A review of Images for sale from Bob Swanson Photography on this site; Wildlife - Baboon, Bears, wolves, tigers, white tigers, lions, jaguars, Rhino's, elephant, camels, capybara, wild horse, wild ponies, Chincoteague ponies, Assateague ponies, meercat, squirrels, chipmunks, giraffes, tapir, buffalo (american bison), deer, sika deer (elk),fallow deer, bongo, boar, alligators, crocodile, Great white egret, great blue heron, little blue heron, green hereon,night heron,white ibis, scarlet ibis, tri color heron, reddish egret, cattle egret, snowy egret, wood stork, moorhen, willet, sandhill crane, west African crowned crane, flamingo, roseatte spoonbill, Bald eagle, Cara cara, turkey buzzards, horses, cats, kittens, dogs, puppies.
Wildlife refuges photographed; Backbay NWR, Assateague NWR, Cape Hatteras, Ding Darling NWR,
Countries photographed; Spain, portugal, Brazil, Belize, St. Thomas (American Virgin Islands), Mexico, Cozamel, Isla Mujeras,British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda ,St. John and St. Bart's (Frence West Indies),
Favorite subjects; lighthouses, sunsets, sunrises, waves, airplanes, waterfalls, landscapes, seascapes, infra red, beach portraits, native americans
February 14, 2011
Photographed my 10th year of Eagle 97's Mass wedding at Grand Affairs in Virginia Beach. Although the number of married couples was much less than last year I had a good time and hope to return next year. Thanks Jimmy Ray and Jen.
March 4, 2011
Tonight is the opening of the "Raining Cats & Dogs" art show at the Artists Gallery in Virginia Beach. I'll be exhibiting some new images from my shooting at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Hope to see you there.
March 16, 2011
Will photograph a "Command Portrait" for VFA-15 on Oceana NAS.
March 17, 2011
Photo session at Oceana went well and I was able to post the F-18 Navy jets and their crew and pilots on this site today
March 18, 2011
St. Patrick's day. Got green on. Ana and I were able to go to the Princess Anne Recreation center tonight. She for work out and me for some volleyball. Tomorrow's temperature should be around 70 degrees so we will take the dogs to the beach.
April 8, 2011
I will be exhibiting some new images at the New show at the Artists Gallery on Norfolk Ave., Virginia Beach named "Inspiring Places Vistas and Spaces"
April 2011
Sold a few framed images at the art gallery that I show at Artistic Creations. I camped for a week at the Frisco National Seashore campground in my pop-up camper. My first attempt at camping without hook-ups. It went fairly well and I learned a lot of camping needs for my next trip of which should be Assateague National Seashore camp ground in a couple of weeks. Today I'm getting ready for my annual Submarine Ball at the Norfolk Waterside Hilton Hotel to photograph couples and group portraits. This weekend I'll be attending the annual intra-tribal pow-wow in Frisco, NC. Next week I'll be photographing the American Helicopter Society Convention at the Virginia Beach Convention Center and also photographing some graduation class portraits at Regency University.
May 4, 2011
Sucessfully photographed the American Helicopter Society convention at the Virginia Beach Convention Centr.
May 14, 2011
Photographed portraits and a group portrait of the "holy loch one" reunion group at the Holiday Inn on Greenwich road in Virginia Beach. Now is known at the Holiday Inn Virginia Beach - Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center.
May 17, 2011
I took my pop-up camper to a dealer near Smithfield to sell so that I can get a "Hybrid camper". Hopefully this will happen within the next couple of weeks to prepare for my June trip to NE and Nova Scotia.
May 23, 2011
Worked with Randall and exhibit crew re-locating his gallery at Pembroke Mall to a location more central to interested traffic. "Artistic Creations" will have a new home and face because of Target taking over the old space.
June 3, 2011
ana and I drove to Sykesville, Md. to attend my grand daughters high school graduation.
June 14, 2011
Beginning my journey to the great north of Maine. Hauling my new Shadow Cruiser hybrid trailer my first night was rather short. Only made it about 120 miles to Spotsylvania. The next day was better as I made it to Wilkes Barre, Pa. The third night was spent in Portsmouth, NH. From there we were able to make it to the campground at Camden Hills, Maine and will spend at least 4 nights and then who knows. I've been eating a lot of lobster and viewing some wonderful country around coastal Maine. Tomorrow we hope to take a sailboat trip around Penopscot Bay, Maine.
June 21, 2011
Haven't done the sailboat yet but have had many fine lobster meals and some local seafood stew along with the local beer. We also walked a 1/2 mile jetty to a lighthouse in the Rockport harbor. Took a few pictures to add to my lighthouse collection. We extended our stay here thru Sunday AM and then hope to head north towards the New Brunswick border.
June 24, 2011
Today we tried to find a local lobster restaurant on the water in the rain. We found what we wanted about 7miles south of Rockland. we went from there to photograph 2 lighthouse (in the rain). Marshall Point LH and Owls Head LH. Tomorrow should be just rest in preparation for our exodus on Sunday to Acadia and Bar harbor for a few days.
june 26, 2011
We lefy Camden Hills State Park for Lubec, Me. After traveling about 4 hours we made it to Sunset Point CG in Lubec. Right on the sound with a stiff breeze and backed up to the sound. We visited Lubec and think that it will be very interesting. there are 4 light houses in the immediate area and it's a good jumping off point for New Brunswick in a few days.
June 27, 2011
We made it to Lubec. The most eastern point in the United States. We visited the town last night and made new friends and visited old friends. A good time was had by all. We hope to visit some of the light houses today. It is warm, foggy and humid so far. It's also good to get the trailer unhitched.
We saw our friends Lee and Melinda off this morning. They are headed to Bar Harbor, ME. We had lunch in Lubec and photographed the the Mulholland Point lighthouse across the river in Canada. After lunch we crossed the FDR Memorial bridge to Campobello Island in New Brunswick. After going thru customs we drove to the opposite end of the island to the East Quoddy lighthouse. After spending and hour or so we drove back to the Roosevelt Summer Home memorial. We crossed back into the United States and drove to the West Quoddy lighthouse but it was engulfed in fog as was the Lubec Channel light. We are back at the Sunset Point Camp Ground and getting ready for a lobster dinner in Lubec.
June 28, 2011
Returned to West Quoddy lighthouse as yesterday there was too much fog. We took the dogs so they could explore the beach at the state park as well as giving me a different perspective in photographing the lighthouse. We fixed clams and shrimp on the grill for an early dinner and then went into Lubec for our last night for a couple of beers and snacks. Supposed to be rainy tomorrow as we prepare to leave for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
June 29, 2011
Offly foggy this morning but no rain. Preparing to leave for our next destination. New Brunswick, Canada. We should cross over at Calais, maine.
Arrived at the Canadian border at noon today. Bought some Canadian money, had lunch and headed towards our first campground about 1/2 hour from St. John. We arrived at the Provincial campground but had some difficulties and move to a private campground named Ocean View a couple miles down the road. We are the only campers. The owner is very nice and accomodating. Fog rolled in about 7:30PM and completely engulfed the area. Had dinner across the street and were the only diners.
June 30, 2011
Foggy and cool this morning. Had breakfast and noticed another camper came in last night. Finished setting up the campsite and are planning to snoop around the area. Still very foggy at 11:00am.
also very buggy. ana doesn't like this. The CG owner agreed to make some small cabinets for the trailer to hold CD's and books. He's a carpenter. Haven't seen much of wildlife. Areas tides are tremendous and inclined to fog. Visited St. Johns downtown and bought some lobster. Nice little college town. We had lunch at a market.
July1, 2011
Happy Canada day. Similar to our 4th of July. Today is the reason we decided to find a place to camp and sit it out as most CG's will be completely booked.
July2, 2011
Again, foggy and buggy and chilly. Decided to go back to St.John to go to Walmart for supplies. Place was very busy. Gas prices are averaging 1.20 per liter. About $4.85 per gallon. Took dogs to run along the extremely rocky shoreline.
July 3, 2011
Today is travel day. Just waiting for Frank to come by to install the cabinets. We left about noon and traveled about 140 miles thru Fundy National Park, and Alma to Hillsborough to the Ponderosa Pines campground. Although not as spacious a site that we're used to it is shaddy and has all of the hook up. There are bugs but not as back as Ocean view where we came from. We had a good dinner at the Ranch restaurant about 10 miles away and came back for a long nights sleep. Very quiet. that's good.
July 4th, 2011
Happy Fourth of July. Still in Hillsborough, New Brunswick and probably will be for a couple of days.
July 5, 2011
Today we visited the Hopewell Rocks. a major tourist attraction that boasts a normal tide of about 40 feet. You are able to go down the steps and walk around the base as if walking on the ocean floor. They have a clock to remind you when you have to go back up so as not to be washed away by the tide. Very picturesque.
July 6, 2011
Went lighthouse hunting about 1 hour from the campground but were fogged out. Wonder unique terrain. No moose to be seen.
July 7, 2011
Went back to Cape Enrage' and the weather was beautiful. Some new construction for "zip lines" marred what might have been a more natural view. We had lobster in the fishing village of Alma at the entrance of the Fundy National Park and then headed back to the trailer.
July 8th, 2011
Got up early from the Linden campground and went to Port Hawkesbury near Cape Breton for breakfast. Went to the visitors center and got travel details and then headed up the norther route to our first lighthouse of the day. Mabou harbor light, Cape Breton Nova Scotia. A bonified fishing village lighthouse on the river leading to the sound. Very good photo day. We then headed south to go back to Nova Scotia to find the Cape George lighthouse and after traveling about 50 miles found it. It was one of most exhilarating lighthouses we've ever seen. It stood quite a few hundred feet above the water and we saw whales in the water. We returned to Antigonish for the annual Scottish celebration but were underwhelmed.
July 9, 2011
Rain today.
July 17, 2011
Deb's birthday. We got any early start (11:00am) and stopped for brunch near Lewisburg. Made it thru Pa. and Maryland and stopped for the night at a Motel 6 in martinsville, WV. off of I 81. The best Motel 6 I've ever experienced. even though it's Indian run the rooms are clean and appear to be new. They also do not charge extra for pets.
July 18, 2011
After spending the night in West Virginia we will head back to the barn. Saunders storage facility and then home.
Sept. 11, 2011
After about 5 weeks getting the trailer repaired and special modifications we are on the road again. spending tonight at a KOA in Statesville, NC. Just a little respite before returning to photograph the newly combined Naval Aviation Ball put on by the Navy League. My return trip to the Asheville, NC area is to further expand my collection of waterfalls and mountain scenes that only western, NC can provide.
Sept. 12, 2011
Spent the day acclimating ourselves and doing some necessity shopping.
Sept. 13, 2011
Today we will travel to north of Asheville to the "French Broad River Campground" to spend a couple of days.
December 22
The daily temperature here in anna maria island is about 45 degrees as a high and down to around freezing at night and expect it to be the same for a few days. We visited Holmes Beach, Bradenton beach and manatee beach.
December 24
My son and his wife Thuy arrived to spend a few days with us.
December 28
My sister Donna arrived to spend a few days with us. The weather is getting a little warmer.
December 30
We all drove to Sanabel & Captiva Islands today. We drove through Ding Darling National wildlife refuge and took a few pictures.
December 31
The temperature got to 79 degrees today. We spent quite few hours at the beach and I watched volleyball.
January 1, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The temperature should be around 80 degrees today.
January 3, 2011
Left Anna Maria Island today and drove for about 400 miles to end up Hardeevilee, SC.
January 4
Awoke to reality this AM. 33 degrees.
January 19, 2011
Photographed puppies and kittens at the Virginia Beach SPCA in preperation of an upcoming art show at the Artists Gallery on Norfolk Ave., Virginia Beach titled "Raining Cats and Dogs". Also adopted a 5 year old Australian Cattle dog named Dallas. He will be a companion for our other adoptee Scotch.
January 22, 2011
Expanded my photography display at Pembroke Mall's "Artist's Corner" in Virginia Beach. Will also have a display at the Premier Gallery on Colonial Ave. in Norfolk probably opening in March, 2011
February 14, 2011
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December 20
Started my journey to Florida today. will spend the night in Brunswick, Ga. and end up in Anna Maria Island in the Sarasota, Florida area. first day around 71 degrees and got in a couple of beach volleyball games. Second day about 65 and windy so no beach time. Xmas eve not so windy but still not a beach day
December 18
Tonight is my last Xmas party to photograph for the season. It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Virginia Beach for one of my corporate customers.
December 16
We experienced our second snow of the season with expectations of one more before the new year.
December 10
The Chesapeake Conference Center
I photographed holiday portraits at one of my annual military holiday parties at the Chesapeake Conference Center .
The Cavalier Hotel at the oceanfront
I photographed my first of many Corporate Holiday Parties tonight at the "Cavalier Hotel" on the oceanfront of Virginia Beach.
"Alexander's on the Bay"
Alexander's on the Bay restaurant at Chick's Beach as permitted me to display quite a few beach, sunrise, sunset images taken at the Chick's beach Chesapeake Bay bridge area of Virginia Beach.
November 2010
Suffolk Art League
I had my "Snow at the Beach" image accepted at the Suffolk Art League for display thru December 2010
I also have a number of images on display at the following sites; The Artists Gallery, Norfolk Ave., Virginia Beach and The Art Corner at Pembroke Mall, Virginia Beach
Assateague National Wildlife Refuge. Assateague Virginia and Maryland
November 2010
Assateague NWR, Maryland. Visited the island this Thanksgiving week and photographed the infamous Assateague Ponies on the sand dunes of the island. We also encountered a variety of squirrels including the Chincoteague Black squirrel and the Delmarva Peninsula Fox squirrel. We also photographed the unique Sika deer (Elk) on the Virginia side of the Assateague NWR.
Chincoteague, Virginia
November 13, 2010
Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, Native American Heritage Festival Pow wow
Photographed Native American dancers
November 20, 2010
Virginia Beach, Virginia First Landing Historical Villages, Cape Henry, Virginia
Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Intertribal Corn Harvest Fall Festival Pow Wow
Photographed various Native American Dancers
October, 2010
Was invited to display a selected variety of my images at the TRINDCO sales facility at the corner of Baltic Ave. and 22nd. St. in
Virginia Beach.
August 2010
Pennsylvania, New York state, Vermont, New Hampsire and Maine
We camped in Vermont, and the great north of New Hampshire photographing wildlife and waterfalls
July 2010
Western North Carolina
I spent 2 1/2 weeks camping in the mountains of western North Carolina. Particularly Transylvania County where we found many waterfalls. In the city of Brevard we found the unique White Squirrels on the campus of Brevard University. We also traveled to various areas researching Native American roots. This took us to Cherokee, NC. Also Ocoee, Tennessee.
Spring 2010
Sandbridge, Virginia
During one of my many trips from Sandbridge to Virginia Beach I found a mare with her new foal at a farmette on Sandbridge Rd. I introduced myself to the owners and they permitted me to photograph the two. Both the mare and foal were very friendly and I produced "Broadway and Annie"
Frisco, NC
The month of April found me in Frisco, NC where I photographed the "Frisco Pow wow" at the Native American Museum. The folks were very nice and permitted me to photograph individuals in native attire as well as their dances.
Spring/Summer 2009
Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake Virginia
This is my busy season as I have many weddings (beach & church) portraits (beach & studio) and special events as in Valentines portrait sessions.
Fall 2009
Virginia Beach, Virginia
I was fortunale to be able to photograph a few weddings both on the beach in Virginia Beach as well as Sandbridge, Virginia. The Fall season is also my busiest period for Beach Family Portraits. I photographed many portraits at both the oceanfront of Virginia Beach as well as Sandbridge Beach. The Fall is also a busy time for "special events" as in the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in November as well as many Military functions (Khaki Balls) (Military Holiday Parties) and Annual events as the Submarine Ball, Strike Fighter Ball, Ships Parties.
November 2009
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
Driving from Pennsylvania after Thanksgiving 2009 I crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel during a "North Easter" and photographed many images of Chick's Beach and the Lesner Bridge of Virginia Beach under ominous angry storm clouds
Winter 2009/10
Sandbridge, Virginia
I had a winter rental on the ocean in Sandbridge, Virginia. After photographing my last beach wedding and beach portraits I hunkered down for the long winter experience on the oceanfront of Sandbridge and section of Virginia Beach, Virginia. I was blessed with a " North Easter" for Thanksgiving (photographically speaking) as well as two unusual snow storms on the oceanfront. I also was able to experience many very close dolphin sightings all the way thru February as well as a couple of whale sightings. In all it was a very interesting and pleasing photographic experience.