Tag Archives: travel  The Most Honorable Flight ~ Photo Assignment The Most Honorable Flight ~ Photo Assignment From time to time, as photographers, there are photo assignments that come up that are more important and challenging, than others. When these events come along they make us step up, work harder and perhaps do so more passionately. When... 
Kent, thank you for sharing such an experience. I was tearing up just thinking about reading it, as I knew what it would be about from your title. But what you shared was much more than I expected. Amazing photos and story behind it. 
Wow, I had to leave for a tissue or two and come back! It’s hard to put into words how incredible this story is, let alone that you were able to be part of such an honor. I know of at least one family member that served in WWII, but he never made it home. I had the privilege of accompanying my friend to welcome home and record her husband and his troop coming home from Iraq and this really brought back some very raw emotion that was felt that day. Thank you for sharing this Kent! (and Max nailed that shot!) Now, to go see all the rest of the photos – making another pot of coffee!! ; ) 
This is such an incredible tribute and the pictures tell a beautiful story Kent… Well done! Drat if I hadn’t been sick I could have lent you my 16mm fisheye and then you wouldn’t have had to go all panoramic 
Thank you Tyann,
Kim,
Thanks Jenny, BTW, the 16mm would have been fun for several shots, but not the group shot. The people would be very small unidentifiable specks. The advantage of the pano is that I can shoot chunks of the scene at about 80-90mm and build up the total resolution of the image by adding images together. The final composited image (around 400mb) has incredible detail and I can print it on a billboard, if I’d like. PS – Love visiting ‘your backyard’. You really need to go spend an afternoon walking the roads of Arlington…uh…like RIGHT NOW! lol 
You told this so beautifully… in words & images. My grandfather did this last year and oh how I wish I had gone to capture it all. Our WWII vets are a true treasure – definitely the Greatest Generation – and I love that they get recognized like this. Thanks for posting. Now where did I put those tissues? *sniff*
Thank you for your appreciation Stacy and please thank your grandfather for me. 
Really beautiful Kent. Such an honor and a treasure.
Oh, I cried through the whole thing. 
Kent, You did a beautiful job in both your photos and your writing. Living in Maryland I love to visit the monuments and it is always an honor to see veterans there. Thank you for sharing this post.
So sorry, that was not the intention, however the experience was very powerful and I found myself afflicted in the same manner.
Thank you Lizzy, your words warm me. It must be nice to be that close to so much American history. 
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful event. I had tears in my eyes for most of this article. I love the spirit of our Ocala residents. I am deeply grateful to our war veterans. They fought and sacrificed to defend the freedoms we enjoy in this great country. Again, thank you for sharing. By the way, I shared it on my facebook page. 
Thank you for sharing your experience! The photos are wonderful and I so enjoyed your retelling of the day. I also needed tissues but that just shows that you are doing justice to a great day. These men and women are so important and what I wonderful day for all of them. 
Kent, 
Kent Thanks for doing such a great job remembering all those that gave of them selfs. what wounderful story and photo documentary. As many others that have read those words tears did come to my eyes remembering those who never came home to live a full life. 
Emotion drives my photography. This set of photos, and your narration of the event here, gave me goosebumps. I think you honored everyone who was honored at the event, AND everyone who participated in making it happen. Thank you for your inspiration. 
Kent! Wow! Thank you for sharing all this! I had tears or was crying the whole time! Our military all hold a special place in my heart… We owe them so much, for all they’ve given and sacrificed and cared! 
Stunningly told & illustrated story. You’ve outdone yourself. 
A very moving account with some briliant photo’s to reflect the emotions of the day. 
I sat here and cried like a baby. Anybody that can read this article, and look at these wonderful pictures and NOT do that has no heart or soul. I am 72 years old, so I am not as distanced from these marvelous vets as the youngsters in the group, so I realize how time is running out for all of us. I am from Florida, so am very proud to see ‘home folks’ doing such a good deed. Far more respect needs to be paid to our veterans, and active service people than is. Some of these ‘protesting’ young people (and the old ones too) need to use these wonderful people as examples instead of the ones that they seem to chose to follow. Our great country would become a great country once more if they did. They would acquire the moral fiber, dedication to God and country, and realize that, as the marble sign said, “Freedom is not free.” 
Beautiful, beautiful article, and such lovely images. My grandfather served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He was always so proud of his service.  Journey With Camera ~ Where It Started Journey With Camera ~ Where It Started In his 2005 commencement address to Stanford University graduates, Steve Jobs explained how we can only connect the dots looking back, never forward. I’ve found this to be so true, especially when reminiscing about particular photography experiences that have shaped who... by Kent Weakley show 9 comments 
Oh my word. Many thoughts while reading this one, Kent! . . . . What were you thinking running off like that?! ::snort:: Crazy youngin’ . . . But, what a great memory you made. I loved this! Keep sharing.
Thanks Ruthanne, 
I’m laughing so hard here, imagining what wonderful adventure you were brave/crazy enough to go on without a peep to the “parental figures”…I love the way you weighted the consequences…pictures?? parents getting mad?? PHOTO SHOOT..what could happen..nothing!! Hilarious sounds like something I would have pulled! Well, maybe NOT drive out of state, but definitely push the boundaries when the parents were gone!! Oh yea…I would love to hear more dots in your life!! Having your own children brings reality to why parents worry!!!:)
This is FANTASTIC Kent – thanks so much for sharing your story. I love hearing what drives people into photographhy 
Very entertaining! I would love to hear more. In retrospect, we wonder how we survived some of the things we did, don’t we? The first time I went to New York City, I could hardly wait to see the Statue of Liberty! She is a beauty! I would love to hear more of what got you to where you are. God has a much bigger plan for us than we can even begin to imagine. Please continue your journey with us! 
I enjoyed reading this post! I actually lol at work
WOW…what a great story and thanks so much for sharing with us! I’m very anxious to hear more. BTW…I love your photography style…just beautiful.
OMGoodness! Glad you were fine and the car was tank. They don’t build cars like that anymore.  Autumn Photo Adventure ~ Part 3 If you’ve read Part 1 and Part 2, you know my son loves photographing animals and we’re now at the point in our journey where we’re searching for meese (‘moose’ for the literal). Before I go any further, I must preface this post with my experience last year. Last... by Kent Weakley show 14 comments 
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed reading all three parts of this great adventure. I’m extremely envious of the great locations you got to shoot. Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait for the next adventure! 
Wow, what an adventure! I think my jaw hit my desk because your photos are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. 
I absolutely loved this. And I love your blog in general. I just purchased my first DSLR so I have been taking in your tips with great interest! Thank you so much!! 
This was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your adventure. Beautiful and breathtaking.
Will you be offering prints of these photos? My favorite is the close-up of the moose with the eyelashes. 
LOVED this!! The photos are amazing! Our family had a similar “hunt” for meese at Yellowstone a couple of years ago. We were only able to see a cow for about 10 minutes or so, never saw a bull. They are impressive creatures for sure. 
You boys have way more fortitude than this girl! I’m a midwesterner and detest weather below 50 degrees. 60 if I have to be out in it for any period of time. You look like such a Floridian in jeans and a light jacket! Where’s your parka? Where’re the snow pants? Mukluks? But the meese??? AAAhhhhh-moose-ing.
Can you say layers? Not Photoshop, clothing layers! At least I remembered my rain cover for my camera gear. Someone else, wonder who that might be, didn’t remember such equipment. Do the Floridians in Maine, or the hotel hand towels over someone’s camera, look more out of place?? LOL!!! 
OMG Kent!! Unreal. Just amazing captures! I can only imagine the exhileration of this experince. Really truly beautiful images… you really know how to put a shot together. Can’t wait for that Composition class – right after the Lightroom Workflow class Again, amazingly beautiful captures. Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us – you have a way of telling a story too! Great stuff Kent. 
Absolutely amazing—your luck and your photos!!!! 
wow – these are AMAZING! I will be showing my youngest son in the morning…he’s an avid outdoorsman, and will think these are the best!
Loved your adventure. Had a laugh at the “meese.” I’m envious though; I’d love to see one! And you’re right about the people who place light poles! 
Fantastic photos! Were you using the 200-400 again this year?
I was, *wink*  Autumn Photo Adventure ~ Part 2 Autumn Photo Adventure ~ Part 2 If you read Autumn Photo Adventure ~ Part 1, you know that the first part of this trip was heavily immersed in leaf-filled landscapes of Vermont. We had heard from a fellow photographer about a good town a bit further north. It was... 
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great colors and scenery! 
Beautiful!!!! Every photographer’s dream!!!!
Beautiful, Kent. 
Beautiful colors for the season. Autumn is, perhaps, my favorite time of year. So many color to photograph. The shot with the bench is my favorite of this grouping.
You were definitely in one of the most beautiful places in the country in the autumn. I don’t know which of these I love the most, but I think it’s #5–the trees and the reflection are just stunning. 
Just love your photos and travel journal 
Wonderful!! can’t wait for part 3, @garywhly
Thanks, me either! 
Beautiful pictures!! I love Autumn, my favorite season. These pictures remind me of my home state of Michigan. Gorgeous colors! Great job!! Thanks for sharing these with us. 
Beautiful colors and great capture. Your comment about power lines gave me a good laugh |
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But seriously, incredible job!
by Kent Weakley
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