We visited Southport for the first time last weekend. It was a quintessential North Carolina coastal town with a waterfront stretch of a dozen restaurants and bars. We had a great time relaxing with the kids and Lori's parents and even ran into some old friends who used to be our neighbors 15 years ago (Hi Dena & Lisa!).
This photo was captured with a DJI Mavic pro drone and a PolarPro Cinema Series filter.
We were at the Little Harbor Marina last Thursday for a little fishing in the bay. Our guide led us to some really good holes just off the shipping lanes and we managed to catch 2-3 keepers each in just a few hours. Most of the fish that we caught were Red Snapper and Sheepshead. I had never seen a Sheepshead before and they're apparently starting to catch on at restaurants.
They look like a giant Tiger Barb — their stripes have given them the nickname, "convict fish" by some — but what makes them truly unique is that they look like they have human teeth! Don't believe me? Google it. Once you get over the fact that they look like they're wearing dentures, they're actually a pretty tasty fish.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Mavic Pro drone.
The weather has been so warm this week that I've been daydreaming about long summer days at the beach... and trips to the Morgan Creek Grill at the Isle of Palms Marina. Just around the corner from Wild Dunes, the Marina makes for quick excursions around Charleston's barrier islands. And at the end of the day, Morgan Creek Grill makes for a memorable meal as the sun sets across the water over Goat Island.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.
No roads lead to Goat Island. It sits on the other side of the Intra Coastal Waterway from the Isle of Palms Marina and can only be accessed by water. The children who live on Goat Island actually have to take a boat across the water to the bus stop. That just might qualify as the coolest ride to school ever! I'm guessing if you ask the good people of Goat Island, they'd tell you the lack of a car is a small price to pay for the solitude and beautiful sunsets they enjoy while living on the water.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Our annual beach trip to Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms, is getting closer! Nothing says summer like sand between your toes and some time out on the water. This split-hull boat is the Delphinus. We've taken a few trips on her out to Boneyard Beach in the past. I think it's time to start planning some excursions for our upcoming trip! If anybody has any suggestions, let me know!
This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.
I wish I could tell you more about the quaint marina on Figure Eight Island. Something tells me that it is a bit busier in the middle of the summer rather than the winter (when this was taken). I think I need to make it a mission to find out!
This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone and edited in Adobe Lightroom.
I'm sure you've figured this out by now but I love hanging out at the Isle of Palms Marina! If anybody is going to have a boat/yacht at the marina this summer and wants to go out on the water for some sweet drone photographs/videos, let me know!
This particular night was perfect. Based on the clouds, they may have been having a rougher time in downtown Charleston but it was beautiful out on Isle of Palms. The gold and fire sunset was the icing on the cake and a great way to begin the evening!
Thanks to everybody who has been enjoying, liking and retweeting my photographs. I really appreciate your support and it's great to know that they're making people happy!
If you've ever wanted to give the drone life a shot, now is a great time! The model that I have and recommend — the DJI Phantom 3 Professional — is currently on sale $260 off. You can buy it here for less than $1,000! After you do, check out my gear page to get the low-down on all of the accessories!
By now, you've probably figured out that I love the IOP Marina! Soaring with the birds 400 feet above the marina is even better than sitting on the dock watching the boats go by... but neither is a match for heading out into the water by boat.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone. It's probably not too late to get one for Christmas!
Nothing says summer to me like a bike ride through the Isle of Palms Marina with the family. The boats are beautiful from the water but I wanted a different perspective so I spun up the drone for a little flyover.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.