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WILSON WYATT JR

Category Archives: Chesapeake Bay

Delmarva Review’s 10th Edition features 40 writers – New Submissions period is open

23 Saturday Dec 2017

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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Tags

Anthology, Authors, Best Writing, Birth, Book Reviews, Change, Chesapeake, Death, Delmarva Review, Eastern Shore Writers, Essays, Fiction, Future, Hope, Inspiration, Literary Magazines, Love, Nonfiction, Poetry, Prose, Recovery, Schizophrenia, Short Stories, Submissions

DR-V10-Cover-Web-sig

I am pleased to publish “Delmarva Review” announcements on my blog, as chairman of the editorial board and executive editor.  All of us are proud of its continued progress over 10 years to publish outstanding literary work. – Wilson Wyatt

Delmarva Review announced publication of its tenth annual literary journal presenting original poetry, short stories and nonfiction from 40 authors in 18 states. The Review welcomes submissions from all writers.

“The tenth anniversary issue touches on the themes of change and hope,” said Emily Rich, editor of the tenth edition. “Amidst the uncertainties of life, people grasp for what is eternal in the human condition.”

The 2017 first place winner of Chesapeake Voices Prose Contest is featured in this edition. The short story, “The Future is Not For Sale,” by Jeremy Griffin, of South Carolina, was hailed by contest judge Laura Oliver, of Maryland, as “sophisticated with especially strong characterization.”

Editors selected 41 new poems, 11 short stories, five nonfiction essays, and five book reviews for the tenth edition.

Since its first year, the journal has printed the original literary work of over 280 authors. Some are newly discovered. In all, they have come from 35 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 other countries. About half are from the Delmarva and Chesapeake region. Fifty-three works have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and some have received notable mentions in anthologies and critical journals.

Delmarva Review is published by the Delmarva Review Literary Fund (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), supported by individual contributions and a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council, with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.

The submission period for the 2018 issue is open now through March 31, 2018. Submission guidelines are posted on the website www.delmarvareview.com.

The journal produces print and electronic editions. Both are available worldwide via Amazon.com and other online booksellers. It is downloadable in a digital format for tablets, computers, smart phones, and other reading devices. Two-year subscriptions are available at a discount through the website. 

Delmarva Review’s New Cover – 10th Anniversary

16 Saturday Sep 2017

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, The Delmarva Review, Writing

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Books, Chesapeake Bay, Delaware, Delmarva Peninsula, District of Columbia, Fiction, Literary Arts, Literary Journals, Literary Magazines, Maryland, Nonfiction, Photography, Poetry, shucked oysters, Virginia

Photographer Calvin “Cal” Jackson’s color image “Recycle” was selected for the tenth anniversary cover of the Delmarva Review, to be published on November 1.

Photograph “Recycle” by Cal Jackson – Click on photo for full size image

Cal Jackson’s cover image “Recycle” shows shucked oyster shells, in rustic old bushels, to spread on bay oyster beds, providing a solid hold for oyster larvae and a future crop of oysters. The photographer, from Easton, MD exhibits at galleries and shows in Baltimore, Easton, Cambridge and Chestertown, MD, as well as Brooklyn, New York. He’s a retired accountant and former audit manager for information technology with the U.S. Army.

The Delmarva Review is a nonprofit literary journal publishing compelling new poetry, fiction and nonfiction from writers within the region and beyond. It celebrates its 10th anniversary edition in November. The Review is supported by the Eastern Shore Writers Association, individual contributions, and a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.

The next submission period for literary work and cover art is from November 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, for the eleventh edition. See the website for information, at www.delmarvareview.com.

“Chesapeake Views” – Blink of an eye

24 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, Maryland, Photography, Writing

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Annapolis, Best of Maryland Mentor Series, Chesapeake Bay, Dawn, Eastern Shore, Inspiration, Kentucky, Landscape and Nature Photography, Maryland, Natural Light, Nikon, Popular Photography Magazine, Pursuit of Beauty, St. Michaels, The Courier-Journal, The Writer's Center

Another book review of Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light. Thank you to Dara McBride, Feature Editor at The Cecil Whig, for the current article.

Chesapeake Sunrise, at Thomas Point Light

Chesapeake at Dawn, Thomas Point Light –  One of the images before the cover shot for the book.   Click on the image for a full view

This is the third consecutive book review and interview by an editor recently, all unsolicited. As a photographer and writer, I’m delighted.  In fairness, I must give most of the credit to the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region. My contribution is a click of the shutter, a blink of the eye.

The published interview follows:

Photographer Wilson Wyatt catches Chesapeake moments                               By Dara McBride, dmcbride@cecilwhig.com | Wednesday, February 19, 2014

ST. MICHAELS — At just the right moment, with just the right light, photographer Wilson Wyatt can get the shot no one else can.

Out of 27 photographers taking photos of the Thomas Point Shoal Light, the historical Chesapeake Bay lighthouse, at dawn one morning, Wyatt walked away with the award-winning shot. After waiting for the sun to hit the roofline of the lighthouse, Wyatt captured the meeting of a cruise ship and tanker as they sky turned tangerine.

“Photography, for me, is purely a pursuit of beauty,” said Wyatt, 70, of St. Michaels. “A pursuit of passion and beauty, those are the things that make life worthwhile.”

The Chesapeake region has its own unique beauty, one that Wyatt has tried to capture as a photographer in his latest book, “Chesapeake Views — Catching the Light.” The scene of the Thomas Point Shoal Light, which won the Nikon Mentor Series “Best of Maryland” photo, is the cover of the book.

For area residents, the book is filled with familiar sights of the Eastern Shore, of lighthouses, sailboats and sunsets over water. The tabletop book includes 82 color images taken of the Chesapeake and Eastern Shore region. Also included in the book is information on where and how many of the images were taken.

Enchanted by the bay area, Wyatt and his wife decided to move to the Chesapeake region about 15 years ago.

Although now a skilled photographer, Wyatt started on the other side of communications: writing.

He started his career as a reporter and feature writer at The Courier-Journal in Kentucky and, intrigued by the skill of the newspaper’s photographers, took up photography as a hobby. He said he learned photography by studying the works of others and critique from mentors.

Over the years he has balanced both photography and writing. Right now, he is executive editor of literary journal The Delmarva Review and is active on the board of The Writer’s Center, in the Washington, D.C. area.

Today, he’s the one teaching the photography skills. As president of the Academy for Lifelong Learning at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, he leads spring classes in beginner and intermediate digital photography. He reminds himself and students that photography can be a demanding art.

Wyatt focuses on light in his series of Chesapeake photos. Photography is more than pointing a camera and pushing a button, he said. Photography is about catching light, the colors that make up a scene, how light bounces off clouds and waiting for the moment for it all to come together.

“I am definitely a morning person,” Wyatt said, commenting on his favorite time of the day to shoot. There are three stages of light to shoot in the morning, he explained: predawn light, the reflection on clouds before sunrise and the sunrise itself.

Photography is “a constant discovery,” Wyatt said.

“It’s always a challenge, and I wish I could go back and take many of the photos I took years ago again because I’ve gotten better,” said Wyatt.

In addition to “Chesapeake Views,” Wyatt has published another hardback book of his color photography in 2011, “Yosemite – Catching the Light.” He also publishes a blog on his experiences, Writing & Photography – the Art of Words and Images, at www.wilsonwyattjr.com.

For the full article in The Cecil Whig, go to:

http://www.cecildaily.com/features/arts_and_culture/article_c308bfd6-a792-59d1-8f7f-3c7334e2ed9f.html

Book Availability:

‘Chesapeake Views—Catching the Light,’ is available at Talbot County Public Libraries, the News Center, in Easton, MD and Mystery Loves Company, in Oxford, MD. For more information about signed copies of the book, contact the author directly by email at: wwwyatt2@gmail.com.

November Reflection, from "Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light" - click on image for a larger view

November Reflection, from “Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light”    click on image for a larger view

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A delightful way to end the year and welcome 2014

30 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, Maryland, Photography, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake360.com, Maryland, Photography, The Star Democrat

My photo, “Winter Cardinal,” is the cover of Chesapeake 360‘s January 2014 issue.  Another image, “December Reflections,” illustrates a full-page article on Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light.  Thank you to The Star Democrat newspaper, on the Eastern Shore, for sharing these photographs of the Chesapeake Bay region.  As I say in my book, “Photography is all about working with light, a mere blink of light, measured in time. The camera is a kind of clock.”

"Winter Cardinal," the cover image on Chesapeake 360, for January 2014

“Winter Cardinal,” by Wilson Wyatt Jr., cover image on Chesapeake 360, January 2014     –  Click on image for full view

"December Reflection" photo and article in Chesapeake 360

“December Reflection” photo and article in Chesapeake 360  –  Click on image for full view

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Book Review . . . ‘Chesapeake Views’ Captures Shore Beauty

12 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, Maryland, Photography, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Book Review, Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light, Eastern Shore, Exhibition, James Dissette, Macro Photography, Maryland, Photography Book, Sunrises, Sunsets, The Talbot Spy, Thomas Point Lighthouse, Watermen, Wildlife Photos

It’s a pleasure to receive a review by James Dissette, publisher of The Talbot Spy (go to: http://talbotspy.com/chesapeake-views-captures-shore-beauty/).

He writes:

Sometimes we have to see through someone else’s eyes to newly appreciate the world at hand. Our workaday lives can dull our appreciation for the rich visual palette the Shore has to offer: the omnipresent Bay; the web of tributaries twisting through panoramas of forest and field; its vast array of marine, field and forest wildlife.

Good photographic images reintroduce us to the world around us.  They are both a re-visiting and a discovery, and leave us wanting to explore with a refreshed curiosity. Wilson Wyatt’s collection of Eastern Shore photographs, “Chesapeake Views—Catching the Light,” is an invitation to rediscover the Eastern Shore, and sometimes discover facets of it for the first time.

December Reflection - Click on image for larger view

December Reflection  – Click on image for larger view

While there are many wonderful wildlife photos, from soaring osprey to graceful mute swans, fawns silhouetted by orange dawns, along with a gallery of exquisite macro-images of butterflies in a section Wyatt calls “All the Little Live Things,” the spirit of the book glows within its selection of purely Eastern Shore motifs—fog-shrouded waterman tonging for oysters, fiery sunrises spilling gold across still rivers, a sailboat limned by the setting sun or a heron poised like a sentinel on the bow of a fishing boat.

Tonging for Oysters II - click on image for larger view

Tonging for Oysters II  – Click on image for larger view

Each image has a caption—some with technical advice for fellow photogs—poetically describing the image. The distinct captions become a helpful narrative for the reader. It’s a bit like walking through an art exhibition with a friendly and articulate tour guide.

Sunrise at Thomas Point Lighthouse, by Wilson Wyatt jr. - Click on image for larger view

Sunrise at Thomas Point Lighthouse (cover photo), by Wilson Wyatt jr.  – Click on image for larger view

Thank you for a delightful book review on The Talbot Spy! For more about the book, see “About,” on this blog.

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Today’s book signing…the final stretch of publishing

09 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, Photography, Writing

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Book Signing, Chesapeake Bay, Delmarva Peninsula, Easton, Maryland, Photography, Publishing, Writers, Writing

Book signings are akin to opening night at the theatre. Theatre is involved, with a few opening lines…and there is a set, of sorts: a draped table with one’s books spread out for viewing, a pen, and there is a simple wooden chair for the author. Props are sparse.

Author-photographer Wilson Wyatt at a book signing for "Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light," at The News Center, in Easton, MD. Photo by Katie Wyatt

Author-photographer Wilson Wyatt, Jr. at a book signing for “Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light,” 2013, at The News Center, in Easton, MD. – Photo by Katie Wyatt

The real likeness to theatre comes when the curtain is raised. For the first time, the book is presented to the public. All the hard work of writing…or photographing, in my case…the editing, proofs, design, printing, and finally the promotion and distribution, it’s all done, waiting for the first public viewing. The author sits at the table waiting for the audience. Imagine what actors feel, that tumbling in the gut, before the lights. Will they engage their audience?

Yet, when the curtain is raised and the lights are turned on, the energy transforms us. It’s a special feeling. The hour has arrived.

Today was that special time. The audience trailed in, composed of friends and strangers, alike. They picked up the books, opened the pages and sampled my photography. Some read the descriptive narrative. We talked about the unique qualities of the book and how the images were taken. Then, the magic words…I want your book. Will you sign it for me? 

It was a good day for an opening. I take a bow to all who bought my book and hope you enjoy Chesapeake Views-Catching the Light. Its 82 images are from my interpretation to your imagination, now and for years to come. Thank you.

Signing "Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light" - Photo by Katie Wyatt

Signing “Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light,” 2013 – Photo by Katie Wyatt

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Don’t Pixelate Over Pixels…photography for beginners

03 Friday May 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, Inspiration, Photography

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Academy for Lifelong Learning, Cameras, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Classes, Composition, Critiquing, Digital, Kate Mann, Landscapes, Learning, Maryland, Photography, Portraits, Robert Lippson, Smart Phones, St. Michaels, Tablets, Travel Photography

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I was pleased to be joined by two other photographers, Robert Lippson and Kate Mann, offering a three-day course on “Digital Photography for Beginners,” at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, in St. Michaels, Maryland.  We had some fun demystifying new technology, showing how to take advantage of the latest in digital photography, from cameras to smart phones, and everything between.

The “hands-on” course was designed for anyone wanting to improve their photography.  Like other arts or crafts, we start with the “tools.”  Instead of paints and brushes, we use a camera and lens.  Once we understand the strengths of our tools, creativity is set free. Photography is about playing with light.

Three classes (on May 10, 17, and 24) were divided between classroom discussion and shooting in the field, on the beautiful campus of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.  Offered as part of the Academy for Lifelong Learning, 30 students learned and enjoyed sharing their results. The course sold out, with a waiting list. We will consider repeating it in the future.

When photography translates a feeling from one human to another, its craft turns into art.

14 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, Photography, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Art, Chesapeake Bay, Craftsmanship, Feelings, Photography, Time, Tonging for Oysters, Watermen

Tonging for Oysters II - click on image for larger view

Tonging for Oysters II – click on image for larger view

I believe the same is true for all the arts.  There is craftsmanship, and there is art.  We struggle to master our craft, hoping to create something worthy of becoming art.  We don’t have to do that.  There is pleasure in craftsmanship.  But when artistry happens, we know something special has occurred. The creation is exhilarating, for both the artist and the audience.

Photography…learning from a mentor can be a magical experience.

12 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Best of Maryland Photo Contest, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Mentor Series Photo Treks, Photography, Thomas Point Lighthouse, Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Butterflies, Chesapeake Bay, Corey Rich, Dragonfly, Flowers, Mark Alberhasky, Marshlands, Maryland, Mentor Series Worldwide Photo Treks, National Geographic, Nikon, Popular Photography Magazine, Thomas Point Lighthouse

Image

– Schooner Heading Home at Sunset, Chesapeake Bay  (click photo for larger image)

Photography…learning from a mentor, a master of craft, can be a magical experience.  I recommend it for all aspiring photographers. If you want to take better photographs, I don’t know of a better way. In this post, I’ll mention some photographic tips from Nikon’s professional mentors. 

Writing and photography are two of my artistic passions.  Each is part “craft” and part “art.” Each engages visual perception as a gateway to the mind. Even our memories of events past are visited through the “images” we store in our minds.

I had the pleasure of joining two Nikon mentors recently for a three-day trek through the Chesapeake Bay country of Maryland. On a July blog post, I promised to share more about the experience. Instead, I decided to pass along a few tips and techniques, which may be useful to you.  I’ll also post some of my images from the trip.

First, some credits. Mentor Series Worldwide Photography Treks is the group that organized the trek in Maryland, last June. Nikon is a key sponsor. The website is: www.mentorseries.com. You can check out some of their fabulous photo journeys at beautiful spots around the world. But, be prepared to do some serious work (it’s all fun!) and to enjoy meeting a small group of like-minded aspiring photographers. There were about 25 on my trek. We learned from each other, as well as from the pros.

The two mentors were Mark Alberhasky, from Atlanta, and Corey Rich, from San Francisco. You’ve seen their stunning images in national magazines, from Nikon World to National Geographic. You can’t beat the one-to-one learning experience. Mark’s website is http://imagema.com and Corey’s is www.coreyrich.com. Check them out. They have very different approaches to photography, yet they are complimentary teachers. Mentor Series did a nice job of pairing these photographic masters.

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– Professional Nikon photographer Mark Alberhasky, above, explains technique to a member of our group.

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– Nikon mentor photographer Corey Rich, above, says a great photo should tell a story.

Tips From Our Mentors – for Single Lens Reflex Cameras (SLR):

Photography is all about light, and the way it forms an image. Think about light when you frame a shot…what kind of light (direct or reflective), how does it light your subject, what is in the shadows? To act like the human eye, the camera needs to be adjusted. The following will help.

– Select the file format…raw or jpg.  Raw gives you far more latitude to improve your image later, with processing software.

– Select the best ISO for your lighting conditions (for low light or bright light).  Modern cameras are amazingly sophisticated.  Don’t be afraid to use their technology.

– Color – In your camera’s menu, set the color to Adobe’s “RGB.” It covers far more of the color spectrum than “SKGB.” Also, set your white balance to “daylight,” not “automatic.”

– Camera settings – Think about your creative choices (automatic vs manual; selecting lens aperture and shutter speed).  What type of shot…macro, action, landscape, or portrait?

– Don’t be bashful – Do whatever it takes to create an interesting image.

– Shoot lots of photos to get the one perfect shot.  Digital storage is cheap, unlike film.

– Look INTO the viewfinder…not through it. Notice the frame marks in the viewfinder. This will be the image.  Compose your shot within the viewfinder, with as little excess as possible.  Think…and slowly release the shutter.  As they say, “Nail it in the camera!”

 – Every photo should tell “a story.”  What is the story you are going to tell with this image?

– Be a little uncomfortable – Don’t be afraid to get dirty or look a little silly. Lie on the ground and shoot up, or at least even…or eye-to eye with a pet or insect. Stretch…do what it takes.

– Ask, “Is the content interesting…is there a better or more unusual angle?”

– “Make” a photo situation…don’t be passive. If you use a model, don’t be afraid to give direction.

– Shoot in rapid sequence. Use the “continuous” setting on your SLR. Usually, there’s only one chance to get the right image. Don’t lose it.

– Focus accurately on your subject. Hold your camera steady in one hand, elbows into the body, and trip the shutter with the other. Do whatever it takes, including using a tripod (if possible), to get the sharpest possible image.

– Equipment – Before you go on your photo trek, list the equipment you will need for the day (or night).  Only bring what you may need for each trek, in a comfortable daypack.  Always bring rain gear…for your camera, as well as your protection.

A few more images from the Maryland trek follow:

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– “Thomas Point Lighthouse at Sunrise,” above, winner of the Best of Maryland Photo Competition (click on image to enlarge)

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– Swallowtail Butterfly, in one of the natural settings we visited. (Click on image to enlarge)

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– Sunrise at the Bow, on the Chesapeake Bay (Click on image to enlarge)

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– “Who has the biggest lens?” – shooting in the marshes, near Rock Hall.

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– Beauty in the marshlands, a visiting butterfly (Click to enlarge image)

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– A Dragonfly rests in the marshland

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– A parting shot from one of the gardens near Annapolis

 

Best of Maryland…Mentor Series photo winner

13 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, Photography, Sunrise

≈ 6 Comments

Sunrise at Thomas Point Lighthouse

My photo, “Sunrise at Thomas Point Lighthouse,” won the Mentor Series “Best of Maryland” photography competition.  I feel honored.  Mentor Series Worldwide Photo Treks are sponsored by Nikon and Popular Photography magazine.  The photo, taken on the Chesapeake Bay, is one of two of my images exhibited in their gallery, a selection of photographs from about 25 photographers who enjoyed three days of shooting together in Maryland last month. I’ll post more about the Maryland photo trek in the days to come.  Their website is: http://www.mentorseries.com.

Considering the quality of images from the other photographers on our trek, I am deeply honored. The two professional photographer mentors on our trip were Cory Rich and Mark Alberhasky. Both shoot for Nikon World, among many other credits.

Swallowtail Butterfly

My second image, selected for the gallery, was a close-up of a “Swallowtail Butterfly,” taken in the marsh lands of Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge.  More to come, soon.

 

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