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The Most Beautiful Sunrise I've Ever Witnessed!

By
Industry Observer

A SnapShot in Time = A Piece of History

An intriguing location, Edisto Beach in South Carolina ranks among some of the most popular photographed sites by professional photographers worldwide. I had not heard of it until last spring, but after visiting, I can understand why so many photographers want to go and capture this very special place.

 

Boneyard Beach SC

Boneyard Beach ~ South Carolina

Travel to this "Boneyard Beach" was an absolutely amazing opportunity for my husband and me this past June. Up before dawn, using flashlights to hike from the car we navigated with a local guide, and set up our cameras before the sun could peak over the horizon. It was quite dark when we arrived and we had no clue what it would look like as the dawn became sunrise. I was mesmerized by the empty beach and surrounded with an amazing visual that I will never forget.

We were in the hands of a truly remarkable local photographer that timed the event perfectly for us. Luckily the weather and clouds cooperated and the results were amazing. I did not want to leave.

This first photo is my entry for Dick Greenbergs contest in Real Life Photography/ Miscellaneous Category.

I chose this category as it is a location that is mysterious, peaceful, a bit scary looking, sad and beautiful all in one shot. The sad part about the "Boneyard" as it is called, is that a hurricane in October took down most of the remaining trees that were still standing. 

Unique Sunrise at Boneyard Beach SC

Photographs of this location are a documentation of the short period time that a few of us were able to capture over the last 7 or 8 years. I'm told the last of the trees remaining are very few in number.  What you see here was taken prior to the storm. Erosion is what caused the boneyard to exist in the first place, and so this was inevitable that one day all the beautiful trees would be gone. I don't know yet which tree is still standing in the water, but I hear it is one of the most popular for many photographers. 

I will be returning this spring to attend another conference and I'm hoping that we can get out to this beach again. I have no doubt that it will look very different this time, but I want to see it again. I'm so grateful that I was able to capture these moments that could never be duplicated with another visit. I will cherish the photos I have that bring me back to a morning on a beach with a camera. 

Comments(17)

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I would vote for your picture, perfect one for a blow up picture.  Hope you have a great day!

Nov 27, 2016 09:24 AM
Janis Borgueta

Thanks Will Hamm - Much appreciated!


 

Nov 27, 2016 09:27 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Gorgeous shots. I like the mysterious aspect of them.

Nov 27, 2016 09:29 AM
Janis Borgueta

Lottie Kendall it was a very eerie place to be. I loved that aspect of it and the fact that we were all alone that morning. Very special

Nov 27, 2016 11:09 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Janis,

That is a gorgeous photo.  That is one of those memorable shots that should be printed and framed.  A

Nov 27, 2016 09:31 AM
Janis Borgueta

I'm thinking about it Ron and Alexandra Seigel I already had a friend print and frame it for her house. 

Nov 27, 2016 11:10 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

Gorgeous photos...the first one, of course, captures the sunrise perfectly, but I am partial to the second because of the trees.  I hope some survived the storm.

Nov 27, 2016 10:32 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Janis what fantastic pictures. Did you have prior knowledge about this contest in June? Is that why you and your husband got up such ungodly hour to take these pictures? Just kidding. Great photo and good choice for Dick Greenberg  contest, Endre

Nov 27, 2016 10:47 AM
Janis Borgueta

I knew nothing about this contest Endre Barath, Jr. My husband and I have been known to get up before dawn quite often lately to get sunrise photos. I can tell you the adrenaline of the process outweighs the sleepy factor. All i need is a cup of coffee, a great location on our agenda, and the promise of breakfast by 10am. Sunrise is over in a few minutes, followed by some great lighting but it is short and super sweet.

Nov 27, 2016 11:13 AM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Janis, that is a great photo and you captured it all in this shot, mystery, beauty, serenity, spooky and the name Boneyard Beach...perfect.

Nov 27, 2016 10:50 AM
Janis Borgueta

Thanks Rebecca Gaujot, the Go To Realtor® 

Nov 27, 2016 11:13 AM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Janis - That's a wonderful photo of an amazing place and a perfect time. Thanks for another contest entry!

Nov 27, 2016 11:45 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Wow Janis, what a stunning sunset. I love how you framed the sun between the branches. You've got talent 

Nov 27, 2016 12:24 PM
Janis Borgueta

Thanks Debe Maxwell it was a magical morning

Nov 27, 2016 01:57 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Oh, Janis, that was SO worth the wait for you and for me both! A piece of history will now be in your soul forever and it won't change, even if the NOW of this wondrous place has. 

I was thinking to myself, how could she even pick just ONE sunrise as her favorite? Now I know why. 

Stupendous! 

Nov 27, 2016 12:44 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

P.S. I just had to save it on my Pinterest board, Sunrises and Sunsets. I added your name as the photographer! 

Nov 27, 2016 12:46 PM
Janis Borgueta

Thanks Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Realtor (503)755-2905 yes, it was the best photo shoot ever. I keep telling my mentor that I'm totally spoiled. I keep asking to be wow'd each place I travel to. This is a tough act to follow. This photo only begins to explain that. 

Nov 27, 2016 02:00 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Too stunning for words, Janis. Almost doesn't look real. Never heard of Boneyard Beach in SC and I live right on the SC border in south Charlotte.

Nov 27, 2016 01:46 PM
Janis Borgueta

Yes, it is Edisto Beach, maybe you can find it by looking for Botany Bay. It is only a small part of the beach. It used to be a plantation and all the trees were not in the water, but the beach and erosion krept up and has taken over come most of the beach and the trees. I plan to go back to see it again as I have a perfect opportunity this April, but it won't last much longer. Soon it will just be a beach, and as the tide comes in it will be just a swamp without any trees at all. The sunsets won't change, but the backdrop will. Access will be very limited. 

Nov 27, 2016 02:04 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

i don't know if it is the most beautiful one I have seen, but it really is an awesome one for sure!!

Nov 27, 2016 03:57 PM
Janis Borgueta

I agree William Feela as you can only understand by witnessing it first hand. It was an amazing experience.

Nov 27, 2016 06:11 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Janis- I am in awe of this beautiful photo and am so glad that you took us along when you discovered Boneyard Beach!  I hope you do go back because I'd love to see what remains. 

Nov 27, 2016 04:34 PM
Janis Borgueta

Thanks Kathy Streib I am not sure just how the access will be in April. Right now the beach is closed as the tiny bridge across the swamp was damaged. I'm hoping that they rebuild it fast. There will be alternative ways, but it may not be that easy.

Nov 27, 2016 06:13 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I've never heard of it, but I won't forget it now! Gorgeous!

Dec 01, 2016 07:02 AM
Janis Borgueta

Thanks Sharon Tara . The location is not all that well known, but really quite unforgettable.

Dec 01, 2016 08:17 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

That is a gorgeous shot.  You should sell prints.  Could make a second career out of it.

Dec 06, 2016 02:09 PM
Janis Borgueta

I would love to. Travel, take photos AND get paid?? Sounds like a great thing to retire to Chris Ann Cleland 

Dec 07, 2016 05:44 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I missed this when you first posted it. What beautiful pictures! I would have been mesmerized as well.

Dec 07, 2016 04:43 AM
Janis Borgueta

The sad thing is that access is going to be next to impossible this spring and even if we could return it will never look the same. Kat Palmiotti 

Dec 07, 2016 05:45 AM
Janice Zaltman
United Realty Group - Boca Raton, FL
Energy Efficient And Eco-Friendly Homes in Florida

Gorgeous sunrise. The colors are beautiful. So interesting how the colors of a sunrise differ in different parts of the country and day by day. Look forward to them. 

Dec 12, 2016 05:58 PM
Janis Borgueta

This was the color early when the sun was just coming up over the horizon. In a few short minutes the oranges came into play


and it looked more like this.


Dec 12, 2016 06:03 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

You've taken the perfect photos for Boneyard Beach! Your sunsets are just gorgeous!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Dec 22, 2016 08:14 PM
Janis Borgueta

Thanks Patricia Feager. Much appreciated.


Enjoy your holidays!

Dec 23, 2016 05:25 AM