Let me begin this article by saying I’ve never really deleted any pictures I’ve taken. After reading that statement, I’m sure you’re thinking… good lord… there must be tons of pictures everywhere.

Well… you’re right.

As a self-taught photographer, I’ve walked quite a unique path to be at where I am today. As part of that, I’ve always kept all my images to really see where I’ve been but also as my skills develop in processing my images I can revisit old images with new tools & techniques.

As an example, I’ve dabbled in the past in HDR processing of images. If you’re not familiar with HDR, it stands for High Dynamic Range Imaging and you can read more about it here on Wikipedia.

With that said, the resulting images processed in this manner tend to be quite surreal and beautiful which aligns delightfully with my own creative vision.

Recently, I invested in a new tool for processing HDR images and with that, this series of articles was born. Let me share with you my reprocessed images from one of my favorite locations, Old Sheldon Church. If you missed the few articles I’ve written about the location, you may access them below!

• Old Sheldon Church

• Escape to Hilton Head Island

I hope you enjoy my re-processed & re-envisioned high dynamic range view of this fantastic spot! Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts!

I hit all of my favorite locations from Pickney Island to Old Sheldon Church but there were a few special areas I wanted to focus on during this excursion. The area surrounding Old Sheldon is really quite remarkable and on the drive to the Church you might notice a a cluster of bleached trees alongside the road. I’ve been thinking of working with these trees since I first visited Old Sheldon Church and this time I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

As if that sort of location wasn’t enough, down the road just a little bit before the trees, I spotted what looked to be an old abandoned house. With my fiance’s worried voice ringing in my ear, we quickly descended upon the house and I shot some very quick but spectacular shots before bolting for the road once more.

The last big event on the trip was actually to catch a sunrise over Hilton Head and it was as you might imagine quite the spectacular sight.

If you’re interested, I actually have a few prints available from this trip in my Fine Art Section Fine Art Prints by Dim Horizon Studio

While exploring Hilton head and the surrounding area a few months ago I was able to schedule some time with a few models to continue on my exploration of portraiture. Melissa was one such individual that ultimately fell into my lap in the weeks leading up to my vacation.

She was truly a terrific model and took direction quite nicely. Her creative ideas were delightful and I have to say I loved her classic retro styling with her outfits that day. While her schedule is rough due to her involvement in the military I’d highly suggest trying to schedule some time with her should you ever be in the area!

Be sure to check out her Model Mayhem Profile as well as the gallery for the rest of the shots below!

• Model Mayhem
• Gallery

Jordan was the other model I was quite lucky to be able to work with along side Cammy. They were both close friends and I have to say they were quite the dynamic duo. I’ve tried over the course of this year to focus on models with extensive tattoos and the stories behind them.

While Jordan’s tattoo was quite extensive, the story was interesting in itself by it’s simplicity. Basically, it was just a collection of images that she liked.

She modeled a number of outfits during our shoots that day and I have to say the shots included below were easily my favorite. The first location, even with being eaten alive by bugs, provided a great deal of options and I’d highly suggest stopping at that park again to anyone familiar with the area interested.

You can find more information of the location at the following
site as well as see other pictures from the lovely shoot.

• Pinckney Island

• Gallery

Not only do you get to network with some talented people but you also get a local individuals insight into potential locations for shooting. I must say, I was quite lucky on this trip to Hilton Head SC and actually organized shoots with three lovely models.

Tammy was part of the first of a pair I ended up shooting with one day. We basically met at the first location, a nature reserve located just off the highway as you drive into Hilton Head, then were promptly eaten alive by sand gnats. We decided then to made our way to a second location to shoot. It really was a glorious way to spend an afternoon although the bugs from the first location left me itching and uncomfortable for a good week afterward.

Enjoy the shots below!

A few months ago I was able to do some traveling to explore a few historical souths located near Hilton Head. During that trip, I was able to explore a number of wonderful places in both Savannah and Hilton Head but one location mentioned to me by my Uncle took a little bit of digging but it was well worth all the effort.

Old Sheldon Church has been around for some time. To quote a South Carolina historical tourism site:

“Sheldon Church has lain in ruin for more then 120 years. One of the first Greek-Revival structures built in the united States, Prince Prince William’s Parish Church, erected 1745-55, was once one of the most impressive churches in the Province. During the Revolution, the Patriots are believed to have stored gun powder in it. In 1779, when the British General Augustine Prevost invaded the Lowcountry, the church was burned by a detachment which according to tradition, was commanded by the flamboyant local Tory, Andrew Deveaux. Rebuilt in 1826, the church was again burned by Sherman’s men in 1865. The ruins are nevertheless a picturesque site from which the visitor can visualize the grandeur of the pre-Revolutionary church.”

The emotion you feel walking around the ruins is truly haunting. As with most ruins that I know of I was able to sneak in two shoots while I was in town at the church. There will be posts to follow with those shots.

For the time being, please enjoy the lovely shots I was able to capture during my visit to these amazing ruins.

• Gallery