Photographers We Really Like: Sanibel through the Lens

Although Sanibel  is one big "photo opp" ,   there are some out there who have captured the beauty, magic, drama and warmth of the Island in truly remarkable ways.

Yes, having a good camera, a good eye and a good location certainly make a difference in the results.

But stunning photography is much more than that.

To find the right place to grab the image, you may have to move around.

Then, to capture the sun, freeze a bird in motion, still the waving palm; you may have to possess the special patience of a saint.

High on our list of gifted and talented photographers is a Sanibel resident, Laitham Haddad.  His images make amazing use of light, creating an artistic chiaroscuro contrast of brightness and darkness.  Laitham's moody images of clouds, sunsets and ominous storms are definitely his trademark.  His photo images can be seen by the public on the Facebook page, Two Eyes One Image.

Another favorite is Gordon Campbell.  We find ourselves wowed by Gordon's detail, especially of birds, though we have seen one particularly outstanding hungry looking gator among his shots. Gordon not only provides fabulous photography, he offers advice on his website, Southwest Florida Outdoor Photography, covering every nuance....from what camera to buy, to when, where and how to shoot to get your best possible image.

A recent find has been Jim Anderson whose site, Our Islands in the Sun, feature photos of both Sanible and Captiva and range from vibrant flowers to cool greys water scapes.  Our favorite perspective, of course, is the beach.  And Jim has one scene of some rocks, palm trees and the Gulf that looks like something straight out of the South Pacific.  While Sanibel is uniquely Southwest Florida, on any given day and from any given place it can take on the tones of the Caribbean or Fiji and Samoa.

And speaking of Samoa (pun intended), in highlighting those skilled photographers out there, we can not possibly leave out Dick Fortune and Sara Lopez.  A visit to their site, Through the Lens Gallery, delights both the eye and the ear.  Their use of music reminiscent of South American Andean folk tunes----or maybe they are Indian----or possibly just a fusion of world music----- just enhances the visuals.  And the visuals are simply amazing.  Action appears to be the coin of transaction for Dick and Sarah with birds prancing as water flies in every direction and dolphins leap in the air.

And there are photographers who we do not know, but whose visions grace the pages of Audubon Florida, National Geographic and many other large sites that inlcude our beautiful little Island in their dramatic landscapes and nature photography.

Thanks to all!