Written by Eric Horan
ne of my favorite ways to see the lowcountry is from a small plane - the birds eye view. In September the atmosphere begins to free itself from the steamy haze of summer, caused by high temperatures and humidity. While winter offers the clearest air, the ground is almost monochromatic, shoe-leather grey and brown. I prefer the vibrancy of the marsh grasses in fall, a virtual kaleidoscope of warm colors.
I was struck by the warm hues and symmetry of a small creek’s twisting path through the salt marsh.
The beauty and perfection of the natural world is always humbling. It is a unique quality of the still photograph that allows one to capture a millisecond of time in a composition. This view was in stark contrast to the ocean front homes I had been photographing earlier on the beach. Interestingly, both the oceanfront and salt-water marsh are dramatic and ever changing but vulnerable to man’s footprint on the planet. This image could be symbolic of the tree of life and I just hope that we take the needed steps to care for it so it can be enjoyed by our kids and their kids and so on.
Photo tip: For aerial photography, a high-wing plane allows for clear viewing out the window – which can remain open while shooting. Use image stabilized (IS) lenses whenever possible and always keep your camera strap around your neck. The winds immediately outside the plane are near hurricane force.
For more information on the environmental status of the state’s coastal waters visit the Coastal Conservation Leagues
http://coastalconservationleague. org/Page.aspx?pid=183
See more of Eric’s work at http://www.SouthernLight.biz
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