In the South
Love
Cape Charles, VA. Looking out over the Chesapeake Bay.
Standing on the Wrong Side of Love
Cape Charles, VA. Juni and I set out on a one to two week road trip today and we started off with a stop in Cape Charles for lunch and a walk around town. That lighthouse you see in the background is not a lighthouse at all... It's there water tower in costume. We are on our maiden voyage in a new Class B RV (A van camper).
Men at Work
Street photography, Virginia Beach, VA.
Workin' at the Carwash
With the artwork in the background. This gentleman was kind enough to allow me to take his portrait.
Still Life
Some things just scream out to me... Take my photograph.
Looking Out to Sea
I loved how the light was glistening over the water of the Chesapeake Bay during my visit in Cape Charles.
The Selfie of Virginia Beach
Normally I take my street photography images without the knowledge of my subject, however, for this guy, I was to late to the draw so I asked him to re-enact the scene. I'll be sending him a copy.
What Do You Want to Do?
Fill in the blank.
It's Alive
And munching on the facade.
Artwork of Virginia Beach
These next thirteen photographs are a series of murals and other art that I saw as Juni and I took a walk around Virginia Beach, VA. in2023. There were just too many to name each one.
Double Doors of the Past
Located somewhere outside of Reedville. This old building caught my eye as I was driving by. So much so that I had to turn around to go back and photograph it.
Full Frontal Image
Of the house with the double doors.
Bait-Ice-Chum
I just love finding these old structures that are still in use. Still providing that needed workspace that they've been doing for many, many years. This building certainly met my desires.
The Sign
So now you know where I was taking all of these photographs. Steamboat Wharf... A photographers treasure.
Found Treasures
Duck decoys, fishing line & lures, electric cord and a green hose.
Rope or Line
I guess it depends on what it is used for.
Menu Board
And I really couldn't believe the prices... Rock Fish & Flounder $4.00 per pound, Trout $3.00 per pound, Spot & Croaker $2.00 per pound, Soft Crabs $4.00 each.... Wow... I would be there biggest client if they were closer to home.
The Chair
If you don't have a chair... build one. Take notice that the seat and chair back are both on an angle making it much more comfortable. And you thought you should throw those old skids away.
The Workspace
I can only image how many years this space has been in use and/or how much fresh seafood has come through this facility. A true gem.
Still Afloat
All it would take is a new coat of paint and you've got yourself a brand new boat ;).
The Docks
Pull up and unload your catch.
Workboat of Reedville
Flyin' the Red, White & Blue.
Just Another Hole in the Wall
This is Alex
If it were not for him I would not have been able to take all of these images of the Reedville Steamboat Wharf. While shooting I offered to take his portrait but, I must say that I am sorry Alex. I did not re-adjust my settings from the very low light in the facility so I ended up blowing out your image. I do promise that if I get down your way again I will take another portrait for you. Thank you for allowing me to take these photographs.
Old Point Comfort Light
Fort Monroe. This lighthouse marks the entrance to historic Hampton Roads and it sits at the mouths of the James, Nansemond and Elizabeth Rivers. It stands 54 feet high and began operation around 1805.
Just the Top
Old Port Comfort Light.
Four times One
This was taken while Juni and I were on a hike around Newport News Park. I used my iPhone to capture this image.
Lee Hall Mansion
An Italianate plantation home built in 1859 by Richard Decatur Lee. Located in Newport News, VA.
Lee Hall Mansion II
This photograph also show the brick structure in the backyard which was the kitchen. Quite a lavish kitchen for its time.
Four times One
These four houses share the same architecture with only subtle differences between them. They sit all four in a row on Main Street, Smithfield, Virginia. The weather was overcast and cloudy during my brief stay in town.
Smithfield Water Tower
As Juni and I were walking around town I could see this water tower off in the distance so I just had to hike over that way so I could take a photograph.
The Fixer-Upper
Who Knows... a fresh coat of paint and a little tender loving care and ya just might be on to something. Or may it be that nightmare you have when you book an Air B&B and in your dream you keep imagining this.
The Summer Kitchen
Not quite like the one at the Lee Hall Mansion.
Merchants Millpond State Park
Taken while Juni and I were hiking the Coleman Trail.
Neighborhood Hunt Club
I passed this structure as I was driving to my next destination yesterday and I had to turn around and go back to photograph it. I'm always attracted to these old structures and I enjoy capturing them before they are gone forever. See more at randylroberts.com
Back on the Island
Late this afternoon Juni and I pulled into Tybee Island and we will be here for the next four nights before we begin our journey back north. We took a walk shortly after we arrived so I could grab a bite to eat and I happened upon this scene which I just had to capture though I only had my cell phone with me. The Great blue heron had no worries of us being there. I should’ve been carrying my Nikon.
Spanish Moss
Juni and I took a nice long walk around Tybee Island this morning and we passed by this scene in our travels. Spanish moss is so attractive and adds both an eeriness and a beauty at the same time.
Just the Top
Tybee Island Lighthouse.
Dinghies & Pileings
Reedville, Virginia
Pots Aplenty on Fleets Island
Just a pile of crab pots. Some brightly colored and some not so.
Baskets of Gold
Especially when they are full of fresh caught blue crabs.
Sometimes it's Just Trash & Gloves
Back to Port
After the mornings catch. Crabbers of Fleets Island, VA.
Meet Parker
After photographing These two as they were coming back into the docks from their morning on the water I got Parker's name and email address so that I can send him some of the images. It looked to me like they had a good morning by the number of full crab baskets.
Tools of the Trade
Fleets Island crab baskets & gloves.
Are You?
And, if so, whatcha gettin'. I meant fish. What were you thinking?
Pulleys & Stays
Boat rigging from Fleets Island
Echo
What adventures have you been on Echo. I'd enjoy hearing of your storied past.
Lines of Echo
More of Fleet Island. As I see it.
Wheelhouse
This is where it all happens. The decisions, the navigation & charting and the tails of past expeditions.
Retired
Or maybe just resting and waiting for a scrapping and some paint.
Rigged for Oysters
This is a Deadrise Boat that is presently rigged for Oystering.
The Old Shed
I was so glad that they are keeping these old structures on the site of the meadery. I think they could tell such interesting stories.
Serendipity
A sign of the Meadworks
The Heroes of the Mead
These are just a few of the bees of Serendipity Meadworks. Busily making honey.
One of Many
There are numerous Hives on the farm and this is just one of the groupings.
Hangin' by the Light
I think this guy had one or two glasses to many.
The Silo
A band shell, a workshop, maybe a place to live... Jane told me that her husband has had multiple uses for "The Silo".
The Silo in B&W
I just had to do a black & white version.
Montgomery, Alabama
These photographs are from the National Memorial of Peace and Justice. This is a very deeply moving memorial of a very dark time in our nations history.
Memorial
The day that we visited the National Memorial for Peace and Justice was cloudy and overcast. It was very fitting for the way we were feeling. This is a place that everyone should take the time to visit but be aware that the sadness can be overwhelming.
A Striking Sculpture
I was told that I could take photographs while touring the National Memorial for Peace and Justice as long as my work was tastefully done. This scene just struck me deeply. In the background you can see the hanging representation for each of the counties in each of the states listing the names of each individual. This sculpture is titled is a monument to the transatlantic slave trade and the artist is Kwame Akoto-Bamfo.
Unknown
I was full of deep, dark sorrow while touring the National Memorial for Peace and Justice but what struck me and saddened me most was the listings of Unknown.
Hard Times
This is another sculpture from the memorial in Montgomery.
Thousands
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, Montgomery, Alabama. "Thousands of African Americans are Unknown Victims of Racial Terror Lynchings Whose Deaths Cannot be Documented, Many Whose Names Will Never be Known. They are all Honored Here".
So Many
This is just a small amount of the many, many sculptural representations (hanging steel rectangles, the size and shape of coffins) that document each person that was lynched in each of the individual counties in our country. It is an overwhelming sight to experience. More than 4075 documented lynchings of African Americans took place between 1877 and 1950, with most concentrated in 12 Southern states.
The National Memorial for Peace and Justice
This memorial includes a rectangular metal sculpture listing the names of those that had been hung in each individual county/state.
Over 4400
While touring the memorial we were told that there are over 4400 names represented.
Sacred Soil
There has been a very concerted effort to dig up a gallon jar's worth of soil at each of the lynchings sites that had taken place across our country with each jar listing the name(s) of those lynched at that particular site. This is one of many sets of shelves that are in both the National Memorial for Peace & Justice and the Legacy Museum. I was not allowed to take photographs in the Legacy Museum due to the restrictions that have been put in place. Fortunately they allow photography at the memorial.
Artwork From Selma
This is one of the many pieces of framed photography at the Selma Interpretive Center. It is a very striking and heartfelt collection of work.
Edmund Pettus Bridge
Selma Alabama. The site of Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965. Holly and I wanted to hike the bridge while in town but it was raining heavily during our visit.
"Raise Up"
By Hank Willis Thomas. This sculpture represents the systemized police violence directed towards African American men.
Let's all Remember
At least that is my wish.Florida
Dock Street of Cedar Key
I took this photograph from the public fishing pier looking back at Dock Street in January 2017. Cedar Key is a gem of Old Florida and we look forward to our next visit to this cool little town.
Quintessentially Cedar Key
To me, this old structure is so Cedar Key... It's the remnants of what was known as the Honeymoon Cottage. It's Old Florida and, it's what attracts us the town. With a great sense of community, good restaurants, fun and interesting people, bands like The James Gang, it's a great place to visit.
The Sunset & the Fisherman
Cedar Key artwork.
Go Ahead, I Dare You
Brown Pelican of Cedar Key. While I was taking the photograph it looked like he was saying "Go ahead, I dare you" warning me not to get any closer. I did heed the warning.
The Waterman's Office
I took this photograph in February 2019 from my kayak on the backwaters of Cedar Key. I enjoy watching all the watermen of the area doing their preparations, launching their boats, coming back with their days bounty and just doing their daily duties around town. It's extra special to see it all from the water.
Roseate's Aplenty
Taken in the back bay area of Cedar Key Florida during our 2019 winter road trip. We typically get to see these lovely birds during our annual visit to the town.
The Full Tuck
The Brown Pelican in its relaxed position.
Cedar Key Transportation
The prefered mode of transportation in Cedar Key is the golf cart. They even rent them to the tourists.
Palm Silhouettes
Sunset from C Street February 2019
Comin' Home
My goal was to capture the Honeymoon Cottage in silhouette as the sun was setting behind and, to my pleasure this fisherman decided to cross in the foreground.
The Fishing Pier
Cedar Key. Taken at 6:40 in the morning of February 11th, 2018.
Night Sky of the Suwannee
I took this photograph at the marina area of the "Shell Mound". The Suwannee River is at my back and this is looking out over the bay area. I wanted a totally dark sky, however, the lights of the towns at the horizon crept into my image adding that orangish glow.
The Contortionist
This Brown pelican was hanging around the dock area of downtown Cedar Key. As I was taking its photograph it began to tuck its head in a strange and awkward way. Thus my title.
The Sailor's Boat
Well used and ready to sail. This is the boat of "The Sailor" that I met at the boat building event in Cedar Key. I was amazed to hear where all he has sailed this boat.
Looking Through
I took this sunset photograph by shooting it though a dilapidated structure that sits on the wharf area of Cedar Key. The sunset caught my eye as I was "Looking Through" that torn out portion of the building. This structure is no longer exists.
Little Blue
This Little Blue Heron kept hanging out with a juvenile Night Heron in the water just outside of our camper while we were in Cedar Key during our 2019 trip. There was a great food supply and they were enjoying themselves.
Juvenile Night Heron
In search of a good meal.
"Big Ed"
I'm pretty sure that "Big Ed" and I would not have seen eye to eye on many issues and I think we would have had conflicting views on life but, you gotta give it to him.... he's surely made a statement with his shrine. If you look real close, you will see a photograph of him "flipping off" all who pass his grave.
Going Fishing Anyway
I took this from the town pier located on Dock Street in Cedar Key. As you can see it was a dense fog but these three guys were "Going Fishing Anyway". When many awake to a foggy day they can feel depressed or uninspired to spend time outdoors. For me, I get excited knowing that I can shoot as long as the fog remains and capture some wonderful photographs.
Channel Markers
Always an important part of navigation on the water but, even more so when faced with fog. Cedar Key, FL Feb 3, 2019.
Honeymoon Cottage - Of Cedar Key
As it slowly fades away the Thomas Guest House, otherwise known as the Honeymoon Cottage is an icon of the town of Cedar Key. I first photographed it last year and I captured it with a quarter-moon in the background and a purplish, cloudy sky. This year I caught it on a foggy morning. The only residents of the Honeymoon Cottage these days are the shorebirds who roost and perch on the remains of the structure. My goal is to keep shooting photographs of this structure on a yearly basis until it is no more.
Kayaking With the Birds
During our winter road trips I spent a fair amount of time out on my kayak in the mangroves of Cedar Key. One of the many joys of doing so is seeing all of the shorebirds. Many days you will find groups such as this sitting in the shallows created by the oyster beds and they watch me as I'd paddle by.
The Purveyor of Goods
We met this gentleman selling his treats in Apalachicola in January 2017
The Ole Boat of Apalachicola
This old boat, nestled in the front yard, caught my eye as we were walking the streets of Apalachicola in January of this year. What a gem of a little town with some great lod architecture, wonderful shops and fantastic restaurants. I can just imagine the good times this boat has seen in its days on the water.
Low Tide
I took this photograph while driving between Carrabelle, FL and Apalachicola, FL along Rt 319. This road runs right along the coast and, as I was driving I saw this boat sitting in the sand due to the low tide. I pulled my jeep off the road in a rather precarious location but I needed to take this photograph along with several others.
Reclaimed by Nature
Mother Nature has a way of taking back was was once hers. Her vines slowly grow, and grow, and grow causing rust and decay and added weight thus pulling and pulling at a structure until one day it all falls apart. While occurring, she creates artwork that cries out to me to capture and share. This was taken in the old dock areas of Apalachicola in January 2017.
Sunken
This is another sign of the difficulty of owning a Shrimp Boat. I took this photograph in the Carrabelle Florida dockside. this past January. It was sad to see that this boat was lost during a storm and there is sits to rot away at the docks.
Stranded by the Tide
In Carrabelle, Florida.Georgia
Busy at Work
With music in his ears... or news... a podcast maybe. Taken along the waterfront in Savannah.
Hawking Her Wares
Street Photography along the waterfront.
Sitting on a Park Bench
Street Photography of Savannah.
The Workman
As Juni and I were walking around Savannah, we came across this gentleman who was setting up a work area for some construction. that was going on. I struck up a conversation and we talked for a good five minutes or so. I then asked if I could take his photograph and he was happy to allow me. So, this is street photography with a twist.
Sign of Savannah
A Dappling of Light
Architecture of Savannah.
One of the Row
Architecture of Savannah.
Faded Glory
Coca-Cola. You gotta wonder how old this advertisement might be.
Beach Puddles
Taken in the early morning hours on Driftwood Beach of Jekyll Island. This was taken at 6:47 am and was about 30 minutes before sunrise. It's that blue time of morning.
Mushrooms & Stump
Jekyll Island, GA.
Still Life of Driftwood Beach
This was taken on Driftwood Beach of Jekyll Island, GA.
Enjoying the View
Gulls on the fishing pier in St Simons Island, GA.
North End Sunset
This was taken from the north end of Jekyll Island, GA as the day was coming to an end.
Jekyll Island Sunrise
This was taken on Jan 6, 2017. It was such a brilliant morning to be on Driftwood Beach of Jekyll Island.North Carolina
Mooring Lines
This is a close up of the mooring lines of the Shrimp Boat - Bridgot Denise of Wanchese, NC.
Kinnakeet Pier
Holly and I took a 6 day trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in November of 2015 and we had a fabulous time sightseeing throughout the area. This photograph was taken this morning as the sun was rising over the fishing pier in Avon.
Fishing On The Pier
This was also taken early this morning as the sun was rising over the Kinnakeet Pier in Avon, NC. This was actually taken with the same lens as the earlier photograph. It is a Nikon 28-300 and I just love its capability. Some decided to sleep in for that extra hour this morning but, I needed to get out and shoot while the clouds were providing this dramatic scene.
Old Diver of Ocracoke
Old Diver, Old Diver What do you say? And he says…. Nothing? I came across this grave while we were touring Ocracoke Island and just had to stop and shoot a photograph. I then did some research on Augustus Abner McGuire and read that the townspeople feel this area is haunted. They try not to walk by here after dark. I also really liked all the trinkets, including a rubber duck, that people leave at the foot of Old Diver’s gravestone.
Crayola Crayons
This colorful row of house just begged for me to stop and shoot a photograph. They are sitting along the beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A true gem of color.
Colorful Crab Traps of Wanchese
During our tour of the Outer Banks we went to Roanoke Island. We had lunch along the waterfront in Manteo, visited the Elizabethan Gardens located on the north end of the Island and then stopped at Wanchese located on the southern end of the island. There were a number of shrimp boats as well as fishing/crabbing related industry. I just loved the sight of the brightly colored crab traps and the old trailer just added to the scene.
A True Gem
The last time that I was in the Outer Banks the Bodie Island Lighthouse was under renovation and was covered in scaffolding. It was a pleasure to see it again, fully refurbished and ready for me to take a photograph. This lighthouse was put into operation in 1872 and is still operating today. A true gem and a must see if you are traveling in the area.
Pamlico Dinghy
This was taken from Harbor Road in Avon (Kinnakeet), NC and is looking out on Pamlico Sound as the sun was going down on Halloween night. I loved how the light was touching the dinghy giving such a warm feeling.
Surf Fisherman
Taken along the coast in Rodanthe, NC.Tennessee
Memphis Grate
On the streets of Memphis, TN.
Signs of Beale
Beale Street, Memphis May 2017
Signs of Beale
Beale Street, Memphis May 2017
Marathon
Motor Car Company, Nashville. I took this photograph during our summer road trip through Tennessee in May 2017. This is the old Marathon Motor Car Company Building that is now the second home of American Pickers as well as numerous other vendors. You can see more of my work at RandyRobertsPhotography.com
Antique Archaeology
We just had to visit... The American Pickers Store in Nashville, TN. We stopped here during May 2017 road trip and, yes, I'm a fan.
Store Hours
This is another photograph of the Antique Archaeology store in Nashville, TN.