This area is known for its coastal bird populations in the winter months and its sweeping landscapes and seascapes. Our objective is to capture the essence of the Outer Banks - the natural beauty of the area through the photography of coastal birds, sand dunes and ocean waves, the duality of architecture on the islands, and if we’re lucky, some astro-photography at a lighthouse or two.
You are responsible for your own travel, hotel stay, and meals. I have blocked rooms at the below hotel to stay as a group, but not required. If you'd like to carpool, I have 3 spots available in my jeep.
Locations:
Hotel: Comfort Inn South Oceanfront, 8031 S Old Oregon Inlet Rd, Nags Head, NC 27959
Possible photo spots:
- Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Rodanthe
- Nags Head Woods Preserve
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse & “Joe’s Secret Beach Access Area”
Day 1:
Travel - Leave Charlotte @ 8AM. Will arrive at Hotel approx 2:30-3:00PM. Drop off & travel to the first spot.
Locations: Bodie Island Lighthouse for birding, landscapes, sunset & Astrophotography (if weather is clear). Other spots for shooting: Oregon Inlet Life Saving Station & Bonner Bridge Pier
(Stop at some point for dinner in Nags Head)
Day 2: Morning
Locations: Oregon Inlet Life Saving Station & Bonner Bridge Pier,
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center (Trail), The Eye of Rodanthe
(Break for Lunch)
Personal time/Photo edit time
Day 2: Afternoon
Photo Review for 3 hrs
Locations: Hatteras Lighthouse, “Joe’s secret walking trail” for sunset, landscapes, seascapes, and a second attempt at astrophotography, perhaps at the Hatteras Lighthouse.
Dinner at Angelo's Pizza
Day 3:
Locations: Jennette's Pier (optional/if open) or back to Oregon Inlet Life Saving Station & Bonner Bridge Pier
Travel back to Charlotte, leaving by 10AM
### What to Bring
Camera Gear:
- Camera (minimum)
- Required Lenses (bring Lens hoods if you have them)
- Wide Angle Lens, the wider the better
- Long Telephoto Lens, longer than 200mm is preferred
- Optional Lenses
- General use wide angle
- Prime or Macro Lenses
- Tripod (make sure you have your tripod plate!)
- Shutter Release (Wireless is preferred, but wired will suffice as well)
- Filters
- CLP (Circular Polarizer)
- ND (Neutral Density)
- Graduated ND (Optional)
- Memory Cards
- Lens Cloth
Non-Camera Gear:
- Cold weather clothing - Layers are key!
- Gloves
- Hat/beanie/tobagan… whatever you call it, don’t forget a warm one
- Hiking boots and/or Gloshes.
- Heavy Coat, wind breaker
- Hand Warmers (Optional)
- Protective glasses/sunglasses in case its windy
- Flashlight/headlamp
