Finding Scenic, Hidden Treasures ~ "Go Greyhound"

Historic Greyhound Depot by Sheen Watkins

A road frequently traveled may host a few surprises.  Sometimes, you just have to look for the unexpected intentionally.

It's easy to get caught up in reaching your destination quickly, that we may miss some amazing sites along the way.

My family still resides in the same town and house I grew up in.  After many 16-hour road trips from Michigan to Arkansas, I decided to explore the small town we use as a regular stop-over. 

Arriving before sunset, I  "googled" Blytheville, Arkansas just to see what was there.  I was thrilled with the results.

The small town of Blytheville, Arkansas hosts a historic and fully restored Greyhound Bus Station that was built in 1937.   What a beautiful little gem.

Back in the day, this was the way to travel.

Go Greyhound by Sheen Watkins

The station, with a small cafe type setting displayed true to the era decor Moderne Art appointments. All that was missing was a few Bing Crosby tunes.

Inside the station - Sheen Watkins

Within the state of Arkansas and for transportation historians, it is well-known.  From an artistic standpoint, it's modern styling, color and faded neon, it was a fortunate find.

While shooting the exterior, a couple stopped by and asked if I was interested to see the inside.  They had a key, access to the building and loved sharing how the town had restored a colorful piece of history.

For those making the venture up or down I-55 in northeast Arkansas, it's definitely worth a stop.

If you plan on stopping by, bring your widest angle lens (I had my Nikon 14-24mm extra wide) and also a tripod.  The tripod is a must if you want to take a few night shots.


Happy shooting!

Dancing with the Stars in Cape Hatteras

A weekend with my dance partner "Nik" (that would be short for Nikon, my husband knows all about him!) included sunrises, lighthouses, piers and stars.

My version of Dancing with the Stars began on my last morning in North Carolina's Cape Hatteras National Seashore  at 3:00 a.m.  After my iPhone alarm sounded, a phone call from my husband who wasn't with me on this particular trip and a wakeup call from the hotel's front desk, I was up and moving.  Why so many wake-up calls?

I was determined to get these shots! 

Star Trails after the Moon had Set

Dancing Stars

Cold, a bit windy and no coffee, several photographers and I headed out to  Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to photograph stars and star trails. 

The gear?  My Nikon 600, a 14-24mm 2.8 lens, tripod and cable release.  Accessories included warm clothing, a timer, Photographer's Ephemeris app and a stars trails map on my iPhone so I could readily locate the North Star.  

First on the agenda was a 30 minute exposure of star trails.  With ISO set at 100, manual focus set to infinity it was a few moments of hurry up, frame the shot, adjust the composition and wait.

After the star trails, it was on to capturing multiple, 30 second exposure settings of the brilliant array of stars.  ISO was raised to 1600 while focus was still set to infinity.

The morning was followed by more photography at sunrise on the beach.  The joy of light and life under the sky!

Photographing Magical, Misty Moments

Mornings mean the start of a new day, a new beginning.  For photographers, it means being up before the crack of dawn to take on whatever light, color and elements mother nature decides to bestow upon us.

This Magic Moment, by Sheen's Nature Photography
Nikon 600, 50mm 1.8G

Some of the most magical moments occur when the earth is blanketed with a light, misty fog.  As the sun rises, the delicate haze floats upward before evaporating right before our very eyes when the sun reaches the tree line.

Misty Sunshine, by Sheen's Nature Photography

Left behind are colors that appear more vivid, as the sun brings out the greenest of greens and blue, blue skies.

The Morning Evolves, by Sheen's Nature Photography
Nikon 600, 14-24mm

Since the foggy mornings are fleeting, always pack the right lenses as a just-in-case. You'll never regret being prepared.  This could include a wide angle, a kit lens or fast prime and a circular polarizing filter.  I always keep my Nikon 50mm 1.8G on hand with a B&W Circular Polarizing filter.    

Bring on the day!