Some people say the best camera is the one you have with you.
In most cases, that means your trusty cell phone, which is probably nestled in your pocket or tangled up in your purse with a couple of old receipts and a half-eaten granola bar.
Ansel Adams once said, “There are two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer.” He conveniently left out the third element—the technology, which, let’s face it, is often the least important part of this trio.
Coastal Delaware with Burton Island and the Indian River Inlet Bridge – between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach
Now, there’s a world of difference between those random “snapshots” you take of your cat looking like a loaf of bread and the artful photographs captured by someone who knows what they’re doing. It’s not about having a bazooka-sized camera; it’s about having the eye of an eagle and the instincts of a ninja.
Armed with a 12-megapixel smartphone, a savvy photographer can create images so stunning they’d make even Mona Lisa crack a smile. Who needs a fancy camera when you can print a photo the size of a small elephant and still have it look like art? So next time you’re tempted to blame your phone for your lackluster photos, remember—it’s not the size of the camera, it’s how you use it!
Of course, that photograph is available for you. CLICK HERE
It’s usually a good bit warmer here than back home in Delaware.
So, you’ve decided to join the flock of snowbirds and head down to Myrtle Beach in January. You might be thinking, Am I crazy? Isn’t it cold down there? Well, I’m here to tell you that while the rest of the country is shivering, Myrtle Beach is enjoying some surprisingly warmer weather. It’s like a secret paradise for those seeking refuge from the icy grip of winter.
The beach at Myrtle Beach looking south from the 14th Street Pier. The pier in the distance is the 2nd Street Pier.
But don’t think that a trip to Myrtle Beach in February will be your typical winter escape. Sure, it may not be as hot as midsummer, but you’ll still find plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. From beach walks with your toes in the sand to golfing on world-class courses, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the milder temperatures and take advantage of fewer crowds. February is like that one friend who always has an extra sweater handy – surprisingly warmer than expected.
When March rolls around, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot with even more pleasant weather. The ocean breeze becomes gentle and inviting—a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls along the boardwalk or sipping cocktails at beachside bars. Plus, you can catch some early spring events and festivals without worrying about battling through summer throngs just yet. So pack your bags, snowbird! Myrtle Beach is waiting for you with open arms and warmer temperatures than you’d ever expect during these off-season months!
Be sure to visit Bill’s Myrtle Beach Collection: CLICK HERE.
The red barn has always been a staple of the American agricultural landscape.
Red barns are not only iconic symbols in rural America, but the red barn is also part of its history and culture. Have you ever stopped to wonder why so many American barns are painted in this particular color?
This iconic red barn is located on Route 16 just east of Greenwood, Delaware – in the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula.
The iconic red barn is a staple of the American countryside, with its bright hue standing out against the rolling hills. But why are barns painted red? What is the history behind this choice of color? In exploring why American barns have been traditionally painted red and examining the various reasons for this cultural phenomenon, we found one that seems to make sense. This might provide an historical and a modern explanation for why red is so popular among farmers and farm buildings in America.
In the “early days” there were few, if any, choices for building supplies and (what we now know as) paints and sealers did not exist. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in. But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces.
When paint became available, many farmers chose to continue the “red barn” tradition. Or, maybe, it was because red paint is slightly less expensive to produce because iron oxide is so plentiful in nature. Keep in mind that not all barns are painted red – but the majority of them are.
Red Barn on a rolling hillside near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Barn images are for sale as wall art and printed on a variety of home decor items. To see more, to browse or shop – click on the images above or the links below.
Here is a “colorized” image from more than a century ago.
Built in 1858, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history for the small towns of Fenwick Island, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse “colorized” panorama photograph.
Looking way back, this panorama photograph of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in coastal Delaware was created and colorized from an 1891 faded black and white image downloaded from the United States National Archive website.
The Fenwick Island Light Station from the National Archives, National Museum of American History
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse Station has been aiding navigation for mariners since August 1, 1859. Today, the historic structure is a popular tourist destination, especially for photography enthusiasts. The “Fenwick Light” is an historic landmark located in southernmost Delaware right at the border with Ocean City, Maryland.
Fenwick island Lighthouse Panorama processed as an abstract to give it a more “painterly” appearance.
Oldest Lighthouse in Delaware
A quote from the website: “The official opening of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, when the light was first lit as an aid to navigation, was on August 1, 1859.” That makes the Fenwick Island Light the oldest lighthouse in Delaware.
Fenwick Island Lighthouse as a simulated canvas painting.
The beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is gorgeous on a breezy day in the Fall.
Fenwick Island, Delaware is situated directly on the Atlantic Ocean and provides a picturesque beach for visitors to explore. Located in Sussex County, it offers a unique coastal experience with plenty of activities for all ages. With its pristine sandy beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking views of the ocean, Fenwick Island is the perfect destination for a family vacation or weekend getaway.
Fenwick Dunes and Waves Wall Art
Fenwick Island, Delaware is a beautiful vacation destination that offers plenty of activities and attractions. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island has become increasingly popular for its pristine beach and clear waters. Whether it’s a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Fenwick Island offers something for everyone. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities, visitors can explore the area at their own pace while taking in the sights and sounds of the beach.
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in Blacks and White
The beautiful beach at Fenwick Island, Delaware is a must-see destination for beach-goers. An island on the Atlantic Coast, Fenwick Island is a tranquil paradise situated between Ocean City, Maryland and Bethany Beach, Delaware. With its white sand beaches, boardwalk attractions and miles of shoreline, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in Fenwick Island.
Fenwick Dunes and Waves in a Panorama Format
For browsing or shopping, each of the images clicks to a more detailed page and see them without watermarks. The links below are more generic but will show you some gorgeous landscape and seascape photography.
We rival the colors of New England fall foliage right here in Delaware.
The first hint of autumn is always a welcome sign after a long, hot summer. In Delaware, the turning of the leaves signals the start of fall celebrations and all things pumpkin. One of the best places to enjoy the crisp autumn air is at Coursey Pond in Frederick.
Autumn at Coursey Pond Wall Art
This beautiful autumn scene was captured at Coursey Pond in Frederica, Delaware by Bill Swartwout Photography. It appears to be two scenes in one, with the colorful fall foliage and brilliant blue sky being reflected in the still waters of Coursey Pond.
Jigsaw Puzzle of the Autumn at Coursey Pond Photograph
How about the challenge of working a jigsaw puzzle with the intricate designs created here by Mother Nature.? Would you give it a go – or perhaps gift one to a friend or family member with an affinity for puzzles?
Created with Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography
October, November and December are the months for calendars – plan for 2023. #ShopEarly #BuyIntoArt Assateague Ponies, Ocean City, Indian River Bridge and Fire Control Towers are what I have created from my photographs and offer for sale at the amazing “Zazzle.” Click the image or the link below the image to browse of shop…
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 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.
The original “best selling” print: Indian River Inlet Bridge Twilight Reflection
Charles W. Cullen Bridge – Dedicated 2012
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.
Nearly everyone loves sunflowers, the most popular flowers of summer.
The sunflower stands tall to meet the rays of the midday sun – it stands tall and reaches high into the sky. Golden hues of sunshine are reflected in the petals, making this wonderful yellow bloom among the most popular flowers of summer.
A field of bright yellow sunflowers is one of summer’s most popular sights and with good reason. These cheerful, cheerful flowers are easy to grow, requiring only a sunny spot to thrive. Sunflowers are also easy to customize for any occasion: add stakes or wire for height, use in bouquets, or leave them out as the centerpiece on your kitchen table. Did you know the the flower petals within a sunflower’s cluster are usually in a a spiral pattern?
Even the bees love sunflowers – for their sweet nectar.
Sunflowers are usually yellow or orange. They can also be red or white, but yellow is the most common color for sunflowers. The petals on each flower all face one direction, making the sunflower look like a bright disc when it faces the sun. Sunflowers are native to North America and were first cultivated by Native Americans.
What’s not to love about sunflowers? They’re bright and cheerful, they grow in fields and on farms, and they are the most popular flowers of summer.
In fact, sunflowers have been grown for thousands of years—and they weren’t even originally intended to be flowers! They were actually used as a food source by Native Americans. The seeds were ground into flour or roasted like popcorn. Every 100 pounds of sunflower seeds yields about 40 pounds of oil, 35 pounds of high-protein meal and 20 to 25 pounds of other by-products.
Sunflowers are native to North America, but now grow all over the world. They have become an important part of many cultures around the globe, including China, Africa and South America. When Europeans got their hands on the plant it quickly became one of their favorite things to grow in their gardens.
Heliotropism – a plant’s propensity to face, and follow, the sun…
A young sunflower has a supple stem that responds to the sun. The flower will follow the sun from its rising in the east to setting in the west. Over night the stem will tend to grow more on the west side – from the “afternoon sun” and will make the head swivel back toward the east. This repeats every day for a part of the plant’s growth cycle. But as the plant matures and the head becomes laden with seeds and quite heavy, it can no longer swivel during the day. Therefore the older, larger and mature sunflowers tend to face east – toward the rising sun – and stay that way until the harvest.
Use the links below to browse or shop more of Bill’s photographs of Sunflowers and other Flora .
Dunes grasses and fencing are important to our coastal ecosystem.
A sea of grass and sand dunes extend out to the Atlantic Ocean at Bethany Beach in Sussex County, Delaware. This photograph, captured along a beach pathway at Bethany Beach, Delaware, highlights the importance of healthy dune grasses and fence to our coastal ecosystem. These beach grasses and dune fencing help protect the sand dunes and also delineate a pathway to the beach.
Dunes Grasses, Fencing and a Path at Bethany Beach
Bill Swartwout’s photograph of a pathway through the sand dunes at Bethany Beach draws the viewer in to explore the scene.
Bethany Beach, Delaware, is a popular summer destination along the Atlantic coast of the United States. A beautiful beach with no public access road over the dunes, the town relies on dune fences and grasses to direct visitors towards its sandy shore. Some people like to walk along the dunes and look at the grasses and the fence and maybe even imagine what it must have been like before there were people here.
Bethan Beach Dune Grasses and Fence
The very best way to approach photographing a subject is to imagine yourself in conversation with the subject, then moving closer and closer, becoming more of a participant as time goes by. Bill Swartwout’s work is an amazing way to capture the beauty of our natural surroundings, and Crossing the Dunes at Bethany Beach is a wonderful example of that. The photo is tranquil and peaceful, and looks like a scene from a faraway land. It’s an instant favorite!
Thought for the day:If you can’t find joy on the beach, then it’s not the beach that’s wrong.
