Star of the Show

Blue Star, Nederland, Colorado  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



I closely cropped this vignette that I found in Nederland, Colorado,
to emphasize the star of the show...
an attractive mix of bright colors!

Delicate Tendrils

Willow Tree, Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia slide film.)



Illuminated by afternoon sunlight, the delicate tendrils of a willow tree
 grace the Japanese Garden of Portland, Oregon.

Court Session

Door and Pediment, County Courthouse, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The Charleston County Courthouse dates from the colonial period
and is one of the oldest public buildings in town.
Morning light on the old restored stone gives this doorway a feeling of warmth,
in spite of how much you may not wish to enter a court room full of lawyers.

Glowing Steeple

Saint Michael's Steeple, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Aglow at twilight, the steeple of Saint Michael's Church
 is a beacon in the heart of Charleston's famous historic district.

Placid

Shrimp Boats at Sunset, Shem Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)


Placid waters and the fading light of the evening sun 
create a peaceful conclusion to a day on Shem Creek. 

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.