Travel – Page 3 – Bill Swartwout Photography

January 23, 2023January 23, 2023

Catching the Sun in Her Arms

A solitary driftwood tree embraces the rising sun in her outstretched “limbs.”

The eastern coast of Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. One such beach, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, is a stunning coastal paradise that will take your breath away. This secluded beach is surrounded by ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss and the salty air gives way to a unique landscape. Driftwood Beach, itself, features sun-bleached driftwood strewn along the shoreline, giving visitors an otherworldly experience like no other.

Catching the sun in her arms on driftwood beach. — Catching the Sun in Her Arms on Driftwood Beach

Welcome to Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA! Whether you’re a resident of the area, or visiting from afar, this spot is not one to miss. With its stunning views and unique landscape, Driftwood Beach is perfect for a day in the sun. The shallow coast and tidal flats are an ideal location for wading and exploring the shoreline. Enjoy the beautifully weathered driftwood that lines the beach, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA is a little-known gem. The beach is covered with light brown, smooth driftwood that looks like large, intricate pieces of broken shells. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

photographing on drifwood beach, jekyll island, georgia — Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Driftwood Beach is located on the northeastern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. To get to this secluded paradise you must first drive through the main recreation area of the island. The beach does not have any access from the main road but there are a few parking areas along the road and paths leading to the beach.

The iconind lone tree on Driftwood Beach at dawn — The Iconic Lone Tree on Driftwood Beach in the Pre-Sunrise Light of Dawn

The beach on this island is now covered with driftwood in all shapes, sizes, and shades of brown and gray – creating an ethereal atmosphere for any visitor. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of nature as one strolls along Driftwood Beach and encounters amazing examples of driftwood – from small pieces to entire trees.

With its unique landscape, this beach serves as an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or exploration.

driftwood beach rowboat — The hull of an old boat that has turned to driftwood is silhouetted in the morning sunrise.

To browse wall art and home decor items with Driftwood Beach photographs, you can click the images above or the links below.

Link to: Catching the Sun in Her Arms

Link to: Iconic Lone Tree of Driftwood Beach

Link to: Driftwood Boat

Link to: Bill’s Driftwood Beach Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery

January 13, 2023February 3, 2023

For Purple Mountain Majesties

Above the Fruited Plain – an “America the Beautiful” rendition in Digital Art.

As a foray into abstract digital creations based on some of my existing photographic themes, I offer up the following.

purple mountain majesty — Purple Mountain Majesty

Travel through the mountains of the east coast provides some spectacular images during the transition from light to dark and dark to light, that is dusk to dawn or sunset and sunrise. It is not always possible to be there in person at exactly the right time to capture the scene photographically but it is possible to re-create Mother Nature’s beauty in a digital form.

Colors can be digitally rendered to re-create a scene as it may exist in memory – or in imagination. The shapes themselves can be blended and smoothed to create an “abstraction” of the original

These scenes do not have an exact, or a real, location because they are digital creations (and might have been done anywhere). However, YOU can decide to place them in the Ozark Mountains, the Smokies, somewhere in the Appalachian Chain or anywhere you envision them to be.

Artificial Intelligence as an aid to creating art…

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the art world is a rapidly growing field. Computers can now be used to create works of art that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also generate meaningful conversations about the nature of human creativity and its relationship with technology. AI has opened up a whole new realm for artists who, until now, relied solely on traditional forms of artistic expression.

Artificial intelligence has allowed us to create some incredible pieces of art. Many of the world’s most celebrated artists are now using AI to explore a variety of styles and techniques in their work. While I am not a “celebrated” artist, I did deem it necessary to explore the opportunities for my own creations. My “Purple Mountains” did originate as one AI-generated piece but they required digital manipulation to get them to appear as I envisioned. I spent as much time in post-production as I do with many images I download from my camera. Maybe more…

These pieces are available as wall art (on a variety of substrates) and/or printed on a selection of home decor items.

Link to: Purple Mountain Majesty

Link to: Purple Mountain Majesty Abstraction

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

Link to: Artificial Intelligence Gallery

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Pictorem

artificial intelligence art

December 14, 2022December 16, 2022

The Making of a Classic Bridge Photograph

Charles W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet at Sunset

Once in a while I get asked, “How long did it take for you get that picture?” My usual answer is, “less than a second, but…there’s more.” Yes, “but” – because there is a lot more involved than snapping that shutter at 1/125th of a second or thereabouts.

Indian River Inlet Bridge at Sunset Printed on Canvas — Sunset under the Indian River Inlet Bridge printed on artist-quality canvas.

Imagine planning to create a pleasing sunset photograph of a popular and photogenic bridge – such as the Charles W. Cullen Bridge over the Indian River Inlet at the Delaware Seashore State Park. Here’s a sequence to think about: 1) Packing the camera gear, 2) don’t forget the tripod), 3) driving to the location, 4) setting up the gear and tripod, 5) calling on years of experience to frame the shot from the right angle (or several angles because one is not enough), 6) repacking the gear and trekking back home, and finally 7) editing the image captured from the outing to create just the “right” couple of images for display and to offer for sale. The 1/125th of a second to get “that” picture was actually several hours of time on “that” day and, really, might have been several years in the making. Also, figure in the complexities of the weather – to have the clouds and the sun cooperate in just the right way.

Camera Screen with a Scene of the Indian River Bridge at Sunset — Trusty ol’ Nikon on a tripod on the north jetty at the Indian River Inlet.

Not only did I have prep and driving and time on site, I also had a slight bit of danger involved. (Cue the ominous music here.) I had to walk out on the rock jetty with no handholds and water-sprayed rocks (slippery?) while carrying my camera bag, a tripod – and me. But the result was well worth it. Shots from this particular photo shoot have proven to be quite popular photograph over the years, having been purchased by several art buyers to decorate their homes and offices. Another photograph from this location has appeared in a popular Indian River Bridge Calendar.

Indian River Bridge at Sunset Wall Art in Room Setting

Where would you hang this in your home?

Click the links below to see the actual image in a larger size and to browse or shop the different substrates for wall art and/or a variety of home décor items.

Link: Indian River Inlet, Bay and Bridge Wall Art

Link to: Bill’s Gallery at Fine art America

But, please don’t get me wrong. I am in no way complaining. I love doing my photography – as I have for the last half century. It gets me outdoors and it provides exercise. It is mentally stimulating and fulfilling – to know that, in my own way, I am contributing some art to the world.

There can be more…

Oh, yes, once the image has been rendered as it was envisioned then some creative editing may be applied. Here is a simulated watercolor version of the above photograph. This version is popular for t-shirts and other apparel items.

sunset under the Indian River Bridge Watercolor — Simulated watercolor of the sun setting under the Indian River Inlet Bridge at the Delaware Seashore State Park.