Autumn Color in the Lowcountry | November on Hilton Head

There's a tremendous variety of beautiful subjects in and around Hilton Head Island. Unparalleled access to wildlife, skyscapes to die for and maritime forests that haunt the creative eyes of the artist. However, when I first moved to Hilton Head, last spring, the one thing that I though I'd miss the most were the colors of the fall landscape, so prominent from September through November in Ohio. I assumed fall color would be absent in the coastal forests so far south. I was pleased to be proven wrong when color began appearing at the beginning of November. While only in isolated pockets, it's still enough of a change to provide a nice contrast against the Spanish Moss and pines.

The following series of images were captured in Hilton Head's most forested section, Sea Pines Plantation on the southern end of the Island. Also, Snowy and Great Egrets as well as horses at Lawton Stables, all in the beauty of morning light. Another characteristic of this area that I find visually appealing are the mists that come in off the ocean and shroud the woodlands in a soft, subdued light. After the tourist rush of summer, with all the activity on the island as well as light and humidity that's pretty much "in your face," it's wonderful to relish in the reward of autumn.

In the Light of the Season | October in the Hocking Hills of Ohio

There's nothing like coming home again with October in the Hocking Hills of Southeastern Ohio. Last weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to lead a photography workshop at The Inn at Cedar Falls. The weekend program flew by as I guided a very enthusiastic group of photographers to some of favorite locations within the park for nature and landscape photography. I've posted an online gallery of student images via Picasa @ Return to the Hills Photo Workshop Student Gallery.

I did make sure I had at least a day to get out and capture a few of my own images, on the Monday following the program. After all, I had driven all the way from Hilton Head, South Carolina and I wanted to make the most of my time while in Hocking Hills.

A very fulfilling workshop experience, seeing old friends as well as making many new ones and the opportunity to reconnect with the area that I consider to be home for my creative spirit. I am very thankful.

Camera Bag Product Review | Gearing-Up for Fall Photography

Over the many years I've been involved with nature photography - hiking and shooting along trails from the U.P. of Michigan to Civil War battlefields in Virginia to National Parks in Utah and Montana - I've learned the value of a pro-quality, durable backpack for my camera gear, one that's easy to access and comfortable on the back. I've gone through many, basically because I've been doing this now for, well, 35+ years!

Recently camera bags by a company called Think Tank Photo came to my attention. I thought I'd give them a try. I was impressed by what I found, in features and in comfort.



To order camera backpacks by Think Tank Photo, please visit www.thinktankphoto.com/workshop. Enter code "WS-461" to receive a free bag with orders over $50.

Fall Photo Walkabout Set for October 16 on Hilton Head Island

October 16 2011 Photo Walkabout Workshop by Jim Crotty, originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

Join local professional photographer Jim Crotty on a photo excursion to Mitchellville Beach Park on Hilton Head Island. Jim will be guiding a small group and providing field instruction on the basics of nature photography with the DSLR camera. Learning to see as an artist, setting-up the shot, composing with natural elements, best camera settings and equipment for outdoor photography - a few of the topics Jim will discuss as leads the group in exploring a variety of subjects, from macro nature to wildlife to skyscapes. Jim will also be demonstrating best techniques for beach portraits. Workshop fee is $20 per person. Limited space. To register email jim@jimcrotty.com or call 843-842-9200.