Summer is over and I've got pics!
 

Here in Florida we don't have enough significant changes in weather to really separate the seasons so for me its
the events and activities that I do every year that defines my winter, spring, summer and fall. Summer is my favorite
and I spend most of my time at the beach which borders the majority of Florida.

Here's some pics I took to illustrate how I spend my Summers.




I've traveled the entire coast of Florida and the variances are subtle but distinct with each stretch offering a unique experience.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/01.jpg

I've been surfing for thirty years and summer always means small waves. This guy catches a wave at the most consistent break
in FL while a barge heads out the inlet on its way to create an artificial reef to lure in Lobsters. Another sign of summer is Lobster season.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/02.jpg

With school out and people on vacation the beach gets crowded with people having nothing but fun.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/03.jpg

The ocean is alive with energy and every vantage point holds the promise of adventure.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/04.jpg

Surfing is not just a sport, its a lifestyle that promotes travel, culture, fitness and respect for our environment. The way the activity
tones and shapes the body while the elements bronze the skin and highlight the hair makes it easy to spot a surfer.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/05.jpg

Summer is also hurricane season and we often get some decent size surf from them. This year we had three hurricanes
that stayed off the coast but produced some quality surf. Big waves with no damage is the ultimate scenario and we scored.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/06.jpg

Big or small we don't care as long as we have something to ride. Size isn't everything when it comes to surfing in Florida
and the talent here proves it. As a matter of fact we have three world surfing champions in FL and one just happens to
be a ten time and current world champion and arguably the best surfer ever.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/07.jpg

When I'm not at the beach I'm often out chasing cars with exotics being my favorite. Its so much fun to stand out by the
side of the road in anticipation of what might drive up next at my monthly Cars & Cafe.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/08.jpg

I own Jeeps but my photography has allowed me access to some of the most exotic cars today including the
Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu and Koenigsegg Trevita. I'm not sure what's better, owning them or having friends that give
you access to their cars like this stunning Porsche Carrera GT.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/09.jpg

The Offshore Powerboat races come around every summer and I'm always there to capture the action.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/10.jpg

For the first time this summer I hit the Hot Rod power tour to check out some different rides. I never get caught up in
those exotics vs Hot Rod battles. I look for the best in both worlds and get to experience it all. Those that draw lines
are only cheating themselves. I want to experience it all and make friends where ever I go.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/11.jpg

This little red Corvette is just as cool as the red Carrera GT. They just need to be appreciated in different ways.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/12.jpg

There is a big surf festival every Labor Day weekend and I've been about 25 of the last 30 years. This year they had
a bunch of tandem teams from Hawaii and it was very cool to watch them do their thing. Like the Hulu dance there is much
more involved and the more you know the more you can appreciate what they do.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/13.jpg

Summer time means Football and since my Miami Dolphins suck and and a bunch of my family are UF Alumni, I've decided
to root for Denver. Tebow came to town for a book signing so I stood in line for six hours with a few thousand collage age
girls that think they have a chance to be Mrs. Tebow and dressed for the challenge. Actually it was pretty fun and my
nephew that graduated with Tebow will be getting a book for xmas.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/14.jpg

Where I live there are lots of streams and backwaters that are fun to check out on a kayak. On this trip a few weeks ago
I saw lots of birds, fish, turtles and even an Otter that popped his head up to check things out before disappearing into
the vegetation. No gators this time but thats ok because I know they will be there on the next trip.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/15.jpg

Summer is kind of slow for exotic cars. Nobody wants to bring them out in the heat and many of the owners spend their
summers up north. I've got plans to do a full shoot with a friend's Ferrari F40 as soon as the weather cools off but for now
I just have to keep my eyes peeled for those diehard drivers that feel the need for speed in cars like this awesome Ferrari 599 GTO

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/16.jpg

After spending a day at the beach nothing is better than slipping into my friend's jacuzzi to relax, have a drink and wash
the beach away. The experience is only enhanced by the company I keep and I choose my jacuzzi buddies wisely.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/17.jpg

More to come......

nice pics man

Great post nice descriptions!

Love your outdoor shots! :thumsup

Always good to get a break from t&a.

Cool thread.

Wow, you always find the hotties !! :thumbsup


Amazing pics yet again! You post some of the best stuff i've ever seen on GFY. You need to do pic threads more often. :2 cents:

And no i don't just mean for the tits & ass... :winkwink:

love the pics and stories!

very nice

Great pics :thumbsup

I was going to say these 2 photos had great appeal :thumbsup

Looks like a pretty hygienic vacation ...

I love your pics! That tandem team surfing looks amazing; I can only imagine how long that takes to master.

........continuing on with a few more shots of an enticing jacuzzi partner.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/18.jpg

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/19.jpg

The beach takes on a new life as the day draws to an end and I'll often hit the pier for some late afternoon fishing,
swap stories with the old timers and check out the tourist girls that come to watch the sunset.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/20.jpg

In certain parts of the state it seems to rain almost every day in the summer to the point you could set your clock to it.
Usually its one big thunderstorm that blows through before you know it and things are soon back to the way they were
just minutes before. If you take the time to watch, it can be an awesome and beautiful display of nature.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/21.jpg

There was a time when I'd take pictures like this in the summer. The beach was my favorite location to shoot
and I'd find a spot in the open shade to get a few images before heading down to the sand and take advantage
of the setting sun and the warm light it produces. That " magic " light can make all the difference in setting the mood
of a photograph and with having it in my own backyard I took advantage every chance I got.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/22.jpg

Sunsets were my first subject and I still have the first slide I took some 36 years ago. I like summer best for taking sunset
pictures because you get so many interesting cloud formations from the daily thunderstorms. Every day ends with a
sunset and each one can be as unique as the creativity you put into capturing one. This one looks like a big scoop of ice cream.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/23.jpg

Summer has passed and fall is just the beginning of winter to me and a whole buch of new events to look forward to.
Tomorrow I'm headed to Daytona for Biketoberfest then its more car shows and an exotic car track day at the speedway.
Then its Speedweeks, Bike Week and lots of other stuff up until Easter when its time to settle into summer again.
I saw this guy on the beach one day and I'm thinking his ride would be perfect for a day at the beach.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/24.jpg

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

This is a fantastic shot! :thumbsup

What lens did you use? It looks kind of fisheye?

dude, awesome picssss!

Very, very, very nice photos. Thanks!

.

Thanks, I try and post stuff to remind us what we're working for and not with :winkwink:

Thanks. I appreciate the comments. I used to try and do picture post like this and a car thread could go two pages no problem but now
it gets far less views and responses. The crowd has change some and while I'm not posting for page views I am posting to share with
the community and its not worth it is there isn't any interest. Maybe I can follow this with a Biketoberfest roundup. :winkwink:

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/25.jpg

Tandem surfing has a rich hawaiian history and it was cool to watch them perform. As a surfer I can appreciate the athletic ability
it takes just to have two on the board but the stuff they were pulling off was just amazing. Each pose had a name and they would often
hit two or three on a single wave. The transition from one pose to the other was just as beautiful.

Thanks for your interest and to all those that commented.

Here's a few more.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/26.jpg

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/27.jpg

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/28.jpg

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/29.jpg

That was taken with a GoPro HD camera set on time lapse @ 1 pic every 2 seconds.
I ran it for about an hour as the storm passed with several lighning strikes. This was the only frame to capture a bolt :)

Thanks :)

Florida really is a great place to live even though its slap full of crazy people but I didn't have to tell you that :winkwink:

I love seeing photos and stories from the other side of the tracks. :1orglaugh

Again, those are very nice photos, love the beach shots.

.

wow man! $300 and less! They are some fantastic shots!... especially with the bolt shooting down :thumbsup

I don't half mind the one with the white bikini babes arse out of the water too :winkwink:

Best picture thread of the year!
Beautiful cars and hot babes. :)

:thumbsup


I can't get over the camera on gopros are only 5mp... The camera is waterproof to 60mtrs aswell! I have to get one of these :2 cents:

great pics, thanks for posting!

Just to be clear, the lightning shot was taken with the GoPro HD and the rest were taken with a Canon 40D and usually my 70-200 2.8 lens.

Thanks :)

Big exotic car show and a track day coming up so I guess I'll have to post a few.

Ahhh which is why the photo has that fisheye, panoramic feel to it... nice one :thumbsup

I've just taken a load of studio shots today with my 1.8f lens. New lens, new studio... The shots are great, but, i'm finding I need to use the camera flash with the 2 flash units either side to get the right lighting, rather than using the remote on the camera & just the 2 outside units :(

love the pics and descriptions...please post more of your adventures :)

They're an amazing little camera, have 3 of the suckers and the footage / photos they can deliver are amazing.

Do you get any incar stuff with the gopro? Pretty much all I use them for but you have opened my eyes - going to capture a few things at the beach to see how it goes.

Great photos.

Back around 1998 I used to work with a NSCAR team as the photographer and the owner/driver wanted lots of video including in car stuff. Back then I had to get a lipstick camera from the spy store and hook it up to a miniDV camera and add a mic because the lipstick didn't have audio. Then I had to find a way to mount all that inside the car and make it accessible because the video camera had to go through a sequence of buttons to start record which was a pain. I had to get one of the pit crew to start recording because I would be somewhere else on the track using another video camera for the outside shots.

It was a real pain in the ass to get some good in car video because either the crew guy would mess up the record button or they would bump the camera mount while moving around inside the car. I had a really low success rate but when it worked it was pretty good. Having something like the GoPro HD would've been a dream for me back then :)

I bought the Motorsports Hero with the idea of adding video to my exotic car photography but really didn't think about the part where I would have to actually mount the camera on someone's $400,000 exotic car :upsidedow I tested it out on my Jeep but haven't used it on another car yet. There is a big Italian Car track day at Daytona coming up in a few weeks and I hope to use it then.

The GoPro is an amazing camera that begs to be used creatively. I took it on the Kayak trip above and mounted it on a pole and stuck it underwater to get some video of Bass and turtles. I've been checking into a quadrcopyter to mount it to for some aerial video. The possibilities are endless.

Here's a frame grab from a NASCAR Goodys Dash race at Daytona before the GoPro when I did it the hard way.

http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/30.jpg

Nascar, Im going to be a thick & stupid as you... cartman... man that creases me up :thumbsup

On a serious basis, that's still pretty good quality considering the car is moving fast. I notice not so great an image as that of the photo available from gopro :2 cents:

Visuals like these are why I still surf... Well that and the fact that riding a wave is... amazing!

Very nice pictures :)

very nice pics

great shots

This is a frame grab from a video recorded on miniDV tape in a camcorder back in 1998.

One would hope that the quality has increased in the last 13 years :winkwink:

WOW SEXY PICS!!!!

give us some more of that girl in blue

I know this place. Fort Myers, right?


http://www.julie-clarke.com/public_h.../summer/20.jpg

Close.

Its one more Pier to the south :)

Well, that area. They have some nice restaurants there and kinda like walking park area. Loved it there.

awesome photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Great pictures thanks for sharing with us. I cant wait to see more of everything!

What's your email? / icq / skype ?

Definitely, no big air or water but to putt around with shade.

Cool pics.

I'm actually going to FL for the first time in a month, to Fort Myers.