Category: Architecture

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Indian River Bridge at Twilight Panorama

Four styles of this popular photograph are now available in a 2:1 panorama ratio.

I’ve had requests for a more-panorama-shape of one of my most popular photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. So I made a “regular” Panorama (2:1 ratio) and three additional presentations. Might you be interested in any of these please let me know. If so, which one? Leave a response in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Indian River Bridge Panorama Photograph Assortment
Indian River Inlet Bridge at Twilight Panorama Photograph in Four Presentations.

The Charles W. Cullen Bridge is the official name of this beautiful example of cable-stayed suspension bridge architecture. The Indian River Inlet Bridge carries coastal traffic on Route 1 across the Indian River Inlet just north of Bethany Beach Delaware.

This beautiful structure is sight to behold at any time of day or night. However, twilight, the transition between day and night, brings out the spectacular color of the bridge, the water and the sky – all in shades of blue – at this magical time.

The Indian River inlet joins the Rehoboth Bay and the Indian River Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. The Indian River Bridge over the inlet allows traffic to flow north and south along “Coastal Highway” (Route 1), connecting several beach resort towns from Ocean City in Maryland to Rehoboth Beach and Lewes in Delaware.

The Delaware Seashore State Park facilities on both the north and south sides of the Indian River Inlet and along the shore of the Indian River Bay attract thousands or people, who can enjoy sights like this, all year ’round. The area, just north of Bethany Beach, DE boasts campgrounds, a large marina, fishing and, of course, a well-maintained and guarded (in season) beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection
The original “best selling” print: Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection

Charles W. Cullen Bridge – Dedicated 2012

Indian River Bridge Dedication Plaque
Dedication Plaque on the Indian River Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

This bridge is named in honor and remembrance of Charles West Cullen, 1865-1948, a man who dedicated his life to public service and the the citizens of Delaware. Between 1930 and 1940, he served on the State Highway Commission, eventually being elevated to Chairman of the Commission from 1938-1939. While he was Chairman, work was started on a new bridge to span the Indian River Inlet. In recognition for his service on the Commission, the bridge was dedicated on May 18, 1940, in his name for his advocacy for the proper opening of the inlet and the internal development of the Indian River. Two additional bridges bearing his name have spanned the inlet since that time. This, the fifth bridge to span the inlet waterway, is was also dedicated in his name. (Paraphrased from the bridge dedication plaque.)

Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.

Link to: Bill’s Indian River Inlet Bridge Collection, including the four panoramas above.

Link to: Panorama Wall Art Print

Link to: Simulated Charcoal Print

Link to: Dramatic Black & White Print

Link to: Abstract Expressionism Print

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Pixels/FineArtAmerica

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National Lighthouse Day is August 7th

Celebrating the commissioning of the first Federal Lighthouse…

It was on the Seventh Day of August in 1789 that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, in 1989 Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7 as National Lighthouse Day.

Collection of Lighthouses by Bill Swartwout Photography
Collection of Lighthouse Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography

The Lighthouse Act of 1789 was approved by Congress, ensuring the upkeep and repair of Lighthouses, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers “shall be defrayed out of the treasury of the United States.”

National Lighthouse Day was first celebrated 200 years later when President Ronald Reagan signed Senate Judiciary Resolution 306 of the 100th Congress into law.

I have several lighthouse photographs available on a variety of substrates (Prints, Canvas, Metal, Acrylic, Matted & Framed) in my Gallery at Pictorem. These are all available with Free Ground Shipping throughout the United States and Canada.

Shopping Link: https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/Bill.Swartwout.Photography?keyword=Lighthouse

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Delmarva Farm Scene in Black and White or Color

This Delmarva Grain Elevator received positive comments in both presentations, color and B&W.

How does one choose which presentation to publish to one’s online gallery? Why, ask your followers on Social Media, of course – specifically on Facebook.

delmarve grain elevator in color
Delmarva Grain Elevator in Color

The steel-gray color of the sky seems to emulate the steel-color of the silos and transfer screws of this grain elevator on a Maryland farm. When asking friends and followers a piece of art, one must have a thick skin because some of the responses my be quite critical. Fortunately, most in this survey were complimentary.

delmarva grain elevator black and white
Delmarva Grain Elevator in Black and White

This was the question – simple and straightforward:

  • Does this work better in Color or in B&W? (It was also identified as a Delmarva Grain Elevator – photographed on 06/18/22.)

Here is a list of 18 unmodified responses – in the order received:

  • The color shot is FANTASTIC. !
  • Color. Love it.
  • I like the touch of blue in the color version.
  • Love the color with the blue sky peeking through.
  • Black and white photography for me, as your subject is mostly monochromatic and lends itself to that medium. The color version almost takes on a selective coloring look to it. But you should always go with what your vision is for the piece, speaking from your heArt.
  • Color wins…
  • I personally like the B&W more but it seems that the darkness of the clouds goes away in the above B&W version. I still like the second/B&W version more but would make it a bit darker.
  • I like the color shot.
  • Color for sure!
  • Both great. BW for me.
  • Color shot!
  • Black and white, more dramatic.
  • B & W
  • Rather ominous in BE. Pop of blue in color is interesting but overall BW
  • B&W
  • I like the black and white due to the detailed shown on the structure of the grain silos and transfer screws.
  • I’m usually a black and white fan but for this one I’ll go with color.
  • Just enough color in the sky enhances it…my opinion! Great picture!

The overall result is 10 prefer the color presentation and 8 prefer the black and white. While the color version appears to have won the poll, the margin is small, and I would not like to disappoint the 44% of my responders who chose the black and white version of my Delmarva Grain Elevator photograph – so I have uploaded BOTH versions to my online galleries.

Choose a link below to get a better look at YOUR choice…

Shop: Color version of Delmarva Grain Elevator

Shop: B&W version of Delmarva Grain Elevator

Shop: The Farm Collection in Bill’s Gallery

Shop: Bill’s Full Gallery at Fine Art America/Pixels

The chicken is in the heart of Delmarva.

The Delmarva Peninsula – home to a wide variety of grains, vegetables and livestock – has a long history of farming, but in the 1950s the peninsula began to focus on its poultry industry. Today, Delmarva is one of the most productive agricultural areas in the nation; it is also one of the largest chicken-producing regions in the world. The mainstay diet of a chicken is corn, followed by soybeans, wheat and to a lesser extent, other crops.

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Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Wall Art

Framed by palm trees, this picturesque bridge photograph will look wonderful in your home or office.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is an architectural wonder. Designed by the renowned firm of Cline Design Associates, this cable-stayed bridge spans the Cooper River and connects Charleston to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This bridge was opened on July 16, 2005 and replaced two older bridges, the Silas N. Pearman Bridge and the John P. Grace Memorial Bridge (built in 1929 and 1966).

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, Charleston, SC
An architectural wonder, the Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge crosses the Cooper River at Charleston, South Carolina.

At a total length of 13,200 feet this is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the western hemisphere with a main span of 1,546 feet and a clearance of 187 feet. In 2006, it won an Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award from ASCE for its innovative design and materials. The bridge has eight lanes for vehicular travel and two bicycle/pedestrian lanes so you can see it up close!

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 3:1

An infrastructure wonder, it is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the western hemisphere and offers panoramic views that are especially striking at sunset.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 2
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 2:1


The Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge (sometimes referred to as the New Cooper River Bridge) is a cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper River in South Carolina. Opened to traffic nearly two decades ago, the 1,546 foot long bridge carries eight travel lanes and two wide outside shoulders. It is held aloft by two 600-foot concrete pylons that support a 650-foot center span and a pair of 350-foot side spans. Total length of the bridge is 13,200 feet or 2.5 miles. With its main span rising only 187 feet above mean high water, the bridge carries Interstate 526 across Charleston Harbor from Patriots Point to U.S. Highway 17 at Mount Pleasant.


The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper River in South Carolina, connecting Charleston to Mount Pleasant. It replaced two obsolete cantilever truss bridges. Its eight lanes carry U.S. Highway 17, U.S. Highway 52, and South Carolina Highway 7 as it crosses the river, with a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lane along the northern side of the bridge.


Imagine if a bridge could talk: “I am the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in South Carolina, named after a politician who served as state senator and member of the United States House of Representatives. I am a cable-stayed bridge that crosses the Cooper River at Charleston, South Carolina. I opened on July 16, 2005, and was built to replace two aging bridges: one which carried U.S. Route 17 over the Cooper River and another which carried U.S. Route 17 over the Wando River. I connect Charleston to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Link: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in the Palms (free shipping)

Link: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 3:1 (free shipping)

Link: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Panorama Format 2:1 (free shipping)

Link to: Bill’s Pictorem Gallery

Link to: Bill’s FineArtAmerica/Pixels Gallery