Family Portrait Shoot

Family portraits have become one of my favorite genres of photography.  It can be a challenge with large families and particularly with young children who really don't understand what it's all about.  Here are a couple of my favorites from a recent shoot out at Kiawah.

2011 Christmas Yards

I had meant to take more photos of decorated front yards, but somehow the time just got away from me.  We went for a drive this evening and found a group of West Ashley neighbors who went all out this year.

New Studio Lighting Effects

This evening I had Matt, Josh and Gideon in the studio to work on some new lighting ideas. Thanks guys for being so obliging - as always.  I did feed them :)

Gourd Harvest time in Ridge Springs, SC

Gourd farming has become less commonplace over the years.  They are used to house the Purple Martins (America's largest swallows) when they arrive from South America in the spring, and many crafters decorate them.  I started documenting this almost a year ago now and we have followed the planting season, the birds' arrival, their gathering at Bomb Island on Lake Murray in the fall, their departure for South America, and now the harvest of this season's gourd crop last weekend.  Here are some of those images.  Search my blog and photo website for more of this story.

Back to Shem Creek

The weather has been wonderful in Charleston, mild and sunny, so I took the opportunity to re-visit Shem Creek this evening.  I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.  This is a great place to live.

Spirit of the Lowcountry

I went downtown to the main library to check on my exhibition this morning and took these photographs for the record, mainly for Mum and Dad in SA :)  It would have looked more exciting if the room had been full of people, but this is not exactly a high traffic venue.  Nevermind, everyone's got to start somewhere, right?

Friday evening on Charleston harbor

The end of a good week and a beautiful evening over the harbor.  Do I wish I was on the cruise ship?  Mmm, not really, but it sure looked pretty as it sailed.

Bummer ...

I noticed this while running some errands this morning. The tree is very mature, doesn't seem to show any signs of stress, and the weather front that came through yesterday was a blustery nothing.  It just goes to show how random life can be. Fortunately the occupant of the house was not at home when it happened. You never know about that either, meaning we don't know what harm we have been spared because of the grace of God, so thank Him for what you don't know!

Annual GEL Christmas Oyster Roast

Food was great (thanks Tidewater Catering, again), weather was wonderful and everyone had a very good time.