Cascading Color

Wisteria and Lantern, Edmondston-Alston House, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film.)


A waterfall of wisteria adorns a Spring day in Charleston.

Crafty

Detail of a Craft Booth, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


Even in the early morning, when the craft booths are empty,
there is evidence of the crafty.

Invitation at Twilight

Carriage Courtyard, Battery Carriage House Inn, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


The way the owners have landscaped and lighted the entry to their inn sure makes it look inviting, especially in the romantic, evening atmosphere.

Easter Colors

Entry Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Happy Easter from Charleston!

Blue Moods

Egyptian Door Knocker and Blue Door, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film)


Today is the last bluesy post of the series. After two weeks of feeling the blues, I am moving on to the final hue in the color spectrum, violet. In the mean time, say hello to the Egyptian keeper of the gate...
Do you know the pass word?

Blue Shadows

Palm Frond Shadows, Freshfields, John's Island, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


On a bright sunny day, these indigo fingers of palm shadows reflect the blue sky onto pavement made of seashells.

For your weekend entertainment I have selected a few photography links for you to enjoy...

See a collection of fantastic street photography by a man in New York studying for his Ph.D in psychology.

Check-out this ironic take on some of the most famous photographers of our time.

Lastly, what do people do when they are bored? They invent wacky sports.

Room for Copy

Blue Shutter and Shadow, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Often times, a good stock image allows plenty of room for copywriting. For example, in this photo I left enough space in the upper right third of the frame for whatever a copywriter might want to say about Charleston and its unique charms.

But, I would probably write something silly and random,
 in the mode of a Shakespearian quote, such as...
"There is either liquor in his pate
or money in his purse when he looks so merrily."

Indigo Bench

Detail of a Blue Wood Bench, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok


Sometimes when I look at something for a long time, I begin to imagine things. When I look at the patterns in this weathered bench, I see towels hanging on a towel rack, a clown, an astronaut floating in space, and the UCLA marching band.
What do you see?

The Inn at Night

Rounded Windows, Two Meeting Street Inn, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Staying in one of Charleston's old inns is a wonderful way to lodge in the historic district. Two Meeting Street Inn is one of the most sought after Bed and Breakfasts in town. Located in a prime spot overlooking White Point Gardens on the High Battery, it offers all the charm and romance one would expect to find in our enchanting city. Anyone in the mood for some tea and pastries... or a cocktail while reposing on the porch?

Curving Stairway

Curving Stairway, City Hall, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


This inviting stairway leads up to the entry of Charleston's City Hall. In 1801 the architect Gabriel Manigault introduced the Adamesque style to the city with this handsomely designed building on the corner of Meeting and Broad.

The inauguration of the Spoleto Festival USA is held in front of these steps each year in late May.

True Blue

Blue Steps, Society Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


This could be a scene from the Mediterranean...
 Spain, Greece or Morocco...
but it is, in fact, Charleston.
The wear and tear of tropical heat & humidity
add texture and character to this true blue view.

Patchy

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


What used to be a new brightly polished truck
 has evolved into a dulled geography of
patchy old blues.

And now for something completely different...
check out this photography link
to the work of an
invisible man.

Have a terrific weekend!

Imbued with Blue

Boat Dock, Allatoona Lake, near Lebanon, Georgia  © Doug Hickok


When evening approaches and the sun dips below shadowy hills, 
almost everything is imbued with the hue of blue...
boat ramp, rocks and water,
even the recalcitrant red of rusting metal.

Ascending Patios

Glass Patios, The Ascent, Covington, Kentucky  © Doug Hickok


This close-up of glass patios ascending up the frame gives an indication of the quirkiness of this luxury condominium's cutting edge architectural design. Views from the patios overlook Cincinnati and the rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley.

Cool Breeze

Window Display, Surf Shop, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok


When I was a bit younger than I am today, and living in Southern California, I had a roommate who nicknamed me "Cool Breeze" because of my calm and quite nature.  But now that I am much older, I am more likely to be called "Doddering Geezer".

Old Theatre

Main Entry and Balcony, Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film)


This image of the old Dock Street Theatre was made several years ago. The theatre has since been refurbished. Although it lies near the center of the French Quarter, in the early years of the Charlestowne colony it overlooked a tidal creek, hence the name Dock Street. Over time the creek was filled in, and the land used to expand the old town limits.

Night Alley

Longitude Alley, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film)


This alley is estimated to be the oldest street in its original state in Charleston. It dates back to the early years when old Charlestowne was a small walled city, one of only four in colonial North America.

Today also introduces a new color for the week (in a small amount). During the previous four weeks, we have had a color theme for each week, starting first with red. We are gradually working our way through the spectrum, with three more weeks to go.

I apologize again for not keeping up with blogging. I am still working on assignment, trying to meet deadlines.

Have a good Sunday!

Getting Its Dew

Hosta Leaf, Old Farm House Garden, Lewisburg, Ohio  © Doug Hickok


By being planted next to a pond, in a humid climate, this green hosta is getting its due... by accumulating dew overnight, it absorbs the morning moisture through its large leaves, thus satisfying its inveterate thirst for water.

Due to the deep grooves running the length of the leaves, moisture is duly channeled and gathered for optimum consumption.

Contemplation

Ferns and Bench, Thuya Gardens, Mount Desert Island, Maine  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


This solitary bench placed next to a lush growth of ferns seems the perfect spot for quiet contemplation... maybe on this week's celebration of green and the first week of spring.

Something else for you to contemplate is the photography link below...

When walking along the street, have you ever had the sudden urge to bust a ballet move, perhaps leaping into the air and performing a grand jete´ ? Then you will appreciate this set of intriguing images.

Travel Companion

Bear Photog, at a rest stop, somewhere in Kentucky  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


This little bear with a camera, my protege, traveled with us last summer on several of our road trips. He kept asking me to take his picture. So I obliged, and made this quick portrait of him while he posed on the dashboard.