The “Real Deal” Gallery

There’s a company that advertises on television, known as “The Real Real.”

This blogpost has nothing to do with that company, but I do like the name. It reminds me of another, similar phrase, “the real deal.” And, in turn, both of those make me think of a question I used to hear when I worked the front desk at our motel, or even now, at book signings where I meet visitors from all over.

“What’s it REALLY like to live here?”

Or this statement, followed by a question. “This place is paradise. Isn’t it?”

Hatteras, like any place, has its glorious moments, but also has those that fall short in the weather department. But there is no doubt, on a summer day with plenty of sunshine, warm breezes, and a calm ocean, it’s hard to beat. That Hatteras is what I’ve always enjoyed capturing with my photography.

Make no mistake, I’m an amateur. But my father was an artist and an exceptional photographer. I’d like to think I learned a few tips from him as I watched him curate photos and slides over the years. I often think he’d be absolutely amazed at the images you can now take with an iPhone. I’m sure he’d find AI both a blessing and a curse, as I do.

I’ve lived on the island now for eleven years. In that time, I have taken literally thousands of photographs. Running the social media for the motel, I tried to post every single day. Some days that was really easy to do. A walk along the beach would present any number of great shots. On other days, when the ocean decided to make its way through our parking lot, across Highway 12, and onto the sound-side, it was more challenging. But I believed then, and I still do believe, that visitors and folks who don’t know the Outer Banks – and especially our island – need to see it in all of its moods and phases. You can’t really gain an appreciation for those gorgeous picture post-card summer days without knowing that there are nor’easters and tropical storms and hurricanes that bring storm tide and misery.

Which brings me back to the “real deal.” I’m going to add a gallery section to this website. To start with I will feature some of my favorite shots of the island over the years. But if, and when, we have less-than-optimal conditions, I’ll share those as well.

For readers who have visited here or for those who actually live here, I am sure these shots will resonate with you. And for readers who have never been, perhaps it will help you envision what Susan, JoBell, Dare, Jenni, Caleb, and all the other characters experience throughout my novels. It is my hope that in the gallery you will be able to experience Hatteras Island as it is year ‘round. In other words, you’ll see “The Real Deal.”