Friday, September 9, 2011

Sentinels

Sycamore Trees, Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


The day Irene passed by Charleston, my plan was to photograph a scene of inclement weather. Fortunately, for the lowcountry, there was less of that than expected (though Mother Nature continues to aim hurricanes our way). Instead, I improvised and switched my focus to these rows of sycamores in early autumn color.

Sycamores are the first to alert us that "danger" is on the way.
They begin to turn yellow at the first signs of drought and are the first to change color when the temperatures begin to drop.


Like sentinels on the first line of defense, these trees stand in a column with their camouflage trunks, alerting us to what lies ahead.



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30 comments:

  1. orvokkiSeptember 9, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    Good morning.
    I just founded your blog, and I really like your pictures. They are so colorfull and beautifull and.. and.. all. !
    I like these autumn-trees very much.

    Regards from Finland
    orvokki

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  2. orvokkiSeptember 9, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    PS. I'll come back soon, because now I cannot find "the reeders" in our block, and I want to be your reeder.

    PS2. Your fotos ARE super.

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  3. T. BecqueSeptember 9, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    Beautiful color and perspective. I didn't know this about these trees. So fall is on the way for you! How nice, not for us, we're still hot, hot, hot.

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 9, 2011 at 1:45 AM

    Great shot.I saw the similar scene in Japan.

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  5. fabrizioSeptember 9, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    today you show me really an awesome photo Doug, wonderful in its totality especially in perspective

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  6. LauraSeptember 9, 2011 at 3:03 AM

    Beautiful shot and this yellow? seems to be in an imaginary place. Hurricane beautiful your story and how the trees change color. Bravissimo.

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  7. Cezar and LéiaSeptember 9, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    Lovely perspective, those trees are adorable!
    Léia

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  8. KalaSeptember 9, 2011 at 6:03 AM

    The perspective is outstanding! Gorgeous shot.

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  9. GinnieSeptember 9, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Lots of helpful information about these beautiful sentinels, Doug. We have several of them nearby on our citadel walk. I'll have to start paying attention!

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  10. brattcatSeptember 9, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    A gorgeous composition, Doug.

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  11. JoeSeptember 9, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Wow! What a view. Fantastic perspective Doug.

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  12. Marie LCSeptember 9, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Lovely autumn colors !

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  13. Luis GomezSeptember 9, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Beautiful shot Doug. Love the perspective!

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  14. Kathryn DycheSeptember 9, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    Love the lines in this shot and the colors are so beautiful. Love Autumn.

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  15. LasseSeptember 9, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Lovely perspective, great photo...and text as well!

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  16. photoioanninaSeptember 9, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Beautiful autumn colors!

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  17. HarrySeptember 9, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Good point of view to make this effective composition. The subtle fall shades are a plus.

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  18. London CallerSeptember 9, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    Ah... So autumnal!
    The trees reminded me of Mama Cass' Dream a Little Dream.

    And a little bit of Dexys Midnight Runners' Come on Eileen. ;o)

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  19. RobSeptember 9, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Stately Sentinels, is it autumn already?

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  20. A.BarlowSeptember 9, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    I like how they lead you into the frame. Nice job.

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  21. franzSeptember 9, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    beautiful perspective and leading line! (and thanks for your wonderful comment today ;-))

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  22. ChristopherSeptember 9, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    What a great photographic metaphor Doug--right down to the "camouflage trunks" and precise military formation you've captured. Whenever I look at the grandness of a tree I can't help but think of them as sentinels for the ages. Fantastic post and shot!

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  23. yzSeptember 9, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    excellent play with negative and positive space

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  24. Traveling HawkSeptember 9, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    How beautiful they are! I like the texture of their trunks.

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  25. Lisa September 10, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    So very gorgeous . The leaves are changing here but not as fast as this. Stunning and I do love this time of year.

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  26. DomLOrthaSeptember 10, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Very nice perspective; lovethe slow changing colors of the leaves.
    Have a nice day.

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  27. georgeSeptember 10, 2011 at 12:03 PM

    You've really selected the right viewpoint with a sympathetic angle between the two rows of trees, the regular spacing on the far side - and the beautiful bark on the near tree.

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  28. Rae WalterSeptember 11, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Fantastic image Doug. Love the perspective, tones and your accompanying words.

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  29. alfonsoSeptember 11, 2011 at 6:13 PM


    · Not only nice. It's a god composition

    · hugs

    CR & LMA
    ________________________________
    ·

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  30. Andrew Graeme GouldSeptember 12, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    A very attractive composition, and interesting about how the leaves change colours.

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