January 2025

Outer Banks

North Carolina / Winter / Coast

Each winter I travel to the coast of North Carolina in January to photograph the barrier islands of the Outer Banks. A migration of sorts, I guess. This year, the average temperatures were well below normal. The winds stayed aggressive throughout and consistently from the north. Early in the trip, I lost my ultra wide lens to wear and tear: adjusting to medium focal lengths was an ongoing theme thereafter. A rare snowstorm pushed up the coast from the south. Snow days at the beach were both unique and special. A big thanks to the locals for sharing this beautiful place with us. My goal on any extended trip is to bag one frame per day; to experience at least one moment of creative flow between sunrise and sunset. Below are some of my results.

January 2, 2025 / Pea Island NWR

(Left) The intricate details of a fallen bird’s feathers along the beach. (Right) Macro of the translucent disc of a Moon Jellyfish on the beach.

Wind driven sand patterns on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

January 4, 2025 / Pea Island NWR

Wind creates unique patterns and shapes along the beach and dunes of Pea Island following a night of heavy wind.

January 9, 2025 / Jockey’s Ridge SP

Photographing wind via the patterns it left behind in the deep sands at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

January 10, 2025 / Roanoke Sound

Abstract scenes found along the Roanoke Sound in South Nags Head, NC.

January 11 + 13, 2025 / Jockey’s Ridge SP & South Nags Head

(Left) Wind-blown sand patterns at Jockey’s Ridge SP. (Right) Sunrise at Bodie Island Lighthouse.

January 13, 2025 / South Nags Head

A colorful and interesting sunrise over the marsh behind Bodie Island Lighthouse.

January 13, 2025 / Manteo

The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Shallowbag Bay, downtown Manteo, North Carolina.

January 13, 2025 / Manteo

The full wolf moon of January rises over The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on Shallowbag Bay in downtown Manteo, NC.

January 14, 2025 / Pea Island NWR + South Nags Head

Clear skies and sharp color gradients at sunset from Pea Island to South Nags Head.

January 15, 2025 /Jockey’s Ridge SP

Sand patterns in fading evening light, Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

January 18, 2025 / Manteo

A brilliant rainbow over Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in downtown Manteo, NC.

January 18, 2025 / Manteo

The blue hour of dusk at Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse in Manteo, NC.

January 19, 2025 / Corolla Historic Park

Hunting boats on Currituck Sound as seen from underneath the coverd gazebo at Corolla Historic Park during a light rain.

January 19, 2025 / Oregon Inlet

The Oregon Inlet connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pamlico Sound.

January 20, 2025 / Pea Island NWR

Wind patterns in sand on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

January 22, 2025 / South Nags Head

Snow blankets the dunes and beaches around Jennette’s Pier in South Nags Head at dawn/blue hour.

January 22, 2025 / Manteo

Scenes from around downtown Manteo following a rare coastal snowstorm.

January 22, 2025 / Jockey’s Ridge SP

The intermingling of snow and sand, both driven and reorganized by wind.

January 22, 2025 / Jockey’s Ridge SP

The eastern terminus of The Mountains to Sea Trail at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, North Carolina.

Snow and Sand at Jockey's Ridge State Park

January 22, 2025 / Manteo

Walk around images at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, North Carolina.

January 24, 2025 / South Nags Head

Sunrise over concrete steps anchoring a storm drainage pipe, South Nags Head.

January 24, 2025 / Pea Island NWR

Wind-blown snow and sand in the dunes at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

January 24, 2025 / Historic Corolla Park

Winter scenes from around Historic Corolla Park, Corolla, North Carolina.

January 24, 2025 / Historic Corolla Park

Brilliant sunset over winter landscapes within Historic Corolla Park, Currituck Banks.

January 25, 2025 / Roanoke Island

Waterfront homes reflect into the pastel hues of dawn on Roanoke Island, North Carolina.

January 2025

Outer Banks

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