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.

Daybreak

Tidal Creek at Dawn, Edisto Island, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Film photography.
Click on image for larger view.)



A tidal creek meanders past Lowcountry marshes
and coastal woodlands at the break of day.

Borrowing a Bit of Summer

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



After a half day hike through a desert canyon to the foot of a mesa, 
this is the view looking back toward our trek. 
Temperatures that summer day in Texas were over 100ºF. 
I'd like to borrow some of those degrees now and apply them
 toward warming-up this frigid winter.

Monetesque?

Garden View, Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Looking through lead window panes creates
an impressionistic view of a garden at Middleton Place.

Celebrity

Wooden Star Door, Budapest, Hungary
© Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Velvia Slide Film)



The character of the doors up on Budapest's Castle Hill is diverse.
This one is, quite literally, the star of the show.

Finding Calm

Pathway, Meditation Garden, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



The pathway to serenity winds beneath
 the arching limbs of ancient oaks.

Beauty in the Details

Balustrade, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



Finding patterns to photograph helps sharpen my eye for details.
 This image of repeating shapes on a balustrade near the Battery
 is a fine example. Mixing in early morning light to enhance
the warm hues adds the final touch.

Patience

Alligator, Middleton Place, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved
(Click on image for larger view.)



Thanks to the stealthiness of this alligator,
not a wave nor ripple disturbs the water
 surrounding this Lowcountry predator.

Flowers for a Wintery Monday

Ironwork in Spring, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok  All Rights Reserved



This portrait of a wrought iron flower was taken during
spring with rosy-hued blooms as a backdrop.