Nikon D850
Sigma 24-105mm f/4 at 28mm
6 sec. f/8 ISO 100
April 11, 2021 6:28am
✨ published to Landscape Photography Magazine
You can view it here: https://landscapephotographymagazine.com/2021/st-helena-island-sc-usa-by-stephanie-sheffield/
During a recent trip to South Carolina, I had an opportunity to visit Hunting Island State park which is also known as the "Boneyard" because of the numerous downed trees along the beach. Hurricanes have hammered the area over the years uprooting trees and changing the look of the coastline.
During high tide, these trees become partially submerged and provide endless composition options for photographers seeking a unique photo opportunity. After hiking the 3/4 mile path through a "Jurassic Park" like forest, I arrived at the beach about an hour before sunrise. The tide was still coming in, and the rolling waves created some very interesting patterns in the sand adding to the overall scene.
I was shooting the soft colors of pre-dawn but decided this view would look great as a black and white image as well. This image was shot with the Nikon d850 body and Sigma 24-105mm lens. I positioned my tripod just inside the area where the highest waves were reaching. I waited to fire the shutter until the waves receded leaving the ridges in the sand. It was worth the wait, even though the no-see-ums had found me by that time! Those pesky little insects made it a fight to stay focused long enough to capture what was I was after that morning, but I stuck it out and was fortunate to witness a glorious sunrise.
If you have an opportunity to visit Hunting Island State Park, you definitely don't want to pass it up. If you make the effort to get to the beach in time to see the sunrise, you will not be disappointed! Be sure to allow enough time to explore the beach and the surrounding wetlands where you can see many varieties of animal and plant life.
