Gods of the Mountains

Mt. Celo at Dusk, Black Mountains, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


From ancient times, gods have been known to dwell on mountains. In Greece, Zeus and the twelve principle gods of Greek mythology inhabited Mount Olympus. Vulcan was associated with the fire of volcanos, where he made his thunderbolts. In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, Lord Brahma is said to sit atop the scared mountain of Mount Meru, where he resides at the center of the universe. In Maori legend, the mountain being, Taranaki, retreated to New Zealand after losing a mighty battle between other mountains, and became known as the volcano Mount Taranaki. During spectacular sunsets, he is thought to be showing-off.

In this image, the gods of Mt. Celo appear to have gathered at sunset for a cook out. They are roasting marsh mellows over a camp fire, and eating s'mores.

Two Cows

Cows on a Mountain Pasture, Burnsville, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


There are about 1.3 billion cows in the world.

Here are two.

All Natural

Ice in Trees, near Mt. Mitchell, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


In yesterday's post I mentioned an overnight snowfall on the Black Mountains. Even though most of it had melted by next day, pockets of snow and ice remained on the protected north side of the range. This image may look like a black and white photograph with artificial coloring in the sky, but this is the actual scene shot in color (click on the picture for a larger view). In the iced over trees, you can actually see hints of the red fall foliage.

So... no artificial coloring, no high fructose corn syrup, no red dye #2, no preservatives, no artificial sweeteners, no perfumes...
Just plain old photography.

Something About Mt. Celo

Mt. Celo and Pasture, Black Mountains, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


This view from the back porch of the cabin we visited shows the slope of a mountain pasture, and in the distance, Mt. Celo. An overnight storm left a dusting of snow on its peak and down its sides, but it melted in the warmth of the next day. Mt. Celo lies at the north end of a range of peaks called the Black Mountains, the foremost peak in this chain being Mt. Mitchell, the tallest peak in the Eastern U.S.

The Black Mountains are probably so called because of the dark coniferous forests that cover them. Another likely explanation for their name is that they are virtually impossible to see on black moonless nights, which would explain why so many folks bump into them at night. A third possible explanation is that early settlers in this area were all color blind. There is a forth and fifth explanation as well, but I can not remember them at the moment...  however, you might.

Also, if you recall from your American history lessons, Mt. Celo is tragically never mentioned... probably because it was too dark to see.

Beginnings of the Conservation Movement?

Entwined Trees along the Appalachian Trail, Spruce/Fir Forest, Roan Highlands, 
Boarder of Tennessee and North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


The First Tree Huggers


(Click on image for larger view)

A Quilt of Color

Autumn view from Green Knob, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


I realize at this point, pictures of fall colors have become cliche. They are everywhere, made at some point by everyone. And deservedly so. But, please indulge me for a little while longer because on a recent getaway to the mountains of North Carolina, we found much of autumn's beauty still remaining. I must confess, as much as we like Charleston, our hearts are in the wild mountains of Appalachia.

To reach this point above the Catawba River Valley, we had to hike 10.5 miles over rough terrain, then travel switchbacks on plodding mules for another 5.8713452567 miles. Along the way we also rode on the backs of llamas, camels and ostriches. The ostriches were not too happy about that, I can tell you... they were in such a cantankerous mood! I would have preferred emus. They are much more genial in temperament, but none were at hand. To arrive at our final destination, at this overlook, I carried Becky on my back, then she carried me on her shoulders (Little John and Friar Tuck were there too). In all it took us 3.60236541 days. 

Just teasing.
Actually it took us only 20.50000000009 minutes to drive to this overlook, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 
in a raging blizzard...
of autumn leaves.

Charleston National Ad Campaign

Stock images of Doug's are featured in the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
 National Ad Campaign Media Kit

As you probably know, the field of commercial photography is extremely competitive. The Charleston market, although small, is no exception. There is a plethora of highly talented photographers working in the area. Some use Charleston as a base of operation while working in larger markets, like New York City or Atlanta. And since the Charleston metro area was recently ranked the number one brain-gain region in the U.S. over the last decade, fresh talent enters the market yearly.

This is why I am fortunate, very fortunate, that the style and content of my photography has earned a small niche in the Charleston market, primarily selling photo stock of the area. If you have a moment, you can check out a link to my stock photography website in the sidebar of this blog. Today's post illustrates the images selected for use in the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) national ad campaign.

The good news this month for the CVB and the rest of Charleston is that the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's 2011 Reader's Choice Travel Award selected Charleston as the top rated travel destination in the United States. Reasons for the selection included the growth of its nationally recognized restaurants, hotels and resorts, the world renown arts scene (see Spoleto Festival USA), the area's abundant history, the charming ambience of the historic district, and the city's noted Southern hospitality.

I hope you have a chance to visit Charleston one day. Spring (late March - early April) and Fall (October) are the prime times to visit. If you do travel here, you might see me wondering around the city, still searching for that quintessential Charleston shot.

Twilight in the French Quarter

Saint Philip's Church, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Although New Orleans has the most famous French Quarter in the U.S., Charleston's is also one of distinction. Antebellum churches, theaters, cobblestone streets, colonial houses and art galleries all make a memorable experience. Taking one of the ghost tours at twilight adds another dimension to the experience. Many tours begin right here in front of Saint Philip's Church by the ornate cemetery fence. You might be able to imagine walking in the shadows of the French Quarter at night past the glow of hissing gas lanterns, beneath the full moon, listening to stories of spirits from old Charleston.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMOMISTEL ! !

Roadside Fence in Fog, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Snowcapped Peak, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia Slide Film)

Early Morning, Ponte Sant'Angelo and Castle Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia Slide Film)

Art Deco Clock and Facade, Union Terminal, Cincinnati, Ohio  © Doug Hickok

Bass Harbor Marsh in Summer, Acadia National Park, Maine  © Doug Hickok

Walkway, Rainbow Row, Charleston, South Carolina  © Doug Hickok


A glimpse of places you have visited over the years... for some reminiscing. Most we've visited together, others apart, but all are great memories of wonderful wanderings!


Have a memorable, wondrous day!

F is for Foreground

Old Ford Truck, Danny's Classic Cars, Elko, South Carolina  © Doug Hickok


F is for foreground. Focus on a nice foreground detail to add full depth to your photograph. This works fabulous with wide-angle lenses and high numbered f-stops.

F is also for Ford trucks, which seem to last forever.

And finally, F is for Friday. Hurray for Friday!
Friday is for dancing the flamenco on the hood of your old truck, car or F-15 fighter jet.

750 Years!

Looking Down Florianska Street Toward Saint Mary's Basilica,
Krakow, Poland  © Doug Hickok


When we were in the Old Town of Krakow a few summers ago, the beautiful and charming city was in a celebratory mood. For good reason too. The city was commemorating the 750th anniversary of its medieval incorporation (and Charlestonians think Charleston is old!) Banners and other decorations were out in glorious display. I chose to show these colorful banners with an iconic landmark of the city in the background, the gothic Basilica of Saint Mary's. Concerts and other live entertainment were held in the city square, including, ironically, a youthful group of break dancers.

Color Notes for those confused by yesterday's post:
The primary colors of light are red, blue and green.
The secondary colors of light are yellow, cyan, and magenta.
("Must know info" for light technicians in the theater.)
The primary colors of pigment are red, blue, and yellow.
The secondary colors of pigment are green, orange, and violet.
("Must know info" for painters.)

On Second Thought...

Metal Door and Vines, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Green

Rusty Metal Door, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Orange

Cobblestone Street at Night, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Purple


... a dose of secondary colors.


  See this post for primaries. 

Charleston's Mountains

Cumulus Clouds and the Cooper River, North Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


The "Lowcountry" surrounding the Charleston area is a fitting term, a perfect description of our local terrain. The land along the coast of South Carolina is so flat that clouds like these seem to tower like mountains. In summer, these kinds of clouds build and build until they peak as thunderstorms. But our mountains are transitory, constantly changing shape and ultimately dissipating into thin air.

Happy Halloween

Spooky Skeleton and Antebellum Mansion, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


This skeleton strikes a casual pose while perching on the balcony of one of Charleston's antebellum mansions. On this day we celebrate Halloween, a tradition that dates back to the Romans (Parentalia or Festival of the Dead) and the Celts (the celebration of Samhain). Halloween is followed the next day by All Saints Day, a day of solemnity in the Roman Catholic Church and then All Souls Day.

For Halloween in Charleston, there will be trick-or-treating, costume parties, haunted house attractions with corn mazes, the telling of scary stories, and of course, the watching of scary movies.

Boo!

View Toward Saint Michael's Church

Saint Michael's Church on Broad Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


On a soft Charleston evening, Saint Michael's Church stands prominently above Broad Street, the steeple being one of the city's iconic landmarks. Broad Street was a main thoroughfare even in colonial days, a focal point in the original walled city. Today it is lined with 19th century commercial architecture replete with real estate companies, law firms, art galleries, restaurants, cafes...
  and of course a couple of churches.

Celebrity has its Disadvantages

Two Valves, Old Navy Base, North Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Madonna?

Predictions

Detail of a Red Caboose, Old Depot, Village of Lewisburg, Ohio  © Doug Hickok


It is fashionable to make dire predictions these days.... e-book readers will bring an end to books... according to some the world will end in 2012... global warming will drown half the world's population. But I have my own dire prediction. Beginning today, at 4:58 pm everything will turn into an old red caboose. I know I am no Nostradamus, but I have a really strong feeling. So get ready to don your overalls and engineer's cap, and go for a ride.

Doug Turns with the Autumn Leaves

Autumn Sweetgum Tree, Doug's Back Yard, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


To make this autumn abstract, I stood beneath a colorful sweetgum tree, looked up while balancing my camera between nose and forehead, spun around performing a pirouette with arms wide open, like a whirlybird, and belted out an inspirational hymn in my best yodeling voice. I don't know, it seemed to work.

No Mere Pier

Folly Beach Pier at Night, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok


Do not fear, for it appears this pier is no mere pier, for it provides the perfect place to steer a spear high into the crystal clear celestial sphere.
(Remember dear, as you come near, bring your fishing gear).
And please, pay no attention to the drunken sneer on that cavalier gondolier with the souvenir beer stuck in one ear.

Waterfall of Color

Flower Boxes, Meeting Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Window boxes adorn many sills in the historic district of Charleston. This lush growth of vines cascades down the wall in a delightful waterfall of color.