Photo of the Month

"String of Pearls"

"I was lucky to be in a small plane touring the lowcountry this rare August morning. With neither clouds nor humidity to speak of, the eye could see for miles. Mine was drawn to the oyster banks on the east side of Bull Island. I asked my pilot to maneuver the plane so that I could work with the shoreline a bit. As I positioned the stark white bank to diagonally cross the photo frame, the expression "string of pearls" came to mind. The vast expanse of summer greens of the Spartina grass and the cool azure blues from the sky and sea, served well to show off this amazing sunlit bank; a remarkable view from the air."

Eric Horan

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Photo Tip: Whether you end up using a ground level camera mount, ladder, boat, plane or helicopter, first study your subject and determine which tool you prefer to use in your approach. Remember, they all will allow you a different perspective. This view in "String of Pearls" does require air transport. I typically rent a small plane or helicopter and find a pilot that is experienced working with photographers.

MORE ON OYSTER BANKS:
Oyster banks serve as protectors of the salt marsh. They provide buffer from boat wakes and other big surf conditions caused by storms and extreme tides that can threaten the wetland environment. Spartina grasses have a difficult time growing where waves are strong and plentiful. These smooth, chord grasses thrive in calmer conditions like behind the well-developed oyster bank as "String of Pearls" illustrates.

Oyster banks are self-sustaining and have the potential for long-term growth. They also contribute to the stability and overall quality of the ecosystem. Local environmental groups are actively working to restore area oyster banks by placing recycled oyster shells onto banks impacted by natural and man made conditions. For more information on oyster banks and volunteering, contact David Harter with The Friends of the Rivers at daveh@hargray.com or 843-227-0004.

Visit Eric Horan's Website southernlight.biz to learn more information