The visual splendor of Charleston, South Carolina…
Having visited Charleston during the early Spring blooms of March, my eyes spanned every angle in awe. From behind the lens there were very few moments in which I was not photographing the elements of Charleston that surrounded me. Compositions that beckoned to be captured at nearly every turn. Alas, in the world of digital photography, the options to continue clicking allowed me to capture well over 2,000 images. Should I have admitted this? A visual love of a city resulted in mass images. Although my mantra follows the “Less is more” principle, from behind the lens of a camera, when immersed within a city layered with history, exquisitely preserved architectural wonders, Antebellum mansions off the coastal shores, decorative iron work balconies and gates, gas lamp lighting, confection colored buildings with shutters and window boxes, trees dripping with Spanish Moss, palm trees and rustling Palmettos blowing in the Southern breeze paired with a skyline dotted with church steeples, it was no surprise to me that the number of images I captured were vast. Wonderstruck, for certain.
Founded during the 1600’s, Charleston is surrounded by the Ashley River and the Cooper River, off the Atlantic Ocean. Within the Carolina “Low Country”, English colonists settled Charleston during the 1680’s. At that time an urban development plan was established, called the “Grand Model”, which was an orderly grid of streets. For certain, I easily wandered these streets in amazement at the striking structures that lined the cobblestone streets and blue slate sidewalks. Charleston’s history began with crops grown on inland plantations of rice, tobacco, indigo and cotton. By late 1700, Charleston was the largest port in the America, behind New York, Boston and Philadelphia. With the successes of exportation, it is perhaps no surprise that the plantation owners and shipping magnates would build substantial three & four story mansions with distinctive verandas and ironwork. In 1783 Charleston adopted an ethical city motto: “She guards her customs, buildings and laws”. For certain, Charleston has preserved all of those. A city known for its survival and endurance, it is interesting to note that Charleston’s historied past includes being “raided by pirates, besieged by the British and burned to the ground during the Civil War, demolished by an earthquake and flooded by hurricanes”. Onward, indeed.
Known for some of the oldest landscaped gardens in America, this sophisticated city oozes with traditional Southern hospitality and charm. Coastal breezes off the shoreline brought added delight as I strolled through the streets. Horse drawn carriages covered with surrey’s pulled by Percheron draft horses brought back the period of a bygone era. Turn after turn, structures that were a visual tribute to the classical grandeur of historical decadence awaited my lens. From the verandas supported by columns, dripping with ferns, with ceilings painted sky blue to the pink-hued Bermuda stone, gambrel roofs, cornices, double staircases and iconic Charleston Single Houses (one room wide & deep with a single entrance door facing the street and and opening onto a porch that runs the length of the house and often 3 stories high), the visual entrancement that Charleston holds is stunning. From the decorative earthquake bolt covers embedded on the historic structures to the graceful palmettos that sway in the Southern breezes, the heart and soul of historic Charleston swells with attributes of an historic European city. From the iconic pastel hued “Rainbow Row” of buildings on East Bay Street, to the harbor and its historical link to the nearby Ft. Sumpter on Sullivan Island where the first shot of the Civil War took place, the historical importance of Charleston endures. Every turn offers history and architectural jewels on display. It has been stated that those that travel to this Grand Dame city can easily become seduced by her offerings. From behind the lens, I was clearly seduced. To edit through the multitude of images that I captured? Daunting. It is my hope that the images presented provide a mere feel of the beauty, elegance and historical, architectural importance of the stunning, jeweled Southern city of Charleston, South Carolina….
One of my personal favorites, architecturally speaking…“Two Meeting Street” Inn near the Battery. Touting “Romance, Civility & Grandeur”, this now renowned Inn is deemed as “The jewel in the crown of the city’s historic inns”. It is simply a jewel…
Consider the architectural appeal and historic charm that Charleston offers. The history that layers this city laden with mossy surfaces is evident. The lush fronds of Palmetto’s & other greens offer pure delight. For certain, the city of Charleston is always flowering. What is also certain is that the historical structures will remain unchanged, protected by historical preservation, “Mother Nature” permitting. This American Southern city of distinction is a place where charms dwell, offering a soul stirring pull at the heartstrings for those that travel here. Memorable. The “Genteel Surrounds” that swirl around oneself while strolling along the historic district of the French Quarter and elegant streets of downtown Charleston will remain unforgettable.
The compilations presented are not necessarily visuals of streets, but rather, elements of the iconic details that represent Charleston. Aside from the sweet fragrances and breezes that only one’s mind can imagine, the visuals on display are there for all to appreciate. Gifts that Charleston holds enduringly. The pastel hues of jeweled and stunning architecture are mesmerizing. The visuals are more than what one camera can capture. Charleston will always remain as one of my favorite American cities. Appreciation from behind the lens, indeed…
Onward,
Kristin
House Appeal 
Thank you Kristin! When I first glimpsed at this visual piece I thought you had forwarded an upscale magazine artificial on Charleston, SC. Then I recognized a few shots that we experienced together. You did a wonderful job capturing the beauty and uniqueness of this “southern city of distinction” with your words and photos. Meeting you and our visit to Charleston will remain unforgettable.
Thank you so much, Michael! I am honored by your words and your generous compliments…absolutely delighted that you enjoyed the visual compilation that merely attempted to capture the glory of Charleston. I am so glad we finally met! Indeed, the experiences we all had in Charleston will remain unforgettable…
Onward,
Kristin