Charleston Royalty I

Travel & Leisure is really trying hard to ruin a good thing. Yesterday, they moved Charleston up from #2 best city in the world to #1. The only thing that could really knock the city back down a notch would be if millions more tourists flocked to the city thanks to the publicity. Such is the double-edged-sword that such magazines wield. It will always hold a special place in my heart whether it's at the top or the bottom of the charts and if Charleston's long history has taught us anything, it's that Charleston is capable of handling extreme highs and lows as well as any other city in the United States. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300. 

Ollivanders

You need a wand? Then you'll want to head to Ollivanders. Conveniently located at both the original location in Diagon Alley and the new satellite store in Hogsmeade Village (pictured here). 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Poe's Tavern

Poe's Tavern has been feeding the people of Sullivan's Island the best burgers on the planet since 2003 but it feels like it's been around since Edgar Allen Poe was stationed on the Island in 1827. Rumor has it that the Gold Bug that inspired Poe's story is buried somewhere on the Island. Dinner guests queue up around the block to get a seat but locals eat lunch at Poe's, avoiding the hostess stand and grabbing one of the outside seats when they open up. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300. 

Happy Independence Day!

We just returned from a beach week at Wild Dunes and walked past this house often. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300. I finally upgraded my beloved NEX-7 for the a6300 and I've been loving it! I need to update my gear page but in the meantime, if you shoot with a NEX-7, the a6300 is a worthy upgrade!

Stave Church

The Stave Church in Epcot's Norway Pavilion is an example of the earliest Christian churches in Northern Europe, built from timber rather than brick. The church is the centerpiece of the traditional Norwegian countryside village. At least it used to be. Norway has recently been expanded and renovated as Frozen sisters Anna and Elsa have moved into town. This controversial move may prove to be the future of the World Showcases or it may simply be an opportunity to expose more people to the Norway Pavilion who may have otherwise skipped past it on their way to more recognizable countries. Either way, I'm looking forward to checking out the expansion and I'm certain my three-year-old daughter will say they made the right decision. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Leaving Shem Creek

We had a great week last week in Charleston and are happy to be back in Charlotte, ready for the Fourth of July celebrations. Thanks to everybody in Charleston who helped make our beach trip a perfect getaway as always!

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.

Paradise Island Lighthouse

We've almost made it through Shark Week and paradise — or at least Paradise Island — is in sight. This little, run-down lighthouse perched at the far end of the island belies the glamor and splendor that lies beyond. 

Seen in the background is the incomparable Atlantis Resort and Casino. This really is an island fit for a Bond villain — or hero. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Safe Harbor

I think this would be a pretty tremendous way to spend the day in and around Charleston. If anybody out there has a giant sailboat or yacht and needs some great aerial photographs of it, let me know!

This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.

Alone

The Civil War started when a shot exploded above that little fortified island in the middle of this photograph. That island is Fort Sumter. You can see Charleston in the background and James Island to the left. 

Fort Sumter is a neat place to visit (you can only arrive by boat) but from a distance, once everybody has gone home for the day, it always strikes me as incredibly lonely. Especially on a stormy night like this. If any place in the world is haunted, Fort Sumter must make the top 10 list.  

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.

Carnival Whale Tail

I love the design of the signature fins on top of the Carnival Cruise ships. It's pretty cool to be able to instantly recognize that detail from a distance and know exactly which ship you're looking at. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.