A Man, his Dog, and his Truck

I had a great opportunity this morning to photograph some classic "Southern" in the form of a rare 1967 Ford F100 Ranger, and an aging Labrador against the backdrop of Mel's Filling Station.  Thanks to my friend Bubba who provided the Ford and the dog, and thanks to the Rautons who own the iconic old time filling station.

Back to the Angel Oak Tree

Although, like many I love this tree, it is not an easy photographic subject.  Firstly it is surrounded by ugliness, porta-potties, a chain link fence, cars, a tacky building, not to mention a plethora of warning signs insisting that no one mistreat the tree in any way.  Add to that the fact that no tripods are allowed under the spread of the tree, so all shots have to be hand held; not easy on a dreary day with very little light.  I did the best I could with what I had to work with, but I think my energies could be better directed elsewhere in future.  

A few more from Lonaconing Silk Mill

I will be editing my mill images for weeks, trying to extract the feel of the real thing, the experience of being there, so these are perhaps premature, but I still want to share them now.  A little later I will create a dedicated gallery on my website and feature my favorites.

Lonaconing Silk Mill, Maryland

I heard about this place a few years ago and so it became a "bucket list" item, one that I have now checked off - been there, done that.  This mill was also known as the Klotz Throwing Company, and is the last intact silk mill in the US.  It was abandoned in 1957 after workers walked off the job and the doors closed permanently.  Nothing much has changed in the mill since then, except of course that it is falling into disrepair. That is a severe summary of the history of the mill, along with the town that it once supported, but more can be found with a web search.  I'm very glad I made the trip.  Here are a few images from today.  I will return tomorrow since one could spend a week in the facility and still not cover everything.  It is a veritable gold mine of fascinating history - like stepping back in time.

Fabulous Foggy Folly

Yesterday evening on the urging of a photo buddy, I took advantage of our extra hour of light and headed for Folly Beach.  I am so glad I did.  After the endless succession of cold, miserable days, it was such a treat to walk on the sand with a soft breeze blowing and not feel cold.  A fog was rolling in over the sea, steadily advancing towards the shore, until eventually everything was enveloped by it.  Morris Island Lighthouse looked so beautiful, sometimes visible, sometimes not.  Here are a couple of the images.  Welcome Spring!!

Charleston's Ravenel Bridge

One of my clients needs a shot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and this evening was the first time in awhile that the skies have not been a dismal gray.  I have seen a lot better and brighter from this location but I did like this.  I will be back again in a couple of days for another shot (pardon the pun), but tomorrow is calling for more rain ... again.