There's something about Emerald Isle that I just can't put my finger on. Maybe it's the peacefulness. Maybe its the sound of the waves crashing. Maybe it's the salty air. Maybe it's the feeling of relaxation that takes over your body. I really don't know. What I do know is that, from a photographer's standpoint, the light there is just amazing.
The beach runs east to west instead of the normal north/south orientation found throughout most of the States. I think this allows the light to travel across the beach in a magical way - creating a glowing, soft, diffuse light that allows for the most magical images. Even when I'm on vacation, I can't help but pull the camera out to take advantage of this. 
I didn't have any session booked this trip so I took advantage of my oh-so-reluctant model, Sadie. She usually HATES when I pull out my camera...she knows what's coming. However, when she's been playing on the beach for 3 days straight, she has little care left and tends to be a little exhausted and distracted.
She had the most glorious time diving into the waves, chasing her dad in the water, and simply being free...
I'm kinda obsessed with this image. I immediately downloaded it to my phone and set it as my wallpaper. It looks amazing at a large size and I've really been digging the long, horizontal panoramic crops lately. This will be enlarged big somewhere soon!
Sadie found her second calling on the sandy shores. She dug to her hearts delight pushing every grain of sand she could between her big webbed toes. She even used her snout when she became frustrated with the sand that kept falling back in her ever-so-important tunnel.
This is her victory roll for a successful dig. Because she wasn't dirty enough. ;)
Nothing that a good rinse off couldn't take care of.
I know the water was probably getting in Sadie's eyes which forced her to squint, but I can't help but love the images with her eyes closed. She looks like she's smiling and there's nothing in the world that make me happier...
This is the second image that I'm obsessing over right now. Again, the panoramic steals my heart. Sadie looks like a creature emerging from the depths of the deep, dark ocean floor. And the light. I wish I could bottle it up and bring it to every session.
Of course I had to include some shots (just a couple) of this lovely island.
At the far west end, there is a beach that seems to go on forever. It has to be the largest beach I've ever seen. I guess it has formed as the powerful waters displace the land at the easternmost tip of the island. It's pretty amazing and it takes your breath away when you first lay eyes on it.
Gorgeous skies looking back at Emerald Isle from the fishing pier. There aren't any huge hotels or tourist traps. It's so chill and easygoing.
This is the fishing pier...
And more amazing clouds on the beach that goes on forever.
If you are interested in a session with your pup at Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach or anywhere along the Crystal Coast, stay tuned to my Facebook page. I'll let you know next time I head back out there!
We began the session with Affinity. The eldest of the trio, she is pretty chill and just takes things as they come. For example, she was happy to let the wind do it's thing.
Don't let her fool you though. She does get excited. When she's allowed to roam on the beach, she comes out of her shell!
And she might even take a roll in the sand.
What a happy face!!!
LOVE this pretty necklace she modeled at the end of our time together!
Next up was Kobe. Kobe is pretty opposite of his sister and is a little firecracker! I was warned he likes to run and dig so I was happy he didn't disappoint!
Some outtakes that are oh-so-Kobe...
Don't get me wrong though, he was also an excellent model. I love this of him looking toward the ocean. He likes to look...not touch.
Last but certainly not least, we photographed Avalanche. This sweetie started cuddling with me the minute I showed up for the session and I knew right away he was going to be a little camera ham. I love his little white face! (PS - I'm going to drive to Kentucky to dog nap him.)
Mighty hunting stance...
Avalanche made sure he showed his crazy side too. I was impressed! Happy boy...
And the three beach bums...
So sorry for the longest post ever! I just couldn't help myself!
Rockford was extremely interested in the little tennis ball that kept disappearing into the sand...
Putting those big paws to use...
After playing in the sand for a bit, it was time to move into the water! Rockford loved it!!!
Rockford seriously looks like a puppy at the beach! You would never guess he is 7 years old!
Time for more ball!
This is one of my favorites from our evening together. This was taken after sunset and the colors of the ocean were simply beautiful.
The end!
Eva's ostrich impression. Yes, she dug the hole this deep by herself. Silly girl.
As soon as we arrived, we climbed over the first dune in front of us. Sure enough, off in the distance, a couple wild horses were grazing on the grass. This was already exceeding my expectations!
As we explored the island, we discovered more and more horses. We got as close as we *respectfully* felt comfortable and quickly realized the horses were barely taller than me - they looked more like ponies. They had gorgeous wispy hair and beautiful coloring. I especially liked these two...
Not only did we start the day off with seeing the wild horses, we also got to enjoy a little picnic on the beach. During the off-season, not many people were visiting and it felt like we had the entire island to ourselves.
We were graced with the presence of a wild horse taking a stroll along the beach. He walked right past us. How cool is that?!?
Back at the house, we gave the dogs a chance to explore the beach. This was Sadie's first visit so she had to stay pretty close to us...
The cooler temps didn't stop Eva from going for a dip in the water.
The next couple pics were taken with my iPhone. We had a wicked storm come through on the second day but the clouds parted just before sundown. Foam lined the beach and a gorgeous double rainbow filled the sky.
