July 1st, 2025 BPC Meeting - "Florida Tourism and the Photographers" by Dave Bowers

July 1st, 2025 BPC Meeting - "Florida Tourism and the Photographers" by Dave Bowers

BIO:

Dave Bowers is a Palm Coast, Florida, resident and president of The Flagler Beach Photography Club, LLC. Dave received his Masters in Naturalist Photography from Duke University and began his photographic endeavors at Madison Square Garden, N.Y.  Some of his favorite experiences behind the lens include the North Carolina Ballet, the Concours d’Elegance, and working as an independent correspondent for magazines and galleries. Most recently, Dave has been recognized by The National Wildlife Federation for his photograph titled “Looking Up To Big Brother,” placing number 2 in the world in the Bird category.
Dave relies on an inquisitive eye, a quick shutter release, patience, and the ongoing mentorship of his fellow colleagues. In turn, he derives great satisfaction from teaching others. His current endeavors are now spent exploring the disciplines of surrealism with the current exhibition titled “Dream Weaving.”
Dave is a prominent figure in the local arts scene and has won many accolades. “One of my recent accomplishments however, is becoming a fine art photography judge for galleries and other photographic competitions.”
“I have chosen photography as a means to capture art and beauty in a two-dimensional form while simultaneously evoking provocative questions from within my viewers’ eyes. I embrace the idea that certain moments can go on forever when visually recorded through the camera’s lens. I cannot pinpoint when these moments occur; but when captured and printed, there comes a sense of timelessness that fulfills me -- and hopefully you.”  
“I most enjoy using my photographic skills as my medium to express, engage and educate. Photography is indeed an art form, for it tells a story for others to interpret.”
I would like nothing better than to speak with you about fulfilling your current need for photographic art. I can be reached at: davebowersphotog@gmail.com or by calling 919-961-5271.

Description: 

My intent here is to blend together the history of Florida tourism, spearheaded by Henry Flagler and the marketing arm that drove thousands of tourists south because of the work, creativity and dedication of photographers through the creation  of the penny postcard. Get a first hand insight into the photographs printed on cardstock and mailed for just one cent to millions of Americans who couldn't wait to take the next train south to St. Augustine and parts south. Also included in this presentation will be an interesting technique of how to transform an original postcard from the turn of the 19th century into beautiful wall art for your own home! Additionally, I will inform those interested where these archival works of art can be obtained for well under $10. Who would have thought that the development of Florida's tourism would be driven in part by early photographers. Me!

If you can not join us in the library for Dave's engaging presentation; you are welcome to attend via Zoom. 

If you cannot attend in person, please join us via Zoom: 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86185948821?pwd=4NXB6k52wBvLzrW6Yx5nhLAQjthTGS.1

Meeting ID: 861 8594 8821

Passcode: 818152