Filed under: Boston Whaler, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, Photoboat, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors, Uncategorized, Viewfinder | Tags: Boston Whaler, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, Photoboat, sailing photography, Sailors, Viewfinder
This year the season started early with a trip to Charleston, South Carolina to work with our friends Allen and Daniela from Photoboat to cover Charleston Race Week. Though the drive is long – and with today’s gas prices, not cheap! – it was an adventure worth taking.
Friday’s racing was exciting, with winds hovering between 15-20 knots and seas rolling in at 4-6 feet. Daniela and I used Viewfinder to cover the two offshore race courses while Allen took care of the three inshore circles with the dinghy. The racing was hard fought and the action on deck was fast paced. I did most of the driving so Daniela could concentrate on shooting, and she did a great job capturing close up images of the shipboard action.
When I awoke Saturday our friend Jim Cantore on the weather channel was warning of severe weather including tornadoes for the area. Yes, Jim can be a drama king, but in this case he didn’t seem to be exaggerating. In fact, by the time the judges had to make a call about the day’s racing the sustained winds were already above 30 knots. No racing in those conditions. I hauled Viewfinder onto her trailer in case the major storms did come through, and then spent most of the day wandering around Charleston exploring with my camera. What a beautiful city! Great architecture, friendly people, lots of green space, and I even found a schooner! I am looking forward to getting back there again in the future. Fortunately, the dangerous weather never did bother Charleston.
The weekend wrapped up with light winds but blue sky and warm temperatures. Again Daniela and I focused on the offshore racing and we were able to get some nice images. Allen started with the inshore crowd, but the Melges’ and J’s aren’t too exciting in 5-10 knots of breeze, so he joined us outside the jetties. Between the three of us we had thousands of shots to share with the sailors.
It was great to visit a new place and fun to work with the Photoboat crew. Next stop: Cedar Point Yacht Club’s One Design Regatta on Long Island Sound on the first weekend in June.
Filed under: animal shelter, dog rescue, dog shelter, dogs, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, pet photography, pet portrait | Tags: animal rescue, Danise Cavallaro, dog portrait, dog rescue, dog shelter, dogs, FOSOCAS, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, pet photography, Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter
We spent another morning at the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter and met four great girls who are looking for their forever homes. Click on the photos to see them enlarged.
UPDATE – Jada was adopted on 2/13/11!! – Jada is a gorgeous dog! She is strong and lean, and listed as a Boxer/Lab mix. A study of her profile, though, hints that there may be some hound DNA in her genealogy. She can be a little shy, but she is sweet and energetic, fun on the trail, and would make a great playmate.
Jada
Jada
Jada and the hound snout
Sireece is an awesome Akita! She is beautiful, strong, and lively and is ready to run. She would make a great addition to an active family that spends a lot of time outdoors.
Sireece
Sireece
UPDATE – ShyAnn was adopted on 2/14/11!! ShyAnn is special. She is six years old, sweet, mellow and calm, and definitely has her own agenda. Her favorite activities are sleeping and cuddling! ShyAnn would be happiest in a quiet home where she can be queen.
ShyAnn
Natalia will steal your heart from the moment you meet her. This 9-month old pit bull has an endearing face, a playful demeanor and would be the perfect dog for a home with playful teenagers who are looking for a wrestling partner!
Natalia
Natalia
Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter is open every day from 1-4, and has a great selection of dogs and cats. For more information visit fosocas.org.
Filed under: animal shelter, dog rescue, dog shelter, dogs, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, pet photography, pet portrait | Tags: animal rescue, Danise Cavallaro, dog portrait, dog rescue, dog shelter, dogs, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, pet photography
I have a thing for dogs. It’s just the way it is. And since we found PJ through a rescue organization I have become more acutely aware of the importance of getting dogs out of shelters and in to homes. Where they belong.
Over the years I have reached out to several shelters and offered to use my photography to support their mission. What better way to lure people in to adopt a companion than through a great photograph? To my surprise not one ever responded. Until last week.
Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter (FOSOCAS) is a group of committed volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain, market, and place dogs and cats that have become homeless. They clean cages, bathe and walk dogs, play with cats, pick up poop and do anything that is needed just to make the animals happy. It is an amazing group of people. I stumbled across their Facebook page, sent a note, and a few days later received a warm “C’mon down!” Today we came on down.
We met six dogs today, and the plan is to visit once or twice a week and make as many images as possible for FOSOCAS to use on Petfinder, their Facebook page, and other online presences. We will also print a shot of each dog so that their new human can go home with a portrait for the mantle.
If you’re interested in any of these dogs visit fosocas.org and click on the Petfinder button.
Puddin'
Kaya
Sireece
Johnny Boy
Sally
Jersey
Filed under: Avalon Cup, Avalon Yacht Club, Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Barnegat Breezer, BBYRA, Bill Volk Leukemia Cup Regatta, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Classic Sailboats, Flying Scot, Flying Scot Atlantic Coast Championship, Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Hobies, Keyport Yacht Club, Lavellette Yacht Club, Leukemia Cup Regatta, Lightning Atlantic Coast Championship 2009, Lightning Championships, Lightning North Americans, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, Photoboat, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors, Schooners, Toms River Yacht Club, Wildwood | Tags: 2009 Leukemia Cup, 2010 Bill Volk Leukemia Cup, barnegat bay, Barnegat Breezer, BBYRA, Chesapeake Bay, Classic Sailboats, Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Hobies, Keyport Yacht Club, Lightning North American Championships, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, new jersey photography, new jersey sailing, sailing photography, Sailors, Schooners
We know how it goes. The calendar turns to December and it feels like plenty of time until the holidays. A couple of busy weeks pass and the tension starts to build. And then…gulp…OMG…there is so much to do and so little time! Yeah, we know how it goes.
Save yourself some of the headache and give sailing photos this holiday! Your crew, spouse, or sibling will cherish an action shot from a regatta. Your friend-with-a-boat will know how much you appreciate being on board when you share a beautifully-printed photograph of the vessel. You can’t go wrong when you surprise someone with a one-of-a-kind image. Visit our galleries at michaelbagleyphoto.shutterbugstorefront.com and check out our vast selection. Prints start at just $5.00, and there are a variety of sizes and papers available. Also, check out some of our specialty products – put that great shot on a coffee mug, drink coaster or greeting card. Regardless of the shape or size, your gift of a photograph will be treasured for years to come.
Happy Holidays from Michael Bagley Photography!
Filed under: Avalon Cup, Avalon Yacht Club, Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Barnegat Breezer, Bill Volk Leukemia Cup Regatta, Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Classic Sailboats, Danise Cavallaro, Flying Scot, Flying Scot Atlantic Coast Championship, Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Hobies, Keyport Yacht Club, Leukemia Cup Regatta, Lightning Atlantic Coast Championship 2009, Lightning Championships, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors, Schooners, Toms River Yacht Club | Tags: 2009 Leukemia Cup, 2010 Bill Volk Leukemia Cup, Annapolis, barnegat bay, Barnegat Bay A Cats, Barnegat Breezer, Chesapeake Bay, Classic Sailboats, Danise Cavallaro, Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Hobies, Keyport Yacht Club, Lightning North American Championships, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, new jersey photography, new jersey sailing, Photography, sailing photography, Schooners
Photographs make great holiday gifts, and we want to help you get a head start on your shopping and save some money at the same time.
We captured some excellent sailing this summer! The light winds of 2009 were replaced by good breezes in 2010, and the sailing seemed a lot more intense this year as well. Sailing photos remind us of those warm summer days and the great times chasing the wind. Boat owners: thank your crew for their efforts with a photo of them hard at work. Parents: show your pride in your kids’ accomplishments with a shot of them on the water. Spouses: imagine the delight your husband or wife will feel when he or she sees that shot of themselves working the bow, trimming the sails, or helming the boat. A great action shot makes a once-in-a-lifetime gift.
Order your photos before December 1 and take 15% off the cost of your order. Small prints, enlargements, specialty products…they’re all eligible for the discount. Visit www.michaelbagleyphoto.shutterbugstorefront.com to dive in to the galleries and make your selections. After you select your images and products, enter “Holiday2010” in the “If you have a discount coupon, please enter it here” box and the discount will be reflected in the cart.
Spread the word and tell your friends!
Filed under: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Classic Sailboats, Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors, Schooners | Tags: Annapolis, Chesapeake Bay, Classic Sailboats, Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, Photography, sailing photography, Sailors, Schooners
The Schooner Race. Though there are others around the country and around the world, the Chesapeake Bay version has become a favorite destination for schooners from near and far. Started in 1989 on a bet between two vessels – the mighty tugantine Norfolk Rebel and Pride of Baltimore II – the 2010 version included almost 50 boats ranging from 21′ to well over 100′ and will raise over $10,000 for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The Schooner Race events events encompass a full week of activity, including educational tours of the vessels for Baltimore’s school children and an evening of sea shanties, but there are two days that are the highlight of the week. On Wednesday the fleet sets sail and parades around the Inner Harbor of Baltimore at rush hour. The sight of these magnificent boats dancing together in the evening light is unparalleled, and is as exciting the fifteenth time one sees it as it was the first. This year was particularly beautiful, with seasonable temperatures, blue skies, and lovely warm light. On Thursday morning the schooners cast off and sail down the Bay to Annapolis for a 1330 race start. The weather changed dramatically overnight, and the race began in easterly winds at 10-15 knots. As the boats crossed the start line, however, a squall line came through and took all of the wind with it. The vessels stopped in their tracks and sailed in very light winds for the next several hours. It wouldn’t be the Schooner Race without such unpredictable conditions.
By all accounts the sail down the Bay was a good one. The wind came back from the north and pushed the fleet down to Thimble Shoal Light off Norfolk, the finish line of the 127-mile course. Most everyone had finished by Friday afternoon, leaving plenty of time for relaxing and telling sea stories in Portsmouth.
We shot the Parade of Sail and the start of the race, and some of the highlights are below. To view the full gallery of photos of the 2010 Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race visit michaelbagleyphoto.shutterbugstorefront.com.
Congratulations to all the sailors who were “Racing to Save the Bay”!
Filed under: Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Flying Scot, Flying Scot Atlantic Coast Championship, Lavellette Yacht Club, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors | Tags: barnegat bay, Flying Scot, Flying Scot Atlantic Coast Championship, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, new jersey photography, new jersey sailing, Photography, sailing photography, Sailors
Barnegat Bay is the home to several national and regional championship regattas each year, and the Flying Scots chose the Bay for their 2010 Atlantic Coast Championship. Hosted by the Lavallette Yacht Club, boats and sailors from all over the mid-Atlantic region were out on the water to vie for a place on the podium in this esteemed event.
The Flying Scot is a 19′ centerboard day sailor. First launched in the 1960′s, the class has a huge worldwide following. In many ways she is the perfect boat – a powerful and fast racer and a comfortable and safe family boat. With over 200 sq. ft. of sail and a planing hull, she can get up and go when the wind blows! For more information about the Flying Scot check out their website.
As the boats assembled for the warning gun there wasn’t a puff of breeze to be found. The start area was noisy with the sound of crisp racing sails flapping as the vessels lolled in the water. After about 90 minutes, though, the predicted north east wind began to fill in, and soon the Scots were underway and ready to start. The racing was close and the sailors showed off their skills, particularly at close mark roundings. Inches separated the hulls as two, three, four, even five boats lumped together to round a buoy. Steady hands on the tillers kept the sailboats from becoming bumper cars, and the crews used the 10-15 knot breeze to trot through the five-leg race course.
What impressed me most about the group was the demographics of the crews. Young and old, large and small, male and female, novice and old salt. There was an unusual and admirable diversity in the cockpits. I saw a family of four and a father-son team in the mix. There were young couples and several husband-wife teams that looked like they had been doing this for a while. There were athletes competing at the highest level, and there were “regular people” out there trying their best. No matter the experience or skill or position in the fleet, each crew did the best they could and worked hard throughout a great day of racing.
Some of our images are below, and the rest can be seen at michaelbagleyphoto.shutterbugstorefront.com.
Filed under: Avalon Cup, Avalon Yacht Club, Danise Cavallaro, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors, Viewfinder | Tags: Avalon Cup, Danise Cavallaro, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, new jersey photography, new jersey sailing, Photography, sailing photography, Sailors
A Small Craft Advisory and six foot seas did not deter the fleet of Flying Scots, one designs, and PHRF boats sailing in the 2010 Avalon Cup. In fact, the rolling waves and ENE winds set the stage for a terrific regatta.
After slowly pounding our way north from Cape May to Avalon (the 13 mile trip took more than an hour), we connected with the race committee and the fleet of a dozen Flying Scots who had endured a harrowing trip out of Townsends Inlet. Sailing a windward-leeward buoy course, the Scots were easily lost in the troughs of the large swells rolling in from the east. Undaunted, the sailors raced their boats hard and put on an impressive performance.
Shortly thereafter the larger boats crossed the start line and, after sailing upwind for a short distance, fell off to a broad reach for the downhill run to Cape May. With a nice breeze and big rollers on the quarter, the boats in the spinnaker class took off like race horses and we had to work to keep up. The wind and seas began to settle down as the afternoon progressed, but still the fleet had a fast run south and the boat winning line honors, the J105 Maxed Out, crossed the finish less than three hours after the start.
The big waves and nice made for great photo opportunities, and we were able to capture all of the fleet as they raced. A full gallery of our images can be found at michaelbagleyphoto.shutterbugstorefront.com.
Filed under: Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Danise Cavallaro, Lightning Atlantic Coast Championship 2009, Lightning Championships, Lightning North Americans, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors, Toms River Yacht Club, Viewfinder | Tags: barnegat bay, Danise Cavallaro, Lightning North American Championships, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, new jersey photography, new jersey sailing, Photography, sailing photography, Sailors
A thunderstorm in the morning and the threat of one in the afternoon foreshortened the day on Thursday, but we still were able to get out there for a little while to watch the racing while it happened. A nice breeze just over 10 knots enabled the Lightnings to move well across the water, and the crews were impressive, as always.
The full gallery of all of our North American Championship photos can be viewed at michaelbagleyphoto.shutterbugstorefront.com.
Here are a few of our favorite shots from today:
Filed under: Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, Lightning Atlantic Coast Championship 2009, Lightning Championships, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, Sailboats, Sailing, Sailors, Toms River Yacht Club | Tags: barnegat bay, Lightning North American Championships, marine photography, Michael Bagley, Michael Bagley Photography, nautical photography, New Jersey, new jersey photography, new jersey sailing, Photography, sailing photography, Sailors
It was a little different out there today. The wind and chop of Barnegat Bay on Monday was replaced with light (and sometimes nonexistent) breeze and flat calm seas. But after calling a race during the upwind leg due to no wind, the race committee was patient and was rewarded with a light air affair in the afternoon. The competition was as tight as ever, and the crews showed that they are just as skilled in light wind conditions as they are when they are planing across the water.
To check out our photos from Day 2 visit michaelbagleyphoto.shutterbugstorefront.com. We’ll be off the water Wednesday, but back out to capture the action on Thursday.
