Southern Photographic Images » Environment

Annual Daffodil Picking on Cat Island

Benoit — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:18:06 +0000

This weekend, we had the opportunity to go pick daffodils on Cat Island. This annual event is a sure sign that spring is soon to arrive. Normally, the daffodil picking happens in February, but with the unseasonably cold weather Beaufort experienced, it was pushed back to mid-March. The public is invited to the farm and can pick as many of the yellow flowers as they can carry.

Much to the dismay of the rest of my party, I was busier taking photos than picking flowers. They made it a point to let me know my future was not in floral harvesting… That’s ok, we all have our areas of expertise. Mine does not include plucking daffodils from the ground.

A Snowman in Beaufort – Incredible!

Benoit — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:20:20 +0000

We live in Beaufort for a reason. When I left Canada, I thought the low country surely would get me away from snow. Apparently, I was mistaken. This five and a half foot tall snowman just popped into existence. The fact there is enough snow to make sure a creature is truly frightening!

Canadian Airport Lights and Security – both never ending

Benoit — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:21:41 +0000

While I am a Beaufort based photographer, I do get around quite a bit. Recent trips included such exotic (and cold!) destinations as Waukesha, WI and Ottawa, Canada. This particular photograph was taken at the Ottawa International Airport.

Did I mention this was in early January and that Ottawa is the second coldest capital city in the world – Moscow has the dubious honor of being the first. While Beaufort was suffering through a cold snap with 30 degree weather, I was dealing with a high 10 degrees! Lucky for me, they do have heat in Canadian airports.

They also have some wonderful new security rules that forbid carry on baggage other that small purses and laptop bags. Only for flights to the US mind you. Since I carry a small backpack, I could not bring it with me on the plane. It had to be checked in. I wasn’t about to let the camera and computer ride the conveyer belt or face the ground crew! Let’s just say it was interesting going through security with my pockets loaded with lens, batteries, camera and laptop computer.

By contrast, facing the US border agent was a breeze. Yes, you clear customs while still in Canada. This is where you wait for the flights to the US. The concourse was added recently and has a very… industrial feel to it: brushed steel, metal beam ceiling and these hanging lights.

As I was sprawled on the bench, recovering from the security gauntlet and feeling like a pack mule, I noticed the ceiling lights. Their symmetry just begging to be photographed. I did process the image to darken the lower portion and really put the emphasis on the row of lights…much like canadian airport security, it seems to never end.