chuckography

NICE PIER PRESSURE...

Start by inviting several hundred people with cameras to a  Sunset Photo Shoot.

Call and alert Bowens Island Restaurant that 40 indicated they would come Saturday afternoon.

Begin doing my Anti-Rain dance on Friday.

Heavy stormy weather rolled into Charleston just before midnight.

The rain stopped at 10:00 am at my house. Whew.


Members of my Photography Group started arriving at 4:00 pm at the oyster place to set up for the 5:15 sinking of the sun into the Stono River.

With that many people carrying cameras, the challenge was to shoot interesting photos leading up to the sunset itself.

 And keeping warm.

Did I mention Saturday was dry and sunny but chilly.

Hell, it was COLD with an icy wind that cut right through you. Brrr.


Winter coats, hats, gloves, boots and scarfs were donned as the troops peered around and aimed their sights on this and that.

Some had not been back since the restaurant burned down a few years ago. 

The new place now has a 2-story dining room with great water views.

A few had never been on the tiny island before.

They had passed by on their way to Folly Beach but had not followed the sign and  ventured down the bumpy road to bivalve/oyster heaven.

The Dock House - venue for music and casual dining - has a narrow deck around it leading out to where boats tie up.

Fishermen also were on the piers, braving the wind to drop their lines into the water.

Pictures were snapped of all of this.

Those with a zoom lens spotted a few boats huddled nearby.

As the sun sets, there usually is a soft "golden glow" that enhances photography.

Don't have a clue what this was.

The large, rusting piece of machinery  sat near the dock, and it drew swarms of photographers..

I went with a detailed close up.

The many piles of white oyster shells showed how popular this sea fare was with the locals and visitors.

Tripods started appearing as the sun sank lower in the sky.

Determined sunset fans were about to seize the moment.

Either on film or with digital cameras.

I climbed up the stairs of the restaurant and stood on the upper deck to have a nice angle.

The wind whipped around me.

I was reminded that camera batteries react to the cold by having a short life.

With three spare batteries I felt secure as the sky became fiery and dramatic.


Some of my avid members waited on the leeward side of the building until the last moment then stepped forward to snap the spectacular end of day.

My shot of the colorful cloudy sky- streaked with jet contrails as an added bonus - was taken after I quickly inserted my third battery.

My hands were stiff and cold.

The camera body was frigid.

The metal tripod was cold.

I looked behind me and saw the restaurant was filled and people were waiting in line to get inside.

 It was going to be a challenge to get a seat and enjoy the warmth.

Hey, it was Saturday night at a popular seafood eatery and now it was getting dark and temps were dropping.

Time for a cold beer.

(Click on the photos for more details)

Go to the link above to see pictures posted by members of the Photography group.

They are very talented and devoted photographers.

Probably defrosted by now.

Cool.

Labels: bivalve/oysters, Bowens Island restaurant, golden glow lighting at sunset, pier pressure, spare batteries.

posted by chuckography @ 1:15 AM