Two weeks ago we decided on Thursday night to head to the beach the next afternoon. Normally our beach trips are pretty pre-planned since being a wedding photographer can dictate your schedule months in advance…. but we happened to have the weekend free, so off we went. We’d been there the weekend prior and heard the El Galeon was docked for touring so we decided to go check it out. We never really venture into downtown Wilmington and I was a little shocked to see all the work that had been done! Tons of new boat docks, construction and loads of new restaurants! I was actually so impressed with the giant dock where the El Galeon was docked I tried contacting the city to see if you can rent it for private parties… hello awesome wedding reception under the stars! They even have the perfect cafe lights strung overhead! …. so we checked out the Spanish ship replica… it was really cool, but there wasn’t too much to see once you were on board that you couldn’t see from the dock. They have a crew living aboard as they dock in different cities for tours, so much of the boat is dedicated to them and their living quarters. Nevertheless, I am glad we did it! This was also the first roll of film I’d shot using my new light meter. If you haven’t studied photography or aren’t a photographer a light meter is a contraption to read the light and tell you what to set your camera to… most modern day cameras have a meter built into the camera, but older ones do not, thus an external meter is needed. Until now, I’ve relied on my light meter app on my phone (which works surprisingly well!) but I knew I needed to make the jump. I’m thrilled to report I only had ONE underexposed shot on this roll!! I jumped for joy yesterday when I saw the scans!!! It really gives me so much more confidence shooting film and recharges me to keep shooting! Which… PS. today is the last day to apply for one of my three free sessions!   This last shot is from one of my favorite streets in Carolina Beach…. wouldn’t you just love to do a bridal or engagement session here?! I would…. 😉 Contact me to schedule yours! We’ll be down there this weekend for Labor Day if anyone wants to book a last minute session around the Carolina Beach/Ft. Fisher/Southport area! Remember, a special rate applies!