Cormorants in Flight

Flight of Cormorants, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A V-shaped skein of double-crested cormorants takes wing over the Atlantic Ocean near Folly Beach. These sea birds, and others, flock just offshore in the winter, and offer interesting birdwatching especially when the light is good.

Gate Scroll Target

Gate Scroll, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
 (Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)


I zeroed in on the "bullseye" on this gate scroll while making sure
 to align it with the garden path receding in the background.
 This gives the image a sense of place, picturing a Charleston
 home and garden in an indirect yet evocative way.

Italian Splendor

Cathedral of Florence, Florence, Italy  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film)



A landmark of Renaissance Italy is the Duomo of Florence, otherwise known as the Bascilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. Brunelleschi built its famous dome in the 15th century, the largest one of its time. The elaborate facade, designed by Emilio De Fabris, was completed more than 300 years later in 1887.

Garden Along the Ashley

Live Oaks along the Ashley River, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved (Click on image for larger view)



Magnolia Gardens lies along the Ashley River,
where live oak trees dip their limbs
toward the slow moving water.

Garden Fountain

Fountain, Calhoun Mansion, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Even in the midst of winter,
a garden in Charleston abounds with verdant color.

Salt Marsh Salutation

Bowing Tree in a Salt Marsh, Daniel Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A lone tree spreads its arms and bows slightly forward,
 as if offering a natural salutation to the marshland.




 

Shem Creek at Twilight

Motion Blur, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved




At dusk along Shem Creek, restaurant lights reflect in the water. 
I used a quick camera motion to create short "brush strokes" of the illuminations which blurred colors to make this abstract.

Dawn Along A Creek

Dawn, Edisto Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved (Velvia slide film.)



The bluish hues of dawn suffuse a tidal creek
 at low tide on Edisto Island.

Beach Jog

Jogger and Sand Fence, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



What better way to begin the day than a jog on the beach, with the warm shining sun over the sea, the hissing waves of the surf, and the cooling sea breeze.

A New Year Begins

Gas Lantern, East Bay Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



At an entry to a house in the historic district, a lantern flame burns steadily,
like the advancement of time itself. So, a new year begins
in the old city of Charleston, marking the 344th year since it's founding in 1670.

Stairway to the Sea

Steps and Surf, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Inviting steps lead down to the surf
and the unknown wonders of the vast open sea.

May your New Year be as full of wonders!

Misty Monday - A Pier Appears

Folly Beach Fishing Pier, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Sea fog and clouds dissipate as the morning sun rises,
revealing the Folly Beach Fishing Pier.

Makeover

Air Hose, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



It has been awhile since air was 25 cents. This abandoned air hose could have been an eyesore, but it was revived by an eye-popping makeover.

Fence Pattern

Sand Fences, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Groupings of sand fences form a rhythmic pattern as they fade into the distance on Folly Beach. Storm erosion has dramatically altered the coast line on this portion of the sea island, so the fences are intended to help stabilized what remains of the dunes.

Liquid Hues

Reflections, Pineapple Fountain, Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved


Blue and gold hues reflect
in the pool
 beneath the Pineapple Fountain
in Charleston's Waterfront Park.

Winter Dawn

Shrimp Boats, James Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



As twilight fades into the light of dawn, shrimp boats on a tidal creek are revealed this misty winter morning.

A Home for the Holidays

Courtyard Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



The courtyard garden of a Charleston home
 is decorated simply and elegantly for the holidays.

Merry Christmas from Charleston!

December Garden

Garden Statue, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A garden statue is crowned with a red wreath made of berries from the
Chinese Tallow Tree, otherwise known as the Popcorn Tree. It is an introduced species that appears profusely in the coastal plain of South Carolina.

Acadia Morning

Rocky Shores, Acadia National Park, Maine  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Warm colored stone contrasts with cool colored waters
 and skies on a sunny morning in Acadia.

Lowcountry Morning

Tidal Creek, Edisto Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view. Velvia slide film.)



Rising mist softens a view of a tidal creek
 on a Lowcountry morning.