Ossabaw Weekend Photo Adventure, April 28th-May1-Chris Kirk

  Bradley Beach Buoy – A must have shot – after all, where else would you see one of these?

  Bradley Beach Dunes – Very white sand with high dunes and natural anchoring grass. Beyond the dunes you find grassy meadows and palmetto/palm tree forests so close to the shoreline.

  Bradley Beach Jelly Fish in Surf - A partially submerged jelly fish hanging on for survival until high tide returns. The continual waves afforded a kaleidoscope of patterns.

  Bradley Beach Jelly Fish – Stranded at low tide allowing in a macabre way for an appreciation of its simplistic beauty. Do we rescue each one we see or let nature take its course?

  1.     Bradley Beach Road Oak Tree – Driving along, this ages old tree stands sentinel as you climb the hill. Why couldn’t my yard growing up have one of these for climbing?

  Bradley Beach Sunrise Palms – Sunrise over the ocean took a back seat to this palm forest lit by the progressing dawn. I was so fascinated as the light show unfolded that I had to remember to push the shutter button. The rustic road weaves from the sand dunes along the meadow back into the forest.

  Bradley Beach Vista – The full morning sun highlights the vegetation expanse with the spring green spreading. The palms’ glow has receded until the next dawn. I visualize a shampoo commercial with clean-haired people running through the ocean side field.

    Donkey in Building – A real “Ossabawian” taking a reprise from the sun. His shelter a monument to days gone by. Thanks to Jill for alerting me to this photo opportunity.

  Middle Place Fire Palm – Through a woody thicket I could see a small clearing amongst a closely grouped set of palms. I crawled through and was rewarded with the setting sun finding its own way in; joining me to provide a natural spotlight. I just had to make sure to find my way out before the shadows deepened too much.

  Rookery Lushness – The island at this time of year made me think often of Jurassic Park (in the good way). Greens were really green, and the topography varied from open to dense. The lack of spring rains keeping this area dry allowed us to traipse across the incredibly dark, rich soil of what is normally a water fowl rookery. The native wild pigs forage here.

  South Beach Algae & Reflections – I became enamored with the tidal pools as the early morning high tide receded. Directly and indirectly this scene captures the essence of this bone yard beach – the water, the encroaching algae, the driftwood, the barnacles, the log shapes, and the reflected towering still standing trees. Maybe one of those “guess you had to be there?” photos.

 South Beach Red Blooms – A classic scene at this remote location. With the juxtaposition of the blooming tree as a back-drop to those that have seen their day.

South Beach Road Interior Oak – Due to recent showers the resurrection ferns were fully leafed throughout the island. Yet another grand oak – standing over a rustic camping area. Marshes and beaches can quickly take a back seat to the wooded acreage of Ossabaw.

  South Beach Shore Scene – The warm weather afforded wading to gain a different perspective on the shoreline. When will these live trees join their downed brethren as a causality themselves of the ocean’s ebb and flow?

  South Beach Silhouette – While waiting for our transportation I turned and caught sight of the sun at an interesting angle. The tide had deposited a set of linear pools that the blue sky colored. The tree remnant shows how far out the forest once ruled.

  South Beach Sluice – Waterways ring the island bridging the gap between beach and marsh. They make for pleasant, calm walks. Why did we invent concrete and asphalt?

  South Beach Water Trees – Tired of South Beach yet? I guess I’m not since I included yet one more – after all we are allowed twenty photos to post. This would have worked well in Eric’s class to demonstrate that I listened to the composition lecture that taught natural framing, and receding subjects providing depth to the picture.

  Willow Pond Egrets & Reflections – A nice surprise on the way back to the bunkhouse. Bunches of egrets hanging out in the pond for our visual enjoyment. Flying, feeding, resting – a real treat. One of the many “most” scenic spots on the island. The causeway provides wonderful access.

  Willow Pond Grass – Did I mention the island is lush? What a transition from our winter trip to the budding spring. So many tonal variations of the basic colors. One can only wonder what all uses this area as its annual nursery.

Wood Stork Perched – I had expected to see thousands of wood storks nesting on the island (based on prior reports from a caretaker on the property on our last trip), but alas the lack of water ponds foiled that this spring. But climbing out of the Middle Place palm thicket to   work my way over to the meandering creek for sunset I spotted this lone fellow. I crept stealthily toward his very high tree. Forced to use a wide aperture, full zoom, high ISO, and slow shutter speed, I propped against a tree and was fortunate out of three attempts to get this shot. All was not lost!

Eric,

Thank-you for a WONDERFUL trip to Ossabaw Island. While photography was the excuse to go, the multi-day stay is a true experience in itself. Including the boat trips to and from, the island itself, the camaraderie, the meals, the learning, and the relaxing. A truly unique opportunity in life. A time I will always cherish ...

Chris Kirk

St. Helena Island, SC