Supermoon Over the Isle of Palms

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Donnie Whitaker

The most anticipated and closest to the earth supermoon in 68 years went down last night on the Isle of Palms….and the rest of the world too.   I, along with several hundred other folks, stormed the beach early to claim a spot on the sand.  After about an hour of waiting, the supermoon began to rise casting an orange reflection on the shoreline and light in the sky. While not as big as I was expecting (the media hype machines fault) and not a whole lot different from other supermoons I have seen, it was still a site for the eyes and a thing of beauty.  The image below was taken as the sun began its rise on the Isle of Palms with folks watching from the Isle of Palms Pier.

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Fine Art Prints are available for purchase at Donnie Whitaker Photography.

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Fall Trip to the Mountains

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Donnie Whitaker

7b1a5947I am fortunate to have a family mountain house within a short drive to Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway/Mountains.  I try to go as much as possible, but work makes it hard to go as much as I would like.  If there is one time of the year I won’t miss not matter what, it’s Fall.   Charleston is nice in the fall, but you can’t beat the amazing natural color of Autumn in the mountains.

This year the leaves started to turn a little later than usual as October temperatures were warmer than usual.  I started my exploration at higher elevations since leaves always change color from top to bottom.  The first couple of days were spent up on the Blue Ridge and then lower is Pisgah National Forest toward the end of the week.  We found some beautiful scenery up high just off the parkway, down low on several different trails, and some of the BEST colors in our own backyard.

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Once again Fall in the mountains didn’t disappoint.  On my drive back to Charleston the temperature went from a cool, brisk, 75 degrees to a warm, humid, 88.  I guess I shouldn’t complain though, I mean it’s really not so bad having to leave the mountains for the beach.

All images are originals.  For purchase options check out Donnie Whitaker Photography

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It’s Hot on the Charleston Coast!

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Donnie Whitaker
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Isle of Palms Pier at Dusk

It’s the first day of August and we just finished one of the hottest July’s I can remember in my 15 years of living in Charleston.   I don’t know why I or anyone would be surprised as we are in Charleston SC and during the summer that’s just how it is.   Now just to be clear I’m really not complaining.  I mean,  I could be living in Oklahoma or Kansas (please don’t take offense if you are one who does). You can move here (like everyone else) and I will find you a home.   But poor me has to live with the every day struggles of Charleston……….

…..the beach, the boat,  beautiful sunrises and sunsets,  wildlife, green marsh grass,  ancient oaks, the beach.  So I guess it could be worse.

One thing that is for certain is that we have crazy, unpredictable weather this time of the year.  One minute it can be sunny and the next minute monster storm clouds move roll through.  Seems to happen everyday.

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In other news the real estate market is steady but GOOD inventory is low.  The good stuff goes in days and usually has multiples offers.  Some of the hottest markets I am seeing are Mt. Pleasant..as usual.  James Island…..home prices are on the rise.   Charleston outside the peninsula….prices are still good for investors.  West Ashley…Mayor Tecklenburg is on it!  The beach markets are ticking along but not as hot as the primary markets.   Good inventory in the $1.5 to $2.5 price range is needed, and if you own of Ocean Blvd, your home is in demand.  One the IOP several homes have sold this year for over $5 million with the recent closing of 300 Ocean Blvd.    List a beautifully renovated cottage home on Sullivan’s Island and it will move fast.  Condos in Wild Dunes are somewhat stagnant and homes are moving about like always.   Move over to Folly Beach and pick your condo out fast.  Condo’s in Charleston Oceanfront Villas are going fast.  Two sold just last month.  Great oceanviews and two pools will do it.

Until next time….

*All images are mine.  Please do not use without permission.
Posted in Charleston, Folly Beach, Folly Beach Market update, Isle of Palms, Isle of Palms Market Update, James Island, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant Real Estate, Real Estate, Sullivan's Island, Sullivan's Island Market Update, Sullivan's Island Real Estate, Uncategorized, Wil Dunes Market Update, Wild Dunes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Reflection

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Donnie Whitaker

7B1A1548I am always a little hesitant to take and share photos of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.  It is just one of those landmarks that has been photographed by many and often over played.  But as a Charlestonian you can’t completely ignore it because let’s be honest there is a reason so many have photographed it over the years.

I wanted to do something a little different this time and take it from an angle less photographed as evidenced by a simple “ARJB” google search.   But I also wanted a great water reflection and knew it would be more dramatic at dusk as the bridge lights began to shine.  I found the perfect spot (undisclosed although should be obvious 🙂 )  For this to happen I needed high-tide to align perfectly with dusk.   I planned ahead and knew my spot in advance, so the plan was to arrive about an hour early and get set up.   I recently purchased a new Canon 16-35 f4 L ultra-wide lens that I really wanted to use.  But from my spot there would be too much marsh which would be fine in the evening but at night would be too much dark space in the image.  So I decided to throw on my 24-105 to be able to get closer in.  One problem, as I did this my lens fogged up worse that it ever has because it was still cold from sitting inside and the humidity outside.  So, here I was.  The tide was just right, the clouds were great, and the bridge was beginning to light up, and I could barely see through my foggy lens.  I thought it was going to be a mission blown.  But lucky for me I waited things out and my lens cleared, and I got the photo below…..

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This image is available for purchase at Donnie Whitaker Photography

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Shem Creek Sunday

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Donnie Whitaker

7B1A0845Mt. Pleasant has more than it’s share of parks and great places to get on the water without a boat.  One place I frequent is Shem Creek Park located on Shem Creek.  The park is free and open year round and consist of a long boardwalk that extends out to the Charleston Harbor with great marsh and wildlife views along the way.   On any given day and especially on the weekends you will find boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, etc. moving along the creek.   Shem Creek is also lined with restaurants and bars where locals and tourist can enjoy a bite and a beverage along the water.  All that aside, it is one of my favorite spots to catch the sunset and take photos and also a great place to bird watch. So, next time you are in the area check it out.  It is easy to get to from downtown and only a short drive from Sullivan’s Island or the Isle of Palms.

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Both images can be purchased at my photography site

Curious about local real estate?  Feel free to contact me to learn more about home prices and nearby neighborhoods.

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