk it up to my “Dad Joke” style of humor.

While it is true I saw thousands of negative in my earlier days I was never negative about photography. I cannot think of anything really negative about the endeavor.

photographer office at the beach
My Office at the Beach in Ocean City, Maryland.

What’s not to like? My “office” or studio can be anywhere I choose for it to be. While the above setting was on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, it could be on a beach anywhere. It has. I get to visit beaches along the east coast of the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as the beaches of about 20 different Caribbean, Central American and South American nations. My “office” could even be on a mountaintop capturing scenic vistas of more rugged and (also) picturesque areas.

office studio at the indian river inlet bridge
My office/studio at the Indian River Inlet Bridge near Bethany Beach, Delaware.

Many years ago I used photography to help work my way through college. I shot weddings, did aerial photography (also learned to fly a plane) and worked in a small town camera shop. I “learned the trade” so to speak and even helped teach some of what I learned to other people. I still love to share what I capture through the lens and even earn a few bucks by offering some of that through one of my online stores/galleries.

photographing on drifwood beach, jekyll island, georgia
Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

I am fortunate with my photography in that I am able to shoot is some truly fascinating places. I love bridge architecture and I love Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island and on and on. I am now adding another element to my photography exploits – drone photography. This will allow me to add an additional perspective to scenes that I shoot. It is also fun.

What’s that old saying? Oh yeah: Do what you love and love what you do. I do, I did and will keep on doing as long as I am able.

Link to: Visit my online Gallery

Link to: My Photography Blog


My EXO Ranger Drone Is a Blast to Fly

This inexpensive drone has professional features that make it a great product.

Below is an actual picture of my Ranger Drone from EXO.

EXO X-7 Ranger Drone in a backyard hover.
EXO X-7 Ranger Drone hovering in our back yard.

Mine does not have the optional obstacle avoidance module. However, I do have experience with flying both real aircraft and drones and am diligent enough to avoid obstacles. If you are new to the hobby I do think the obstacle avoidance module will be worth your while. Click the picture below to see more info on the EXO website.

Here is where to shop EXO products…
Link: CLICK HERE

Yes, this is NOT a mini drone and is over the 249 gram cutoff weight for small/mini drones. Therefore it does need to be registered. Better safe than sorry, right? And the cost to register with the FAA is only $5 for three years.

Remote Pilot Small Unmanned Aircraft System

I can now fly a “drone” for commercial purposes to expand my photography reach and perspective.

pilot institute class of 2022 decal
Pilot Institute Class of 2022 Remote Pilot Graduate

The Part 107 Certificate, as it is called, provides me with an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) license as a Remote Pilot with the rating of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This allows me to fly my “drone(s)” for commercial purposes. I can now capture photographs of my (our) favorite places – from a new perspective – and offer them for sale in my online galleries. The “commercial” designation deals with the actual intent of the flight – so I did not heretofore shoot any photographs with the intent of offering them as wall art. But Now I Will Begin…

I studied an online course provided by the Pilot Institute and, because of that preparation, was well-prepared to pass the FAA written exam and obtain my Part 107 Certificate. So you might say I am a successful graduate of the Pilot Institute Class of 2022. Seriously, it is a good program and I will write a review in a future article. BTW, I managed to score a 92% on the test. I’ll take it. And make use of it.

temporary airman certificate remote pilot
Remote Pilot Temporary Airman Certificate – the certificate is “temporary” until it is replaced by the actual (plastic) license itself. It will be similar in appearance to my Private Pilot license – but serves a different purpose.

It is permissible to fly a drone without a Part 107 license – for recreational purposes only. Those pilots/flyers must complete a training program and earn a TRUST Certificate. “The Recreational UAS Safety Test” is a free program and is offered through several sources. I did my TRUST training through the Pilot Institute’s TRUST Portal when I first got my drone.

However, please be aware that there are many unlicensed drone flyers out there performing commercial operations – doing things like real estate photography, inspection work, etc. – without a license. They are operating in the national airspace system without being properly trained and are, therefore, a safety hazard to others. The federal government has been monitoring, catching and (severely) fining perpetrators. Fines are even being levied against people (for example, real estate agents) who hire unlicensed drone operators.