Photophilic

Driveway Gate and Morning Light, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



My lovely wife called me a name yesterday. She said I was a photophile.
At first, I was taken aback, but then she told me what it means...
a lover of light.
 
Today I just happen to have a picture with gorgeous
morning light as a key element.
Clearly she knows me better than anyone!

Scintillating

Sail Boat in Charleston Harbor, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Film photography)



The Sun burns its way through morning fog in a burst
of scintillating light upon Charleston Harbor.

French Connection

Balcony Ironwork, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A fleur-de-lis pattern on ironwork frames a balcony at dusk.
 This stylized flower is usually associated with French royalty.
 Charleston has a French connection that dates back to the
 colonial era when the town was settled by Huguenots
escaping religious persecution.



 

Welcome

Door Knocker, French Quarter, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



A door knocker in the shape of a pineapple,
 like the fountain in Waterfront Park,
is a symbol of hospitality. It echoes the welcoming
 attitude that the city has toward visitors.



 

Morning Glow

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



Cascades of water catch and hold the glow
 of morning light at the Pineapple Fountain
 in Charleston's Waterfront Park.

Quiet Among the Early Blooms

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



Framed by two stone statues, an ornate bench sits quietly
 in a Charleston garden, offering the visitor an invitation
 to rest among the early blooms.

Misty Monday - Shrouded

Fishing Pier, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Folly Beach Fishing Pier, one of the longest fishing piers
 on the east coast, is shrouded by an encroaching sea fog.



 

Open Gate

Open Gate, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



An open gate offers a glimpse of a colorful courtyard
 in the Historic District. Note the angular gate design,
 a unique sight among Charleston's famed ironwork.

Charming Collection

Lanterns and Ironwork, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved




This collection of lanterns, ironwork, doors and windows
 is well defined by strong morning light, imparting a sense
 of Charleston's unique 18th century charm.

Morning Workout

Morning Run, Ravenel Bridge, Mt. Pleasant, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



The pedestrian and bike path along the Ravenel Bridge
 is the only "steep" incline in the Lowcountry
 making it perfect for an aerobic workout.

Monumental

Remains of Old Cooper River Bridge, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



This support structure is all that remains
 of the old Cooper River bridge, the one that preceded
 today's Ravenel Bridge. It was left standing as a monument
 to that aged cantilever bridge which stood for so many years.

Sideways Stretch

Live Oak, Daniel Island, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The sandy banks of the Wando River are exposed at low tide.
 This old live oak stretches along the bank toward the river
 choosing to grow sideways rather than upward.

Fiery Hues

Pyracantha Berries, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Fiery colored Pyracantha berries add to the red hues
complementing a window along Queen Street.



 

Light the Night

Balcony at Night, Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



The Dock Street Theatre emits an inviting glow
 when evening falls over Charleston's French Quarter.

Italy in America

Portico Details, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Decorative details on an East Battery mansion
 are reminiscent of the classical Italian architecture
which Charleston buildings borrowed from frequently.

Threshold

Great Blue Heron, West Ashley Park, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



A heron wades to the threshold of a misty void
 in a wildlife haven on the edge of suburbia.

Harbingers

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



Fresh blooms provide a pleasing backdrop
 to a garden gate in Charleston's Historic District.
Early flowering trees such as these cherry trees are a prelude
 to the flourish of spring color coming in March and April.

Bridge Walk for the Birds

Guineafowl Crossing a Bridge, Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC
(Click on image for larger view.)



One of the biggest and most anticipated events of the year
 is the annual Guineahen Bridge Walk. Ballyhooed with much fanfare,
 the 30 second event is often the chirp of the town.
Here is one of those fabulous fowls practicing for the big day.

Night Scrolls

Gate Detail at Night, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Scrolls grace an ornate gate at
 the entry to a courtyard passageway.

Bold and Brilliant

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



In full sun, bold colors are at their most brilliant
 on the shrimp boats at Shem Creek.