Panama City Beach Christmas Lights

This Panama City Beach home is part of the News Herald's Shining Lights Christmas contest this year. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Panama City Surf Photogaphy Show

The Panama City Surf Photography exhibit is in the process of being boxed up at the Bay County Public Library in Panama City on Wednesday. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)

After a month adorning on the walls of the Bay County Public Library, my surf exhibit now resides in boxes in my car. The amount of time & money that went into the show was far more than I expected, but so was the turnout. Opening night was a success and throughout the month I have gotten calls from friends saying they went and checked it out. I want to thank everyone that took the time to come out and see the show. Hopefully I will get the chance to do another show in the future. Will it be surf photography? I don't know. We'll see. Until then feel free to purchase framed photos from me. They make great stocking stuffers! - Andrew

Movember in Panama City

From left, Dale Moore, Jacob Smith, Ryan Crawford and Andrew Willard display thier mustaches outside TGI Friday's in Panama City on Tuesday. The guys are growing the mustaches in support of Movember, a world wide movement bringing attention to men’s health issues by growing out their facial hair. (Andrew Wardlow | Panama City News Herald)

Andrew Willard sports a mustache in Panama City on Tuesday. He is growing the mustache in support of Movember, a world wide movement bringing attention to men’s health issues by growing out their facial hair. (Andrew Wardlow | Panama City News Herald)

The Raconteurs in Atlanta

Jack White performs with The Raconteurs at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011. Visit my Raconteurs photo gallery. © Andrew Wardlow Photography

I was one of the lucky few who got to photograph the first three songs The Raconteurs performed in Atlanta last weekend. I applied for a photo pass months ago, but only found out I could photograph the show the day before. Needless to say, I was excited when I got the news. When the time came to shoot the performance, I was escorted to a location behind the soundboard. There was no pit access that night. (Maybe because the show was sold out?) By the time we got in there it was pretty cramped. I wound up having to shoot through heads and hands....it made for a real challenge. The first three songs went really fast and before I knew it I was being escorted out of the building. I took my real camera back to the car and came back in to find my wife who had saved me a seat on the upper balcony.

The Raconteurs take a bow after their performance at the Tabernacle on Sunday. © Andrew Wardlow Photography

After the show we left down the outside staircase and saw the tour buses and a small crowd gathered near them. We decided to go check it out. After meeting some people and chatting for a bit we figured that we would stick around to see if The Raconteurs would come out and say hi. Well....two hours later they did. A gentleman came out and told the crowd of 40-50 people waiting that there would be no time for photographs, but the band would sign autographs. My wife & I had not planned on this and had nothing for them to sign. A nice lady offered to give us a diaper to let them sign, but she could not find it and gave us her ticket stub instead. 

Jack White signs a ticket stub for Kendra after the Raconteurs show at the Tabernacle. © Andrew Wardlow Photography

Kendra met all of the band members and got their autographs. (I didn't get to meet Jack White or Brendan Benson because I was shooting photos) I met drummer Patrick Keeler and bassist Jack Lawrence. Both of them took time to talk. My wife & I wound up having a great night together. We were on cloud nine until we got back to the car to find a boot on it. I'll save that story for another time. Click here to view a photo gallery from the show.

The Raconteurs autographed this ticket stub for Kendra Sunday in Atlanta. © Andrew Wardlow Photogaphy

Fox Sports Photo Gallery - Andrew Wardlow

Rena Johns participates in the bowling competition during the Florida Panhandle Senior Olympics at the Washington Rehab & Nursing Center in Chipley, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/The News Herald/Panama City, Fla., Andrew Wardlow) When I send photos to the Associated Press I never know where it will end up.This photo was included  in Fox Sports' "The Week in Sports Photos" gallery.

Chevy's 100th Anniversary Celebrated in Panama City

Don Parmer checks out a classic Chevrolet on display at Bill Cramer Chevrolet on 23rd Street in Panama City, Florida. Chevrolet celebrated its 100th birthday on Thursday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Young Gymnast in Panama City

Anna practices in Panama City on Saturday. She was the only gymnast from the state of Florida to earn a roster spot on the elite ‘A’ team that is part of U.S. Gymnastics’ National Talent Opportunity Program (TOPs) following a national test held Oct. 1 and 2 at the U.S. Gymnastics national training center in Waverly Hills, Texas, 60 miles north of Houston. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Panama City Surf Show...Thanks!

Chris enjoys a snack as he checks out images from my "Surfing Panama City" photography exhibit at the Bay County Public Library in Panama City, Fla. on Tuesday night. I want to thank everyone for coming out to the opening reception last night. The turnout exceeded my expectations and it was great to see the local surf community and photography lovers alike come together for the evening. The show will hang the entire month of November if you're interested in checking it out. All the photos are available for purchase. Proceeds from the event go to feed and house my family of three who enjoy a good pizza and bowl of cereal from time to time. :)   (Andrew Wardlow/Andrew Wardlow Photography)

Surfing Panama City Beach

Matt Myers heads home after an afternoon surf session at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida on Tuesday. Here is a link to more surf photos from Tuesday. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)
http://www.hangtenphoto.com/panamacitybeachsurfing101811

Panama City Shells

A wide variety of shells found on local beaches were on display at the Bay County Public Library in Panama City, Florida on Sunday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Becoming an Outdoors Woman in Panama City

Cyndi Begin fires a handgun during the Becoming an Outdoors Woman mini workshop at the Gulf Coast State College north campus in Southport, Florida on Saturday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Women retrieve their arrows during the archery course at the Becoming an Outdoors Woman mini workshop at the Gulf Coast State College north campus in Southport, Florida on Saturday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Swim Meet in Panama City Beach

Bay High's JD Clutch swims in the 200-yard IM during the Bay County High School Championship at the Frank Brown Park Aquatics Center in Panama City Beach on Saturday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Florida Governor Rick Scott

Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport on Thursday. Scott and several local officials gathered to talk about job creation at VentureCrossings, the 226-acre property adjacent to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport planned for use by the St. Joe Co. as an industrial and commercial complex. Florida’s 10.9 percent unemployment rate is among the highest in the nation and Scott made job creation a centerpiece of his election campaign in 2010, pledging to bring 700,000 jobs to Florida in seven years. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

High School Football in Panama City

Arnold High School's Andre Allen scores a touchdown in the second quarter against Rutherford High School at Tommy Oliver Stadium in Panama City, Florida on Friday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Pink Bra Fashion Show in Panama City

Dave Coughlin hams it up for the crowd during the "Wear Your Pink Bra" fashion show at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City on Friday.  The fashion show was just one of the many events being held this month for breast cancer awareness month. Although being far from Victoria Secret Angels with their pink bras, the men danced, sashayed and cheered on the crowd. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Women react during the "Wear Your Pink Bra" fashion show at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City on Friday. The crowd of nearly 100 women in the Gulf Coast Medical Center's cafeteria were there to see the men modeling the bras that were made by various teams throughout the hospital.
(Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Ken Manni walks the catwalk during the "Wear Your Pink Bra" fashion show at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City on Friday. The fashion show was just one of the many events being held this month for breast cancer awareness month. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Thunder Beach Through the Years

I have photographed the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach ten times over the past five years. The biannual event takes place in the spring and fall and it's back this week in all its glory. From the burnouts to the babes, here are a few photos from past Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rallies. (All photos by Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Kyle Ives performs during the motorcycle stunt show at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach in 2009.

A burnout is performed during the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach on 2010.

Leah H. washes a motorcycle at Crazy Marlin's during the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach in 2010.

Hundreds of motorcycles lined the grass at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach in 2009.

Bikers move along U.S. 98 in Inlet Beach in 2009.

Johnny Hankins waits for the beginning of the Kevin Kight Memorial Bike Parade in Panama City Beach in 2008.

Sam Croslin paints eagle flames on a bike at the Shoppes at Edgewater during the Thunder Beach motorcycle rally in 2006.

Keith and Lisa Johnson pull into Ms. Newby's on Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. Thousands of bikers descended upon Panama City Beach for the Thunder Beach Spring Rally in 2010.

Jason Aldean in Panama City Beach

Jason Aldean performs at The Fun Never Sets Country Music Fest at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, Florida on Saturday night. Aldean is known for his hits “Why,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor” and “The Truth.” He recently scored five nominations for the 45th annual Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album for “My Kinda Party,” and Single and Musical Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson. “Don’t You Wanna Stay” is just one of the No. 1 singles off his fourth studio album, “My Kinda Party,” certified Double Platinum. This year’s best selling country album, selling more than 1 million copies, is ranked No. 4 on the all-genre top-selling albums list behind Adele, Lady Gaga and Mumford & Sons. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

9/11 in Panama City

I photographed several 9/11 memorial ceremonies and events around Panama City this weekend. Here are a handful of photographs from those events.

Marine veteran Bob Cornelius salutes the flag during the 9/11 memorial service at the Panama City Marina on Sunday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Retired U.S. Navy Seal Bill Bruhmuller gets emotional as the National Anthem is sung during the Panama City Remembers 9/11 event at Smith's Yacht Basin next to the Shrimpboat Restaurant on Saturday. "We must show patriotism and loyalty to America," Bruhmuller said. "You never heal from something like this, but you get to go ahead and be strong for the people who lost their lives. That’s what they would have wanted." (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Twisted steel girders from between the 9th and 12th floors of Tower 2 of the World Trade Center were the backdrop for the 9/11 memorial event at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City on Sunday. Along with the girders, Tyndall's 9/11 memorial includes scorched limestone from the Pentagon and chisled segments of flagstone from a quarry near Shanksville, Pa. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Craig Robarts, with Panama City Beach Fire Rescue, carries a fire hose while participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Laketown Wharf condominiums in Panama City Beach on Saturday. The camaraderie shared between the fire fighters and those who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001, kept the memorial event a celebration of life. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

A moment of silence is observed during the 9/11 memorial event at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City on Sunday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Maj. David Hern holds up the American and Canadian flags during the 9/11 memorial event at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City on Sunday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

A red, white and blue wreath was placed at the 9/11 Memorial at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City on Sunday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

 Helen Landry was among hundreds of visitors to the 9/11 memorial service at the Panama City Marina on Sunday. (Andrew Wardlow/News Herald)

Tropical Storm Lee in Panama City

Okato Nakamura waits for waves during the long lulls in between sets as the swell from Tropical Storm Lee pushes into St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach on Wednesday. Tropical Storm Lee was the twelfth named storm and thirteenth system overall of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, developing from a tropical disturbance over the Gulf of Mexico on September 1. It was designated as Tropical Storm Lee the next day. Due to the large size, as well as the slow forward movement of the storm, heavy rainfall occurred in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the panhandle of Florida. Several drownings occurred along the Gulf Coast due to the rough surf conditions brought upon by Lee. For more surf photos visit hangtenphoto.com
(Andrew Wardlow Photography) 

Dollar Coin

The Government Accountability Office has said the country could save $5.5 billion over the next three decades if they eliminated the dollar bills replacing them with the dollar coin, permanently. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Orchid Bloom in Panama City

This orchid has been in the house for three years. Earlier this summer I gave up on it ever blooming and I put it outside to die. I guess all it needed was a little neglect. (Andrew Wardlow Photography)

Christian Music Festival in Panama City Beach

Peter Furler performs Saturday at the Fun Never Sets Christian Music and Film Festival at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Chrissy Cuttita enjoys the music of Jamie Grace Saturday at the Fun Never Sets Christian Music and Film Festival at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Alina Olshefski, left, and Savannah Hodges try to beat the heat by running through a sprinkler at the Fun Never Sets Christian Music and Film Festival at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Olivia Gipson, 14, gets a photo taken with performer Jamie Grace Saturday at the Fun Never Sets Christian Music and Film Festival at Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Raconteurs in Atlanta

I just bought tickets to see The Raconteurs play at the Tabernacle in Atlanta in November. My wife and I attempted to see The White Stripes play at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago in 2007, but they canceled the rest of their tour due to Meg having anxiety. We still had a good trip to Chicago, but missed our chance to see the White Stripes. Let's hope that this one doesn't get canceled. I am working on getting a camera into the show and hope to get some cool concert photos. We'll see how it goes. Stay tuned.....Andrew

Watermelon Karaoke comes to Panama City?

I did a double take while shooting an assignment about the St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers' Market in Panama City on Saturday. Could this be really happening? Why is there a tiny watermelon siting next to a tiny amplifier? I shot a few images of the scene and then went on my way. I am afraid I will never get an answer to my question. (Andrew Wardlow Photography) andrewwardlow.com

This Week in Andrew's Photos - August 17-21, 2011

  

Charity Gipson looks at her smoke-damaged wedding dress in Panama City Beach. Her home was destroyed in a fire on Wednesday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Fresh fruits and vegetables are for sale at the St. Andrews Waterfront Farmers' Market  in Panama City on Saturday. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

A multimillion dollar commercial structure at the corner of Panama City Beach Parkway and Wild Heron Way was destroyed by a fire on Saturday afternoon. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)

Blake Holfelder, 11, fishes at the M.B. Miller County Pier in Panama City Beach on Saturday. Holfleder, like many kids this weekend, is taking advantage of the good weather and spend time outside before he starts school Monday morning. (Andrew Wardlow/Panama City News Herald)