Thunder Beach – Panama City Beach Photography

May 4, 2012 by Andrew
Kyle Ives collects tips during the Ives Brothers "Wall of Death" motorcycle stunt show in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Kyle Ives collects tips during the Ives Brothers "Wall of Death" motorcycle stunt show in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

It’s springtime in Panama City Beach and the smell of fresh exhaust is in the air. It must be time for the annual spring Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally. Tens of thousands of motorcycles have descended upon Panama City and Panama City Beach, lining just about every road in this place.

Although I have photographed Thunder Beach more than ten times now, there are still new pictures to be made. Sometimes, after days and days of photographing it, I do get a little burnt out. It’s only been three days as of now, so I’m still feeling pretty good about it.

Law enforcement personnel, veterans and bikers pray before riding for Joe Landers, the Police Chief in Lowell, Arkansas, who died after a hit-and-run while riding his motorcycle in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Law enforcement personnel, veterans and bikers pray before riding for Joe Landers, the Police Chief in Lowell, Arkansas, who died after a hit-and-run while riding his motorcycle in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

The Thunder Beach photographic marathon started out on a sad note this year. A police chief from Arkansas died after he was thrown from his motorcycle in a hit-and-run the weekend before the rally began. Local law enforcement held a ride from the Panama City Mall to Bay Medical Center to support the chief and his family. If you’re the praying type, lift one up for his family.

On day two of the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally I cruised the roads looking for a photograph that said “motorcycle” and “beach.” With all of the condos and hotels lining Front Beach Road, it can be a bit tricky to tell that story. I figured palm trees kinda say beach, so I went with it. The fence in the background bugs me a little, but what are you gonna do? It’s there. I photographed an old motel being torn down there a couple of years ago and I’m pretty sure I remember hearing rumors of a park and a public area being placed where I took that photo. What ever happened with that?

Day three of the motorcycle rally in Panama City Beach brought me to the “Wall of Death.” In all my years of  Thunder Beach coverage, I have never photographed this. It was free to watch and was actually pretty darn cool. I think I’ll bring my little one to see it next year.

There was a lady at the “Wall of Death” with a monkey, but she did not bring it to watch the show. I REALLY wanted a photograph of a monkey watching the motorcycle stunt show.

That just goes to show that you just never know what you’re gonna see when out taking pictures in Panama City Beach.

Bikers cruise the beach during the spring Thunder Beach motorcycle rally in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Bikers cruise the beach during the spring Thunder Beach motorcycle rally in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

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    Pregnancy Progression – Panama City Maternity Photography

    April 30, 2012 by Andrew

    When we found out that Kendra was pregnant, I had the idea of photographing her to track her progress and eventually make some sort of video out of it. (at least I think I came up with the idea…did she come up with it?…no, I’m pretty sure I did) I failed to realize how much work it actually is to photograph someone in the same pose week after week. Sometimes photographing the pose was fun, but sometimes it was more of a chore. I am really glad that we were able to power through and get the images needed for the video.

    Why use Danzig’s “Mother” as the song to best represent my wife’s 9-month pregnancy journey you ask? For starters, it was the mother/son dance song at my wedding reception. (I know, I know….I like the song, but it was more of a joke) Plus, I could not think of a better song to go with this video. There are a bunch of mother-y songs out there, but none have the emotional impact of Danzig’s ode to motherhood. Haha!

    I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that Kendra Photoshopped her head to be at the perfect spot in each frame. She is much better at the Photoshop stuff than I am. I often refer to her as the “Queen of Photoshop.”

    If Kendra gets pregnant again will I do the same for child number two?….Yes.

    Will I use the same song in the next video? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

    Panama City Beach photographer Andrew Wardlow is available for maternity photo sessions.

    Here is a "real" maternity photo of Kendra. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)

     

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      Anniversary Beach Photos – Panama City Beach Photography

      April 23, 2012 by Andrew
      Randy and Leanne enjoy a quiet stroll during their photo session at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach.

      Randy and Leanne enjoy a quiet stroll during their photo session at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)

      I had the pleasure of photographing Leanne and Randy at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach last week. The Tennessee couple came to Panama City Beach for an early celebration of their 15-year wedding anniversary.

      I have been married for almost six years and it seems as if my marriage has just begun. Although much time has passed, it seems as if no time has passed at all. You know what I mean? I distinctly remember seeing my wife come across the top the dune as I stood barefoot on the beach with tears in my eyes. I was so filled with emotion that the pastor was actually worried that I would not get through the ceremony. I’m no crybaby, but that moment really go to me. Although I don’t cry when I see her now (hahahaha), I am still filled with love when I look at her.

      The love between Leanne and Randy is plain to see. The way they looked at each other and their body language said it all. All throughout the Panama City Beach photo session the couple lovingly gazed at each other and giggled like they were on their first date. I hope that my wife and I are as happy as they are when our 15th anniversary rolls around.

      Here’s to 15 more Leanne and Randy!

      Randy and Leanne enjoy their family beach portrait session in Panama City Beach last week.
      Randy and Leanne enjoy their family beach portrait session in Panama City Beach last week. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)
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        Always Carry Your Camera – Panama City Photography

        April 13, 2012 by Andrew
        Nick May paints a 35-foot-tall giant at Northstar Church in Panama City, Florida. The chicken wire and cellophane art installation is being used to promote a six-week series on the "giant" issues of life. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

        Nick May paints a 35-foot-tall giant at Northstar Church in Panama City, Florida. The chicken wire and cellophane art installation is being used to promote a six-week series on the "giant" issues of life. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

        I don’t really believe in the “rules” of photography, but I do have my own personal photography rules.

        Rule #1 – ALWAYS CARRY YOUR CAMERA. I can’t stress this enough. How are you going to take a picture without a camera? Don’t you dare say with your phone! It is a total pain, but 99% of the time I have some sort of camera with me. My wife and I purchased a Nikon Coolpix P7000 just for this purpose. It is small and not too much trouble to mess with.

        While the Coolpix is nice, most of the time I have my REAL cameras with me. If I’m working at the newspaper, I have my trusty Canon SLR setup with all the good lenses. If I am doing personal photography stuff, I have two Nikon SLR bodies and some sweet & crispy lenses to match. (is anyone getting hungry for chicken?)

        See, I told you I always carry my camera while taking Panama City pictures.

        Me carrying my camera....as I always do.

        What am I getting at you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. Last week I has to deliver a pocket wizard transmitter to a co-worker at his assignment. I could have left my camera sitting on my desk at work, but that’s not the sort of thing I do. (see rule #1 above) On the way to make the delivery I spotted something odd. A group of people were erecting a giant-multi-colored-man-looking-thingy atop a local Panama City church. I was intrigued, but could not investigate just yet. It would have to wait until I dropped off the camera gear.

        After dropping off the transmitter (and eating a couple slices of free pizza), I hustled back to the church in the hopes of getting a photograph of the art installation. I searched for the perfect parking place, hopped out of my car, leaned up against the roof for stability and started firing away. It was great timing, too. Designer Nick May was in the perfect spot with spray paint in each hand painting the hands of the giant.

        I sent the photo to the Associated Press and it got picked up by the MSNBC Photo Blog. To my knowledge this is the first time one of my photographs made the blog, so I was pretty happy about it.

        …and that’s why you always carry your camera.

         

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          Panama City Beach Portrait Season Kicks Off

          April 10, 2012 by Andrew
          I am looking forward to a fun family beach portrait season in Panama City Beach!

          My first family beach photo session of the season was graced with a beautiful sunset. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)

          Daylight savings time has come and gone and the days are getting longer and longer. For me that means one thing….time to shoot beach portraits! I photographed beach portraits for an Ohio family at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach a couple days ago & it was a blast!  They were all super nice and very photogenic.

          I am honored that families trust me to photograph them while they are on vacation in the Panama City area. It makes me happy to know that my photos represent the time they spent at the beach having fun. Who knows? Ten years down the road my photography may spark a happy memory from their trip to Panama City. I sure hope so.

          As a child, I never remember going to the beach. There is an old photograph of me & my mom at the beach in Biloxi, MS from when I was very small, but I have no recollection of ever being there. (I’m pretty sure that photo was staged…just like the moon landing photos…ha!) I wish there was a photo of my entire family from that trip, but no such photo exists. I am sure there were photographers willing to take family beach portraits, but my family had it under control. We had a 110 film camera that you could enlarge photos up to 4×6 with excellent image quality! haha!

          If you are interested in getting beach portraits made, feel free to contact me via this website or at 720-PC-BEACH. See ya on the beach!

          I had a great time photographing these Ohio vacationers at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach.

          Beach portrait season kicked off with a great group of vacationers from Ohio. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)

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            Panama City Helicopter Photo Shoot

            March 28, 2012 by Andrew
            The Bay County Sheriff's helicopter cruises past Spring Breakers in Panama City Beach.

            The Bay County Sheriff's helicopter cruises past Spring Breakers in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/The News Herald)

            I have averaged about one helicopter ride a year since I started working as a photojournalist with the Panama City News Herald. This makes my third trip up with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, but the first during Spring Break. This helicopter ride-along was part of a larger Spring Break law enforcement story by News Herald reporter Chris Olwell.

            I am always a bit nervous before and during lift-off, but once in the air I am focused (no pun intended…scratch that…pun intended) on getting the best possible aerial picture for whatever story I am working on at at the time. Once we got into the air, we flew directly over my house. (and our yard looked terrific) As we made our way to the beach I photographed Grand Lagoon and parts of Thomas Drive just for fun. It’s always a good idea to photograph things like that for future stories.

            As we cruised by Club La Vela, there was no missing the crowded beach below. You could barely see the sand for the Spring Breakers. All along the beach there were pockets of kids having fun and enjoying the clear water and warm sun. As we approached the M.B. Miller County Pier we took an “elevator ride” as the pilot called it. With no warning, the helicopter shot straight up and over the pier. I screamed like a little girl riding a roller coaster for the first time. The Sheriff’s Officer riding in the back with me got a nice laugh out of that. Don’t get me wrong…it was a lot of fun, but a little warning would have been nice.

            The flight continued and we checked on an abandoned jet ski to made sure there were no swimmers in distress. The pilot called the dispatcher and asked them to inform the Panama City Beach Police of the abandoned ski and then we continued on patrol.

            All along Panama City Beach the Spring Breakers waved (and did other things) as we flew by. Everyone, including us, was having a good time and enjoying the day. If only every day could be like this.

            Dept. Chad Harrell scopes out the beach from the Bay County Sheriff's Helicopter.

            Dept. Chad Harrell scopes out the beach from the Bay County Sheriff's Helicopter. (Andrew Wardlow/The News Herald)

            Spring Breakers crowd the beach in Panama City Beach.

            Spring Breakers crowd the beach in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/The News Herald)

            Dept. Chad Harrell, left, cleans oil off of the Bay County Sheriff's helicopter after patrolling the beach with his pilot, Sgt. Kenneth L. Smiley.

            Dept. Chad Harrell, left, cleans oil off of the Bay County Sheriff's helicopter after patrolling the beach with his pilot, Sgt. Kenneth L. Smiley. (Andrew Wardlow/The News Herald)

            News Herald reporter Chris Olwell does his best "Top Gun" impression after a helicopter ride along Panama City Beach.

            News Herald reporter Chris Olwell does his best "Top Gun" impression after a helicopter ride along Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/The News Herald)

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              Panama City in USA Today

              March 26, 2012 by Andrew
              This aerial photo of Spring Break in Panama City Beach made it all the way from my camera to the USA Today website.

              This aerial photo of Spring Break in Panama City Beach made it all the way from my camera to the USA Today website.

              I recently took a helicopter ride along Panama City Beach to photograph the Bay County Sheriff’s Office patrolling during Spring Break. (a future blog post will tell the full story) We cruised the sky above Panama City Beach for around an hour and I got a handful of photos that I kinda liked.

              I sent a couple pictures from the shoot along to the Associated Press. They picked up the photos and one of them ended up being used by USA Today for a story on job growth. Other newspaper websites also picked up the story and my Panama City Beach picture wound up going all across the United States of America.

              USA Today cropped my photograph into a horizontal, but oh well….at least they chose the photo to represent the story. Being in the newspaper industry, photo cropping is an evil that I am used to being subjected to. (one day I’ll tell you all about that)

              I definitely have not “made it” in the photography world, but little successes like this do make life a little bit better. Scroll down to see the full uncropped version of the photograph.

              Spring Breakers pack the beach in Panama City Beach, Florida on Thursday, March 15, 2012. (AP Photo/The News Herald/Panama City, Fla., Andrew Wardlow)

              (Here is the full uncropped version of the photo.) Spring Breakers pack the beach in Panama City Beach, Florida on Thursday, March 15, 2012. (AP Photo/The News Herald/Panama City, Fla., Andrew Wardlow)

               

               

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                Panama City Color Picture

                March 9, 2012 by Andrew
                Leslie Perez enjoys the Velcro wall during a carnival at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida.

                Leslie Perez enjoys the Velcro wall during a carnival at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. (AP Photo/Panama City News Herald/Andrew Wardlow)

                Recently I was assigned to go to Gulf Coast State College and photograph their history fair. I went and got the photos from the event and as I was leaving something caught my eye. There were a couple random tables set up and this big Velcro wall. I had seen Velcro walls on TV, but never in person. I had to check it out. I moseyed on over there and noticed two girls trying to land on the wall upside down. The color and action was ripe for picture taking.

                I slapped on my 70-200mm zoom lens and started shooting away. It was a challenge to get a clean shot of just one girl, but patience is a big part of photography. I waited and waited for my moment….and then I got it! The young lady did not quite get upside down, but she did get sideways enough for the vertical and horizontal color stripes to look pretty cool through the eyepiece of my camera.

                A few weeks ago I wrote about how we at the newspaper are sending more photos to the Associated Press. I sent them this photo and they chose it as one of their top picks from the last 24 hours! It was pretty cool to have my photo up there with photos from all over the world.

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                  Bikini Parade in Panama City Beach Sets World Record

                  March 7, 2012 by Andrew
                  Women get ready for the bikini parade in Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach broke the Guinness world record for the largest bikini parade, snatching the crown from Australia.

                  Women get ready for the bikini parade in Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach broke the Guinness world record for the largest bikini parade, snatching the crown from Australia. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

                  Yes, I was the lucky one who photographed the bikini parade in Panama City Beach. Yes, Panama City Beach broke the Guinness world record for the largest bikini parade, snatching the crown from Australia. And yes, it was hard work.

                  One may think that this was a cushy assignment. Hanging out on the beach, photographing bikini-clad spring breakers and what not, but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.

                  I arrived at the starting point for the parade and hour early. (I always try to get to my assignments early so I can scope out the scene and figure out what’s what before it’s go time.) That gave me ample time to survey the area and get a couple before-the-parade photos. This time offered up some nice photos. I photographed some spring breakers doing a tandem jump near the shoreline and tried to get a few artsy-esq photos that didn’t quite pan out the way I’d hoped.

                  Then the parade started. I wasn’t really sure where the best vantage point was going to be because I had no idea where the starting line was. I did a walk around and figured out a couple locations beforehand that would make for nice pictures, but those were blown out of the water due to the fact that the parade route was lined with dudes. Dudes, you say? Yes….there were tons of dudes at this thing. I got a few photos of the start with the “dudes” lining the route, but it just was not working for me. The photo was just not clean enough for my liking. Then the running started.

                  I made a mad dash for the pier. I knew that this vantage point was going to make for a nice photo, but just didn’t know when I needed to make my way there. By the time I figured out I needed to get a move on, there was no time left to casually walk to the pier. Running was my only option. I have recently started running on the treadmill at home, so it is not like I never exercise or anything. This was different, though. I was fully clothed, boots on, camera in my left hand and holding my camera bag with my right hand weaving in and out of dudes and snow birds as I made my way through the soft sand a half a mile or so to the pier. Think Baywatch, but instead of hunky, lubed-up guys….think fully-clothed sweaty photographer. Got the mental picture? Sorry about that.

                  After a couple near heart-attacks, I safely made it to the pier. After promising to give a photo to the pier attendant, I was let onto the pier. I fought my way through the crowded pier railing and nudged my way into the perfect spot. I made it…and with a minute to spare!

                  After the spring breakers went below the pier, looped around and came back, it was time to mosey my way back to the stage to see if Panama City Beach really did break the Guinness world record. As I passed the tackle shop I “peered” (bad pun, I know) into the shop at some cold drinks, but there was no time. My thirst would not be quenched just yet.

                  I made it back to the finish line in time to photograph the Guinness official tallying the bikini parade participants. He did a great job. The man was in the zone. After the final tally, my friend cleared a path so that I could photograph from the stage during the big announcement. I got a few celebration photos from there and then it was all over.

                  When the newspaper came out the next day, only one photo from the event was used. Three hours of hustle and “bust”le (two bad puns in one blog post…score!) for one photo. Well….at least they ran it big.

                  Spring breakers get airborne before the bikini parade in Panama City Beach.

                  Spring breakers get airborne before the bikini parade in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

                  An onlooker gets a close-up view of the parade from the pier. Center, women participate in the bikini parade in Panama City Beach, Florida. Right, Spring breakers celebrate after breaking the Guinness world record for the largest bikini parade in Panama City Beach.

                  An onlooker gets a close-up view of the parade from the pier. Center, women participate in the bikini parade in Panama City Beach, Florida. Right, Spring breakers celebrate after breaking the Guinness world record for the largest bikini parade in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

                   

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                    Spring Break in Panama City Beach

                    March 2, 2012 by Andrew
                    Spring breakers dance during a bikini contest in Panama City Beach.

                    Spring breakers dance during a bikini contest in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

                    Spring Break…what can I say. It’s a crazy time down here in Panama City Beach. I have lived here for the past six years and have photographed the last six Spring Breaks. I have shot thousands upon thousands of Spring Break pictures. There is always some sort of activity happening. The only slow time is from about 5 a.m. until 10 a.m (even the biggest party-goers have to sleep sometime).  Besides those times, Spring Break is in full force from the end of February until the beginning of April in Panama City Beach.

                    Working with the Panama City News Herald I have had the opportunity to photograph some interesting Spring Break stuff. I have been on ride-alongs with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Panama City Beach Police Department and the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages of Tobacco. I’ve seen many gallons of beer consumed on the beach and many other gallons dumped on the side of the road by the police. There is a free pancake giveaway by the Lifeway Christian Resources that serves 60,000 pancakes to Spring Breakers every year (and it is always a hit!). There is usually some pretty big artists that roll through town, too. Kenny Chesney made some surprise appearances in the last few years along with various rap artists. Since I’ve been here there have not been any really cool rock-n-roll shows. I’ve been bummed about that. When are kids gonna get back into rock? But I digress….

                    99% of what I shoot is the fun stuff. Kids enjoying themselves for a week without having to worry about school, parents or anything else. Just people having fun. What could be better to photograph than that? Give me a shout if you see me on the beach….I’ll be easy to spot. I’m the crazy person wearing pants.

                    A sea of Spring Breakers and flags dot the skyline in Panama City Beach.

                    A sea of Spring Breakers and flags dot the skyline in Panama City Beach.

                    Spring Breakers from Minnesota pause from the fun to get a photo taken in Panama City Beach.

                    Spring Breakers from Minnesota pause from the fun to get a photo taken in Panama City Beach.

                    Left, a Spring Breaker runs along the beach in Panama City Beach. At right, Kenny Chesney performs at Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City Beach.

                    Left, a Spring Breaker runs along the beach in Panama City Beach. At right, Kenny Chesney performs at Spinnaker Beach Club in Panama City Beach.

                    A Spring Breaker enjoys the cool water of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach.

                    A Spring Breaker enjoys the cool water of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach.

                    A spring breaker takes on the ropes course near the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Panama City Beach.

                    A spring breaker takes on the ropes course near the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Panama City Beach.

                    Left, a Western Kentucky University student enjoys her last day of Spring Break in Panama City Beach. At right, An underage drinker sits cuffed after being caught by the Panama City Beach Police Department.

                    Left, a Western Kentucky University student enjoys her last day of Spring Break in Panama City Beach. At right, An underage drinker sits cuffed after being caught by the Panama City Beach Police Department.

                    Spring Breakers play in the gulf near cutouts behind Sharky's in Panama City Beach.

                    Spring Breakers play in the gulf near cutouts behind Sharky's in Panama City Beach.

                    A group of girls from Texas State get a photo taken in Panama City Beach.

                    A group of girls from Texas State get a photo taken in Panama City Beach.

                    Left, Spring Breakers from South Carolina take on the obstacle course behind Club La Vela in Panama City Beach. At right, a Spring Breaker slides down the "Hippo" in Panama City Beach.

                    Beer is poured out after underage drinkers were busted by the Panama City Beach Police Department.

                    Beer is poured out after underage drinkers were busted by the Panama City Beach Police Department.

                    Spring breakers slide down a water slide on Panama City Beach.

                    Spring breakers slide down a water slide on Panama City Beach.

                    Left, Spring Breakers play a game of dodgeball in Panama City Beach. At right, Spring Breakers pose for a photo while sitting in traffic.

                    Left, Spring Breakers play a game of dodgeball in Panama City Beach. At right, Spring Breakers pose for a photo while sitting in traffic.

                    Left, a Spring Breaker plays a beach game. Center, Spring Breakers dance the night away at Spinnaker Beach Club. At right, Girls play a game of dizzy bat in Panama City Beach.

                    Left, a Spring Breaker plays a beach game. Center, Spring Breakers dance the night away at Spinnaker Beach Club. At right, girls play a game of dizzy bat in Panama City Beach.

                     

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