Thursday, February 21, 2013

A Tourist in My Own Town

Middleton Place Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



I visited Middleton Place Plantation last weekend on a photo shoot. I must have looked like a tourist hunting for pictures. While peeking around in the plantation stable yard, a docent noticed me and walked over. She said that if I was interested in the Charleston area she could recommend a photography website she tells everyone about. She said it was called hueandeye.com! 
My jaw dropped. Then I told her, "hey, that's me!"

 A little embarrassed, I thanked her, and told her she was awesome. I wanted to hug her, but I had to maintain at least some semblance of professional decorum.

Now, back to the photo... this old oak has a colony of green plants growing on its limbs. This is not part of the tree, but an air plant called resurrection fern. It's normally brown and curled-up, but after it rains the fronds come to life.

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19 comments:

  1. FocalesFebruary 21, 2013 at 1:35 AM

    Charming plantation. What beautiful garden too !

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  2. Kathryn DycheFebruary 21, 2013 at 4:17 AM

    How cool is that, I'd have wanted to hug her too if that was me.

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  3. JoeFebruary 21, 2013 at 4:57 AM

    Oh Doug. What an experience! I would have been so chuffed.

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  4. Andrew Graeme GouldFebruary 21, 2013 at 8:10 AM

    What a beautiful image this is, Doug, with the warm tones and the framing of the building with the tree. How nice to get that recognition, too... even if she didn't recognise you personally!

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  5. ScottFebruary 21, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    An unsung local hero!

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  6. rianFebruary 21, 2013 at 10:57 AM

    first off, love your take on this scenery.. on that note, it must feel really awesome to unknowingly meet someone who appreciates your work! you do put out some great stuff! ;)

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  7. Traveling HawkFebruary 21, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    Beautiful view! What a funny moment for you, Doug! And I think it pleased you too:)

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  8. MelissaFebruary 21, 2013 at 4:40 PM

    What a great experience! You've given me a new goal to strive for :)
    Beautifully framed photo, and I love that little guy in red. I imagine him as the wealthy owner returning home after a stroll around his plantation.

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  9. Adrian ParkFebruary 21, 2013 at 5:57 PM

    I wonder who was more surprised - you or her?! What a wonderful compliment.

    I love the imaginative composition in this one Doug (but then I think that for most of your images!). You reminded me that my Gran used to have this resurrection fern growing in a rubber tree on the farm in Zimbabwe (if it is indeed the same plant)! I don't believe it was native - probably imported by some enterprising nursery.

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  10. London CallerFebruary 21, 2013 at 6:03 PM

    Someone is more famous than my shaggy yak!
    How could that be?
    Ha.. Time to improve "Who IS this guy!?"
    Make your mugshot bigger so everybody in Charleston can recognise you. ;o)

    I like the building in this photo.
    Kinda Jacobean. :)
    Like a mini Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich!

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  11. john4jackFebruary 21, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    wonderful tree. it provides outstanding framing of the house

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  12. The Dark PassengerFebruary 22, 2013 at 3:43 AM

    Beautiful view!

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  13. yzFebruary 22, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    beautiful composition

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  14. ArndFebruary 22, 2013 at 4:31 AM

    Congrets on that lovely compliment - sounds like a great, unexpected reward for you!
    Love the clever framing of this shot.

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  15. AnonymousFebruary 22, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    What a relaxing photo. It's rea;;y peaceful.

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  16. AyushFebruary 23, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    what a magnificent pov! bravo...

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  17. georgeFebruary 25, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    Professional decorum! you're the first photographer I've ever heard of to possess such an outlandish ideal. Definitely worth at least three hugs - I think you should go back straight away...

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  18. franzFebruary 26, 2013 at 1:55 PM

    what a handsome natural frame through which to view this stately building, and what a cool story to go with the taking of this picture! you must have felt very proud and satisfied that day ... ;-)

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  19. DomLOrthaMarch 3, 2013 at 8:38 AM

    I like this point of view with this tree making an arch. Nicely done!!
    Have a nice day.

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