European Influence

Lantern above Courtyard Gate, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A courtyard gate lit by a gas lantern
is a charming scene that exemplifies
 the old world ambiance of Charleston's historic district.

Surreal

Reflection in a Tidal Creek, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Marsh grass reflects in the waters
 of Shem Creek at sunset.

Doppelgangers

Live Oaks and Lake Reflections, Charles Town Landing, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A pair of live oaks meet their doubles in a lake reflection
at Charles Town Landing.

Wake Up!

Night Lights, Marion Square, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A dazzling display of colorful lights fills the frame,
making an image
that is sure to brighten your day!

Pattern Recognition

Entry Gate, Saint Michael's Churchyard, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Some of Charleston's most beautiful wrought iron gates
 lead into Saint Michael's churchyard.
These gates' numerous ornate scrolls form a pattern
 unlike any in the historic city.

Western Drama

Dunes and Clouds, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado  
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Visual drama is evoked by dunes and clouds
 converging in a western landscape in Colorado.

Enchanting

Gazebo, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



This cozy little gazebo adds a decorative accent
to an outdoor space at Magnolia Gardens.

Spring Snow

Lower Blue Lake, Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, Colorado
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A day hike to nearly 11,000 feet in elevation rewarded
 my wife and me with a view of this lovely alpine lake
 surrounded by snowy slopes, even though it was late spring.



 

Cherry Cordial

Cherry Tree, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Fresh blooms on a cherry tree
 remind me of an ice cream flavor.
Lets eat!

Soft Mountain Hues

Early Spring Leaves, Southern Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Soft hues and fine textures greet the eyes on an early spring morning
 in the mountains near Burnsville, North Carolina.



 

Outdoor Draperies

Live Oak with Spanish Moss, Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Spanish moss hanging from a live oak
 makes a natural decorative accent.

A Wave of Blooms

Park Bench and Azaleas, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Barely visible among the blooms is a park bench
 engulfed by azaleas at White Point Gardens near the Battery.

Vibrant Touch

Front Porch, Asheville, North Carolina
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A colorful front porch in the mountains of North Carolina
 displays the touch of both a designer and a gardener.

2015 Spoleto Festival USA

Medallion, Trinity Church, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



This photograph is the original image chosen for the cover of this year's Spoleto Festival USA ticket brochure. The subject is a beautifully symmetrical medallion on the portico ceiling of Trinity United Methodist Church located on Meeting Street.

Spoleto Festival USA is one of the largest international arts festivals in the world, and is held each year in Charleston. You can see a digital version of the ticket brochure here, which is a wonderfully designed piece by Stitch Design Co.

Lead the Way

Garden Path, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Cobblestones and pavers entice
 the imagination to enter this Charleston garden.

Spring Pastels

Early Spring on a Mountain Side, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A panoply of early spring hues caught my eye
 on a mountain side seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Potential

Ornamental Tree, Al Ain Palace, Al Ain, UAE
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



In a desert palace garden, I see potential in a young tree
 that someday will majestically fill this courtyard.

Border Line

Fence Line, near Burnsville, North Carolina
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A rough fence runs along the edge of Appalachian pastureland,
setting limits for grazing horses and curious people alike.

A Charleston Spectrum

Flowering Dogwood Tree, near Rainbow Row, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A spot near Rainbow Row shows many of the hues
 that are in the natural spectrum of light seen in the sky...
but, in this case, much more down to earth.

Nooks and Crannies

Gate and Vines, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Nature seeks its way into every nook and cranny,
as this creeping fig is starting to do around a gate.
If the vines were not regularly trimmed back,
Charleston would eventually be engulfed by them.