Soldiers Ground, on the front edge of Magnolia, was created because there was a pressing need for burial space. The cemetery was already here, however this land was still part of the Magnolia Umbra plantation.
While it was primarily for Confederate States military you will find Federal troops around, down the lane outside the CSA boundry is a commandant of West Point. A place of honor here was also set aside for a beloved ‘laundress’ with a southern brigade.
In Soldiers GroundIn Soldiers Ground
This is still private property, run by a preservation trust.
In Soldiers Ground
In Soldiers GroundIn Soldiers Ground
This is a very quiet and private place. The entire cemetery is large, but there are not many people around. Chances are the ones you do see have a camera.
The logical thing to do at that hour is pack a bag, a little coffee, and head out for sunrise and early marsh shoots. Today, it was 74 (F) degrees all night, this afternoon around 100(F).
DxO Filmpack software has a few features I wanted to try so I’m staying right here. Most people use NIK SilverEfex for B&W work, I do too. However Filmpack is owned by the same company and has similar tools.
Shooting An Old Charleston House – Monochrome
These are from a Charleston 1800’s planters home. The perfect place for B&W.
Shooting An Old Charleston House – MonochromeShooting An Old Charleston House – Monochrome
I guess these are the happy home owners from 200 years ago.
The last week or so I have been watching the locals (Alligators) and some of their odd behavior.
First, it’s May. Usually the height of gator friskiness. A male Alligator is not subtle, no soft music and flowers. In general they are not deep thinkers. Start a fight, dive under water, see what happens.
However look at the header photo, or the first image below. I think he’s whispering sweet nothings !
Alligator Activities
These photos were taken is a smaller marsh retaining pond. There were probably a dozen males and females right there. Not a single argument, no deep growling warnings.
Alligator Activities
Instead we had synchronized swimming.
Alligator Activities
The pair above even looked pretty comfortable with each other.