Right outside Charleston lies Botany Bay - a Piece of Perfection in South Carolina
Reflecting upon my resent journey around North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina, one location often cross my mind. Two weeks of visiting beautiful locations, yet one seems to pop into my mind more often. Botany Bay. The more I think about it, the greater it gets. The most unique beach, an incredible road and thrilling wildlife. Could it be any better?
Botany Bay was the location I was most eager to visit in all of the southern states. I had seen a couple pictures from this location before, and I had a hard time believing it was real. Since South Carolina, more specific Charleston, was my last stop before heading back to DC, I really did save the best for last.
Located on Edisto Island, Botany Bay lays within one hours drive of Charleston. I planned to shoot one sunrise here, and one day scouting the beach before.
Since the gate doesn't open before 30 minutes prior to sunrise, I chose to visit the day before to figure out where I could get the best shot. I knew that time was limited, as the drive from the gate to the parking, followed by the hike from the parking to the beach takes approximately 20 minutes.
Knowing the exact spot I wanted to set up, I rushed to the parking as soon as the gate opened. From the parking I ran towards the beach in the dawn. Supposedly there are a lot of alligators in the area, which I did stumble upon later that day, but my mind was more set on reaching the beach quickly than keeping an eye open for alligators.
Magical surf during sunrise at Botany Bay
What I love about Botany Bay is the fact that the beach isn't the only unique and beautiful element to photograph. The road leading to the parking is quite mesmerising too. In fact, I spent about 1 hour driving this way that should take no more than 10 minutes. I constantly stopped, walked back and forth, drove a little more, stopped, walked around looking for angles, and the same again!
Botany Bay Road
Lush greens, Live Oaks covered with Spanish Moss and the early morning light. This is a moment that will forever stay with me. This is why I love photography, why I love travel. This is perfection.
Morning glow at Botany Bay Road
