This particular room was in the lower section of the main house (Aiken-Rhett, Charleston).
I mention the location specifically because there can be several cooking areas in these homes. One being out back in a court yard due to the heat.
Also if there are servants buildings a kitchen is most likely there too.
The mantel and woodwork is carved and cut above. This marks it as the main place to cook, inside the large house itself.
Black Skimmers work as pairs often. These two maneuvered together like a dance team. Very impressive considering all the grasses here.
Unfortunately the water had all types of pollen’s and marsh grass on the surface.
Maybe the early sun on the grasses compensated, the colors were great.
I didn’t even try, or want to zoom closer on these birds. It was such a treat to have them both in the viewfinder.
This old converted statue candelabra has always fascinated me. Throwing light over the small landing here the buildings age is highlighted, perfectly.
I cannot shoot here without visiting the hall stairs.
The two buildings behind the grand house photograph well in color as well as black and white.
The rustic wood and stone work around the Charleston grand houses, the earth colors, can make for some dramatic and interesting images.
Above is taken from the court yard door entering the kitchen and servant living quarters. These building are utilitarian, but filled with character.
Above is looking up to the living quarters. The age and damage clearly showing here. Just above still bears scars from hurricane Hugo, one of the worst storms to ever hit the Lowcountry in keeping with the concept to preserve these buildings.
No manicured garden or pristine surroundings.
In a swamp on it’s own but doing just fine.
The first floor living quarters was always designed to impress visitors. William Aiken, one of the wealthiest Charleston SC business men, easily accomplished it here.
So much so that prior to the US Civil War he became governor.
Of course there was a war, the Union army arrested him, he lost his wealth.
Salt grass grows in thick patches scattered through this large marsh. The Skimmers maneuvered between them easily, at high speed. An amazing feat.
Up until these shots they had been working side to side. I could grab quick photographs when they emerged between the grasses.
This time they surprised me and made a quick turn directly towards me. Focusing on a speedy bird in flight, from straight on is close to impossible.
As luck had it they banked a small amount to my right giving me a little bigger target. Previously I wrote about using the right gear for the job. This is an example of that.
These images were taken with a Canon 7D2, using a Sigma 150-600 C lens. Both items are made specifically for wildlife and sports photography.
This house was here long before electricity. Since the home is around 200 years old and looks pretty much the same now as then, no candles allowed here.
This stair light has had electricity added. It’s still a beautiful work of art. Prior to the US Civil War this home was filled with art collected from all over the 1850’s world. Most looted and gone.
Most every old house I have visited in Charleston has a staircase that is a work of art all by itself. Carvings, railings, and baseboards worked by hand. Spiral stairs were not common in that era, Charleston is filled with them.
The charm of this home is the attention to preserving it as it was over the centuries.
