In December, I was in Charleston, S.C., for the first of many visits to come during the winter of 2015. At
first I photographed amazing pieces of architecture and as I walked the streets I began seeing that most
individuals were looking at the sidewalk or the store windows and street signs. Certainly all of these are
necessary aspects of transporting yourself from the beginning to end. But I all too often think it is the
journey we should most be enjoying. Sometimes it takes numerous trips to even discover what was so
plainly in sight the first time. For instance, as I walked down King Street the first time, I was simply
taking in the sights; but on my third trip down the sidewalk, I began taking note of iron grates, door
entrances, facade ornamentations, and stickers from numerous artists on the back of stop signs.
So, on my next trip down King Street, I began taking images of the little things that caught my eye. A
young man with a camera asked me, “what is it you are taking pictures of?” He didn’t even see what
was exciting me until I showed him the names of both the architect and builders of the 19th-century
building cast in the buildings corner pilaster. Nor did he understand why I took images of rows of
facades, doors, or dozens of other notable images. After following me for nearly two hours, he left not
having seen the Charleston I was enjoying. I simply think he, along with 99 percent of the public, were
too busy talking on their smart phones, walking their groomed dogs, or impressing their companion to
see Charleston at a deeper level. I hope that when all of Charleston’s R&R site is whole, you will take a
tour from door to door looking at the little things that makes Charleston such a lovely and intriguing city.
Just remember as you walk and talk, do take time to enjoy the journey and see the subtle pieces of life
that help make architecture, history and people so interesting. They are abundant in all cities, but
Charleston remains very special! Enjoy the feature property by clicking on the icon.