Tag Archives: Don Kimmer

“Doc” Watson – 1923-2012

“Just One of the People”

"Doc" Watson performs in West Jefferson

"Doc" Watson performs in West Jefferson

We depart this week from our usual “Photographer’s Choice” series to honor one of our own. Arthel “Doc” Watson left us on May 29th, with his guitar and banjo picking, natural baritone voice, and occasional harmonica, to join other great artists who helped to keep the musical heritage of genuine mountain music alive. He spread the sound of Country and Bluegrass all over the world and showed just how successful one could be with talent and hard work, overcoming a handicap that never slowed him down. Doc was born in Deep Gap and died in Deep Gap, never losing his love for home and the mountains of North Carolina, or his humility. Many of today’s “entertainers” could take note of the fact that one can be successful without sex and scandal, that a police record and headline grabbing antics are not a prerequisite to a career on the public stage. On the other hand, with meager talent perhaps that’s the only route available.

“Doc” Watson – a legend that will long be remembered.

Don Kimmer captured this excellent image on June 7, 2008.

Photographer’s Choice – Don Kimmer

As Far South As You Can Go in the Continental US

Don Kimmer - Key West, Florida

Don Kimmer - Key West, Florida

If you’re looking for a great example of leading, converging lines and repeating patterns and colors in an image, look no further than this shot of Sunset Pier in Key West. A popular gathering spot for tourists and locals to gather for boat watching, sunsets and casual dining, the pier is decorated with all the trappings one associates with south Florida. This scene was captured at the end of April, 2007 at about 6:30 in the afternoon. It must be quite unusual to be so deserted at this time of day, with only a single person at the end of the pier where one’s eye inevitably lands.
This photograph is an example of why post processing is such an important part of any photographer’s life. The original shot was partially blocked in the upper right and left corners by dark overhanging umbrellas and the horizon was noticeably tilted. Also the color of the original had a slight green/yellow bias. But the scene was worth the time it took to correct these flaws to produce the final image above.
Don’s camera was a Nikon D80 with an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens zoomed to it’s widest focal length. Exposure was 1/160 sec at f/9.0 with an ISO of 200.