Long Limbed Oak

Live Oak, White Point Gardens, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


White Point Gardens is home to rows of long limbed live oaks and blooming azaleas. It also frames picturesque antebellum mansions which overlook the peaceful greenspace. The gardens are one of the best spots in town to enjoy a sunny Spring afternoon.

China Rose

Yellow Lady Banksia Rose, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Spilling between balusters and over a garden wall, a Lady Banksia Rose graces this view of an antebellum mansion in historic Charleston. Considered a favorite of Southern gardens, especially the yellow variety, the ornamental vine is actually native to China. The rose was named after the wife of the English botanist
 Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820).

Colors of the Rainbow

Rainbow Row, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


Rainbow Row in Spring is an iconic setting in Charleston. 
Many of these row houses date to the 1700s and have witnessed many ups and downs in the city's fascinating history...
 from bustling colonial port to
 the devastation of the Civil War to
 a present day world class tourist destination.

Explore Charleston

Red Crabapple Tree, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Vertical, horizontal & radial repetition of lines...
Complementary colors...
This shot of Charleston in the spring has much to keep your eyes exploring!

Nascence

Wisteria and First Scots Church, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


The nascent blossoms of a wisteria vine dangle in front of First Scots Church, one of numerous historic places of worship in Charleston.

Lights Out

Light Switch, Doug's House, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


After six weeks of exploring the hues of the spectrum, we are ready to turn the lights out on this colorful series and move on. Starting tomorrow I will spend a week showing you Springtime in Charleston.

Cradled

Saint Philip's Church at Sunset, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


The setting sun appears to be cradled by the Charleston skyline as it dips below the horizon.

Boneyard

Boneyard Beach at Sunrise, Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve,
 Edisto Island, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film)


Sunrise silhouettes submerged trees, remnants of an ancient coastal forest, at Botany Bay's boneyard beach.


I am proud to announce that this weblog has recently been accepted as a
 Cool Photoblog. Yippee! 


Here is my profile page. 
I would like to thank everyone who voted me in!!!

Cascading Color

Wisteria and Lantern, Edmondston-Alston House, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film.)


A waterfall of wisteria adorns a Spring day in Charleston.

Crafty

Detail of a Craft Booth, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


Even in the early morning, when the craft booths are empty,
there is evidence of the crafty.

Invitation at Twilight

Carriage Courtyard, Battery Carriage House Inn, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


The way the owners have landscaped and lighted the entry to their inn sure makes it look inviting, especially in the romantic, evening atmosphere.

Easter Colors

Entry Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Happy Easter from Charleston!

Blue Moods

Egyptian Door Knocker and Blue Door, Rome, Italy  © Doug Hickok
(Velvia slide film)


Today is the last bluesy post of the series. After two weeks of feeling the blues, I am moving on to the final hue in the color spectrum, violet. In the mean time, say hello to the Egyptian keeper of the gate...
Do you know the pass word?

Blue Shadows

Palm Frond Shadows, Freshfields, John's Island, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view.)


On a bright sunny day, these indigo fingers of palm shadows reflect the blue sky onto pavement made of seashells.

For your weekend entertainment I have selected a few photography links for you to enjoy...

See a collection of fantastic street photography by a man in New York studying for his Ph.D in psychology.

Check-out this ironic take on some of the most famous photographers of our time.

Lastly, what do people do when they are bored? They invent wacky sports.

Room for Copy

Blue Shutter and Shadow, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Often times, a good stock image allows plenty of room for copywriting. For example, in this photo I left enough space in the upper right third of the frame for whatever a copywriter might want to say about Charleston and its unique charms.

But, I would probably write something silly and random,
 in the mode of a Shakespearian quote, such as...
"There is either liquor in his pate
or money in his purse when he looks so merrily."

Indigo Bench

Detail of a Blue Wood Bench, Folly Beach, SC  © Doug Hickok


Sometimes when I look at something for a long time, I begin to imagine things. When I look at the patterns in this weathered bench, I see towels hanging on a towel rack, a clown, an astronaut floating in space, and the UCLA marching band.
What do you see?

The Inn at Night

Rounded Windows, Two Meeting Street Inn, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Staying in one of Charleston's old inns is a wonderful way to lodge in the historic district. Two Meeting Street Inn is one of the most sought after Bed and Breakfasts in town. Located in a prime spot overlooking White Point Gardens on the High Battery, it offers all the charm and romance one would expect to find in our enchanting city. Anyone in the mood for some tea and pastries... or a cocktail while reposing on the porch?

Curving Stairway

Curving Stairway, City Hall, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


This inviting stairway leads up to the entry of Charleston's City Hall. In 1801 the architect Gabriel Manigault introduced the Adamesque style to the city with this handsomely designed building on the corner of Meeting and Broad.

The inauguration of the Spoleto Festival USA is held in front of these steps each year in late May.

True Blue

Blue Steps, Society Street, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


This could be a scene from the Mediterranean...
 Spain, Greece or Morocco...
but it is, in fact, Charleston.
The wear and tear of tropical heat & humidity
add texture and character to this true blue view.

Patchy

Weathered Truck, Danny's Classic Cars, Elko, South Carolina  © Doug Hickok


What used to be a new brightly polished truck
 has evolved into a dulled geography of
patchy old blues.

And now for something completely different...
check out this photography link
to the work of an
invisible man.

Have a terrific weekend!