Fisherman at Sunset
Too infrequently do I get to travel. If I could only spend a week every month at home, that would suffice, I think. But when I do, I make sure to take advantage of the atmosphere and the views locally.
Mexico Beach is a small town in Florida. There are about 1000 people in the city along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It is quiet, pleasant, and many times, one can spend the entire day on the beach and only see a few people. It is as close to a deserted coastline as one can get with out being detached from civilization.
February is a cool and sometime warm month. But the change is weather from day to day can make for amazing lighting with the sun making for amazing light at nearly all times, fog from cool fronts moving in, and impressive winds coming off the gulf.
With A Year in Photography into its second month, Mexico Beach did not disappoint on the photography opportunities. As one might expect, there is an abundance of wild life, beautiful colors not commonly found on building in the north, and great lighting almost any time of day.
Arbor, Mexico Beach, 2/17/2017
While many photos on the beach call for color to bring the blues, greens, and warms tones out from the landscape, black and white is hard not to shoot. The classic of all photography, black and white lends itself well to Mexico Beach's lovely lighting and climate.
While I took my trip for mainly personal reasons for some rest and relaxation, a small event I've always wanted to attend took place: The Mexico Beach Annual Gumbo Cookoff.
Gumbo being probably my favorite soup, it is a Creole (sometimes Cajun) dish made with okra, a roux, tomatoes, seafood, and, as I always add, some andouille sausage. It is delicious and the gumbo at this festival was from across the spectrum. If one ever has a chance to make it to Mexico Beach, it is a fine time to visit in February and enjoy the local cuisine.
If you're just there for a vacation spot, the beaches are beautiful, the town super laid-back, and relaxing for those who seek tranquility.
While I could write plenty about a visit, my photographs and videos will tell a clearer story. Please enjoy and should you find yourself in Mexico Beach, I visit at least once a year; perhaps we can bump into each other and enjoy the weather and photography.
