Category Archives: Shooting A Grand Old House

Magnolia Plantation, Last Light

End of the day, all the visitors had left.

A few photographers stayed late and were wandering around. We were hoping for a colorful sunset. This is the best we had. A storm was passing by off the coast bringing winds and clouds.

Most of us had stocked up on snacks and sweet tea (unsweet tea) curtesy of the plantation and had moved on to their favorite spots to shoot a bit before heading home.

Magnolia Plantation, Last Light
Magnolia Plantation, Last Light

Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, South Carolina.

Magnolia Plantation House (circa 1870)

The main plantation house at Magnolia Plantation.

I believe the current building dates to the 1870’s. The previous house was burned, along with neighboring Runnymede Plantation, and Middleton by federal troops as they past the Charleston ‘Plantation Row’. Drayton Hall, 5 miles up the row (Ashley River) was ignored due to Yellow Fever being active in the house (or someone smart enough to fly the yellow warning flags out front).

Magnolia Plantation House (circa 1870)
Magnolia Plantation House (circa 1870)

A thought; hardly any plantations look like what we have been shown in the movies for years. The old Hampton Plantation (Santee Delta, SC) comes close. Forest Gump was filmed in several local plantations that come close.

Truth is most plantations either had no buildings being just big rice/cotton fields, or the homes were made of clay bricks. Termites and fires destroyed many homes. Only the wood from Black Cypress was as strong as clay bricks.

Charleston, South Carolina.

Making A Statement, Charles Manigault

Entering this old manor house you were greeted with a floating spiral staircase and huge chandelier. It was all about keeping up with the other wealthy Charlestonians.

Making A Statement, Charles Manigault
Making A Statement, Charles Manigault

Every visit I look for new ways to photograph this scene. Over two hundred years later it still impresses.

Preserved, No Renovation (2)

One of my favorite historical buildings, and rooms, in Charleston. Home to the Aiken family. The first Aiken was the founder of the South Carolina Canal and railroad. His son, Governor of the state.

Preserved, No Renovation (2)
Preserved, No Renovation (2)
Preserved, No Renovation (2)
Preserved, No Renovation (2)
Preserved, No Renovation (2)
Preserved, No Renovation (2)

Time has been suspended here.

Preserved, No Renovation (2)
Preserved, No Renovation (2)

Every time I visit I find something new.

Preserved, No Renovation

There is an old manor house in Charleston that is one of the few historical structures that has been preserved, not renovated. By ‘preserving’ the building we have the ability to see things as a snap shot in time. It may be tattered and worn, after all it did survive a wars and earthquakes, yet it is incredible to see the history, wealth, and architectural designs.

Below is the entry way, small to shoot, but immense in creative design. Stairs on either side, marble, wrought iron, hand carved details everywhere. And this is the front door way !!

Preserved, No Renovation
Preserved, No Renovation
Preserved, No Renovation
Preserved, No Renovation

We visit the historical sites a few times each year. I walk out with a camera filled with photos. Playing catch up with my other style of photography.

Preserved, No Renovation
Preserved, No Renovation
Preserved, No Renovation
Preserved, No Renovation

Built in 1820, Elizabeth Street, Charleston, SC.