Adam Hawley - Featured Artist
Adam Hawley, a local of Topsail, has dedicated a significant portion of his life to honing his skills in the field of photography. With a career spanning since 2001, he has been employed at Unique Media & Design, a company specialized in real estate photography and virtual tours. Click here to view Unique Media & Design’s Website! Throughout his professional journey, he has had the opportunity to capture the essence of countless properties in various distinctive locations both within our state and around the globe. In addition to his professional commitments, Adam is fervently drawn to the concept of capturing moments, attempting to suspend time through his meticulous photography. His area of expertise lies in photographing coastal landscapes and utilizing long exposure techniques to encapsulate the passing of time for the appreciation of all. Adam firmly believes in the brevity of life, advocating the ethos of working hard and embracing leisure with equal gusto, without taking anything for granted along the way. His guiding principle can be best described by the famous adage that states, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." When not holding a camera, he can be found enjoying the company of his loved ones and friends, partaking in activities such as fishing, kitesurfing, boating, and any other water-oriented endeavors.
Current Pieces Available in the Gallery
“Ghost Surfers”- Limited Edition
“Ghost Surfers” is a stunning piece captured at Surf City Ocean Pier in Surf City, NC. It was created after approximately 50 attempts, utilizing an ND filter with a long five-minute exposure. The key to achieving this perfect shot was positioning the camera as close to the water's edge as possible, without allowing the water to touch the tripod. If the water made contact with the tripod, the shot would become completely blurred. This meticulous process is why it took over 50 tries to finally secure the desired image.
“Serenity Point Sandbar”- Limited Edition
“Serenity Point Sandbar” is captured on a bustling summer day, this artwork features the sandbar opposite Serenity Point at Topsail Beach, NC. It consists of four distinct aerial images that were carefully combined during the editing phase using Photoshop. The technique of stitching these aerial views offers a distinctive perspective, showcasing the island's vibrant colors and the natural splendor of its southern end.
“Black Mud Channel Sunset”- Limited Edition
This breathtaking image of Lea Island consists of five aerial photographs combined, showcasing the "Black Mud Channel." The vibrant hues created by the intricate marsh maze and the clear blue waters of the inlet are truly striking. If you look closely, you can observe the stretch of beach leading down to Wilmington, with the shipping port visible in the upper right corner. Taken on a chilly autumn evening, this exquisite piece vividly captures how the locals experience this lovely location during the off-peak season.
“Fire Sky at Pirates Cove” - Limited Edition
The piece titled "Fire Sky at Pirates Cove" was captured on a serene summer evening, providing a view of Banks Channel, Sloop Point, and Virginia Creek. Notably, the sun did not make an appearance that evening, yet its rays could still be seen brightly piercing through the clouds. On this specific day, the sun remained hidden. According to an old captain’s adage, "A fire sky at night means sailors delight," while a fire sky in the morning serves as a sailors warning. This composure of 5 aerial images stretches across the entire expanse of Surf City and Topsail Beach, offering a view that reaches all the way to Topsail Inlet and beyond the Surf City Bridge.
“The 4th at Soundside Park” - Limited Piece
On the 4th of July, Soundside Park features an extraordinary celebration that aligns with the fireworks show in Surf City, NC. This well-known occasion brings in a large number of attendees annually, attracting people from both local and far-off places. The scenic backdrop of this piece includes the impressive high-rise bridge of Surf City, as spectators marvel at the brilliant fireworks illuminating the night sky.
“Surf City Swing Bridge Winter Sunset”
The beloved swing bridge of the renowned surf city holds a special place in the hearts of the community for all time. Over the years, at least four generations of visitors have traversed this bridge, linking the mainland of North Carolina to Topsail Island. With so many travelers and years behind it, the bridge has transformed into a significant landmark, signifying both the start and conclusion of vacations. It stands out in its unique charm and character. This photograph was captured one year prior to the iconic bridge's demolition on a stunningly crisp winter evening. Topsail in the winter is known for its breathtaking sunsets, beautifully illustrated in this image.
"Reflection of the Swing Bridge"
"Reflection of the Swing Bridge" is a photograph taken in the early 2000s, capturing the sunset over a tranquil evening by the sound. The hues of the clouds and sky are beautifully mirrored in the still water. This piece stands out as a significant aspect of Topsail Island's history. For many residents and visitors, the bridge symbolized a route to paradise. However, in 2018, the Swing Bridge was decommissioned and succeeded by the Surf City High Rise Bridge.
"Calm after the Storm"-Limited Piece
"Calm after the Storm" is a composition featuring five distinct images captured during a 30-minute time-lapse of a summer afternoon storm moving over Topsail. As many might be aware, summer storms in the afternoon can be quite intense; however, they often pave the way for a serene evening once they have cleared. This image holds significance as it encapsulates the entire time-lapse of the storm in a single frame, showcasing its retreat from the coast. Within this picture, one can observe the lighting effects, torrential rain, a small funnel cloud (water spout), and a stunning sunset, all framed by the Surf City high-rise bridge and Sears Landing.
“Jolly Roger Lightning Storm”
This picture was taken at the Jolly Roger Pier in Topsail Beach, NC, during one of our exhilarating afternoon storms. The artwork is composed of three different images that have been blended together during the editing process. The two lightning bolts at the top are from separate photographs, while the lower half of the ocean showcases a long five-minute exposure shot taken with an ND filter.
“The South End of Lea Island” - Limited Edition
The South End of Lea Island is a drone photograph taken on a clear afternoon in May. This panoramic view is made up of five stitched images, showcasing Figure 8 Island on the left, the southern part of Lea Island in the center, and Topsail Beach on the far right. The scene has a tropical feel, with the waters surrounding Lea Island and the clouds on that day reminiscent of the Caribbean.
“Canal Sunrise” - Limited Edition
This sunrise over the canals is a wide-angle photograph created by combining four distinct images. Captured on a crisp autumn morning, it features a solitary fishing boat navigating the Intracoastal Waterway just as the sun began to ascend. This distinctive viewpoint highlights the layout of the canal system located at the northern section of Surf City. Dredged in the 1960s, the "finger canals" serve as a home for numerous locals, along with many "weekend warriors".
“Under Jolly Roger at Sunset”
A long exposure photograph taken beneath a vivid sunset showcases the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier in Downtown Topsail Beach. This unique viewpoint highlights the pier's rich history, shaped by its resilience through countless storms as you can tell with all of the pilings. Shot at an ideal time during a full moon's ascending tide, as the sun set behind the island, the image elegantly captures the sunlight streaming through the rafters of the pier.
“Saving The Point”
The captivating image titled "Saving the Point" showcases Serenity Point at Topsail Beach, recognized as one of the island's most stunning locations. This 149-acre area boasts Caribbean-like waters and a rich array of wildlife. Every weekend, numerous locals and island visitors flock to this iconic, untouched gem. In the summer of 2024, this photograph adorned the cover of Topsail Magazine, which published an article titled "Saving the Point," detailing the history and conservation efforts surrounding this picturesque site.