Today we’d like to introduce you to D. Hunter Turner.
Hi, D. Hunter Turner. Can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Old Florida Vibes is a passion project that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. My wife and I have always enjoyed spending time outside hiking, canoeing, photographing, wildlife watching, etc. Still, during quarantine, we quickly realized we wanted to be able to share our adventures with friends and family. Then, it was a way of staying connected and marking time. It was our silver lining amid some severe darkness. With that in mind, we started documenting our journeys on our Instagram feed @OldFloridaVibes. Before we knew it, there were a couple thousand people following along, some reaching out to share their favorite natural spaces, others with thanks for sharing the rarely highlighted natural side of the Sunshine State, and even a handful of non-profits excited to collaborate on projects geared toward preserving and protecting Florida’s natural paradise. Today, we continue to share the beauty of the place we call home and use Old Florida Vibes to start essential conversations about conservation, bring folks together in the name of joy, and celebrate the gift of time spent in nature.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to Old Florida Vibes has been winding. I grew up traveling with my family on a carnival, entered college with my eye on a business degree, left with a degree in forestry and wildlife, worked for the National Park Service building trails, traveled the globe on an array of assignments, and now find myself hunting for old orange groves, wildlife corridors, and all kinds of characters that make Florida the place my heart will forever call home. Every experience and person I’ve had the pleasure of meeting has led me to where I am today, but the map to get here included every detour and curve imaginable. There needs to be a clear regiment when it comes to a schedule. Today, I’m typing between a photo shoot at an animal sanctuary and charging camera batteries for a Gulf sunset. Some days, I find myself wading through the swamp. On other days, I dive below the ocean’s surface on projects with my friends at PBS. And, of course, there are days spent at the computer connecting with folks, planning, editing, keeping up with accounting, and filing taxes. Every day isn’t postcard-worthy, but as a small business owner, I enjoy just about every bit of the journey.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While much of what I share with others online is photography, I’m also an illustrator. My illustrations include colorful works featuring native flora, fauna, and the quirky side of the Sunshine State. My illustrations are printed on metal and other waterproof / UV-coated materials that hold up to the elements. I’m most proud of the work I do collaboratively with non-profits. Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Florida Springs Council to spread awareness about the importance of Florida’s delicate spring systems. Providing artwork that excites and inspires others to support their incredible advocacy work has been rewarding and humbling.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
The first time I went scuba diving is one of those core memories I reflect on regularly. I spent much of my childhood in the water thanks to my grandmother (BJ Turner, AKA Miss Jacksonville), a swimming instructor. While the pool was fantastic, swimming in a lake was great, and snorkeling from the surface was pretty incredible; the first time I went scuba diving, my mind was blown. The array of wildlife, the superhuman feeling of breathing underwater, the whole experience was just out of this world. I was hooked. To this day, scuba diving is one of the activities my wife and I enjoy most. We are lucky enough to live in the heart of Spring country and are a short drive to both coasts.
Pricing:
- Half Day Photography – $750
- Full Day Photography – $1,500
- Custom Illustration – $500
Contact Info:
- Website: OldFloridaVibes.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/OldFloridaVibes
- Facebook: facebook.com/oldfloridavibes
Image Credits
David Hunter Turner, Old Florida Vibes
