In the early morning I pass this tree on the way out of my community. On a sunny day, the sun just illuminates the tree, making it look almost two dimensional–but only in the morning. By the afternoon, it is just the one shade. I decided to capture this beautiful transformation one day, waking up early just to get the light just right. It is amazing the things you see by paying attention. This composition captures the serene beauty of a natural landscape.
Crepe Myrtle Buds
I came out last Sunday to go walking and I just couldn’t resist going back into the house and getting my camera which already had a macro lens. It had rained the night before, so the buds were so new and sparkling, ready to become blooms. It was a beautiful morning and the sun was just beginning to shine through the foliage. The bright natural light enhances the the vibrant color and detail of the buds.
Sunlit Bridge at Phinizy Swamp
I visited Phinizy Swamp in Augusta, GA, last week. It is a beautiful nature preserve and wetlands. Although it is very lush in the Summer, I still managed to find some gorgeous scenery. It is so peaceful and tranquil along the footbridge, where Spanish moss and lush green trees grow on either side of the bridge. The blue sky was a lovely contrast to the green foliage. The sunlight casts a pattern of shadows on the pathway, enhancing the natural serenity of the scene.
Phinizy Swamp in Summer
The other day I went out to Phinizy Swamp, a beautiful nature preserve in Augusta, GA. I hadn’t been there in years but it didn’t disappoint, although it was very overgrown, as it is in the Summer. Once the cooler weather hits, it is much more beautiful and nuanced regarding the different colors. Things that were covered up in the Summer stand out because they are not impeded by the overgrowth. I still managed to get a few good shots showing just how lovely and peaceful it is there. If you’re a nature photographer this is the absolute best.
Phinizy Swamp
I love going to Phinizy Swamp in the late afternoon when shadows are more prominent. There is something so beautiful about how the bridges curve around under the cypress trees. The day I went there the sky was a deep blue with puffy clouds emitting sunlight giving it a heavenly feel. It is so amazing that a swamp can be so alluring and almost dream-like. I have wonderful memories of visiting this magical picturesque oasis in the middle of a busy world. The peacefulness is almost hard to explain unless you’re there.
Redcliffe Plantation
One late afternoon in January, my friend and I decided to take a trip to an old Southern plantation called Redcliffe Plantation located in Beech Island, S.C. It was a beautiful winter day in January. It is a very historic site, completed in 1859. It was once the home of James Henry Hammond and three generations of his descendants as well as numerous enslaved African-American families. Since it was winter this gorgeous oak tree was bare, but due to the lateness of the day, the sun was beginning to go down and the deep shadows of the branches extended across the grass. The white family mansion can be seen overlooking the enslaved quarters. This was a Southern plantation, after all, and there were slaves. Rays of sunlight filtered through the tree branches creating a magical look.
Sunflowers at the Window
Although this is a short post, I felt I had to add these two beautiful pics of gorgeous sunflowers (my favorite flower) looking out the window in the afternoon sunshine. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did photographing these lovely flowers.
Photo Shoot at Phinizy Swamp
I did a photo shoot at Phinizy Swamp on November 2nd with four lovely ladies. We started the shoot at about 4;30, and since it was Eastern Standard Time, it started to get dark about 5pm. By that time the sun cast that lovely golden color that create that sought after glow that photographers love. They were great subjects and we had a great time. I used my strobe light, which was carried around wherever we went.
Phinizy Swamp 2017
I met my friend Pat the other day at Phinizy Swamp. She came with her hubby and her grandson, Gabriel. I didn’t think there would be any new pictures to take, since I have been there numerous times, but there is always a new take on a picture. I found myself taking pictures of things I hadn’t done before, or maybe the same thing, but using a different angle to create something original. It’s very nice to visit the same place a few times during the year to get a different perspective.
