The Charleston atmosphere
Downtown Charleston is one of the most
aesthetically unique cities in the United States. In fact, some
say it looks more like a European city than American. Old buildings
with unique architecture, narrow streets and alleys, and gas
street lamps all contribute to the atmosphere.
The following samples of Charleston architecture are worth
a try for some travel photos:
· On Meeting Street: the Citadel Square Baptist Church,
the First Baptist Church, St. Michael's Episcopal Church, the
Nathaniel Russell House, Hibernian Hall and the Market Head
Building (Daughters of the Confederacy; late-day light hits
this nicely).
· On Elliott Street: Rainbow Row, a series of pastel-colored
houses.
· On East Battery: The Edmonston-Alston House.
Broad Street and East Bay Street: Customs and Exchange Building.
· On Church Street: the Dock Street Theater.
Street photography
The Market, between North Market Street
and South Market Street, is a prime location for doing some
street (or commerce) photography. The whole market (four blocks
worth) is under cover, but the walls open, which allows some
light in. You’ll be challenged to try shooting slow film
here without a flash, but it is possible in several spots where
more light reflects in. If you wanted, you could push 100-speed
film a stop inside; the soft lighting in the middle of the market
will allow for the boost in contrast. One thing that does help
the light is that the ceilings are white (but too high and crossed
with beams to effectively bounce a flash off).
Of the most interesting photo subjects at the market are the
sweetgrass basket weavers. However, the one weaver I spoke with
clearly stated that I should buy some product in exchange for
photographing her work. Many weavers, I was told by a local,
won’t let you photograph them at all because of superstitions.
Also…
The
Citadel military academy on Moultrie Street holds a dress
parade most Fridays. Good photo opportunity. No admission
fee.
Several cobblestone streets in downtown Charleston can make
for good photos. As with any photographs of streets, overcast
lighting is best to avoid the harsh shadows cast by the buildings
and trees. Especially look at Chalmers Street.
Across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant is Patriot’s
Point, home of the decommissioned USS Yorktown aircraft
carrier, USS Laffey destroyer and the USS Clamagore submarine.
There’s a $12.50 admission charge.
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