Catching the Sun in Her Arms

A solitary driftwood tree embraces the rising sun in her outstretched “limbs.”

The eastern coast of Georgia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. One such beach, Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, is a stunning coastal paradise that will take your breath away. This secluded beach is surrounded by ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss and the salty air gives way to a unique landscape. Driftwood Beach, itself, features sun-bleached driftwood strewn along the shoreline, giving visitors an otherworldly experience like no other.

Catching the sun in her arms on driftwood beach.
Catching the Sun in Her Arms on Driftwood Beach

Welcome to Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA! Whether you’re a resident of the area, or visiting from afar, this spot is not one to miss. With its stunning views and unique landscape, Driftwood Beach is perfect for a day in the sun. The shallow coast and tidal flats are an ideal location for wading and exploring the shoreline. Enjoy the beautifully weathered driftwood that lines the beach, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Driftwood Beach at Jekyll Island, GA is a little-known gem. The beach is covered with light brown, smooth driftwood that looks like large, intricate pieces of broken shells. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

photographing on drifwood beach, jekyll island, georgia
Here I am photographing one of the most fascinating of places – Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Driftwood Beach is located on the northeastern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. To get to this secluded paradise you must first drive through the main recreation area of the island. The beach does not have any access from the main road but there are a few parking areas along the road and paths leading to the beach.

The iconind lone tree on Driftwood Beach at dawn
The Iconic Lone Tree on Driftwood Beach in the Pre-Sunrise Light of Dawn

The beach on this island is now covered with driftwood in all shapes, sizes, and shades of brown and gray – creating an ethereal atmosphere for any visitor. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of nature as one strolls along Driftwood Beach and encounters amazing examples of driftwood – from small pieces to entire trees.

With its unique landscape, this beach serves as an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation or exploration.

driftwood beach rowboat
The hull of an old boat that has turned to driftwood is silhouetted in the morning sunrise.

To browse wall art and home decor items with Driftwood Beach photographs, you can click the images above or the links below.

Link to: Catching the Sun in Her Arms

Link to: Iconic Lone Tree of Driftwood Beach

Link to: Driftwood Boat

Link to: Bill’s Driftwood Beach Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill Swartwout Photography Gallery


Sunset at Grand Beach, Michigan

Catching a sunset while on vacation is a real treat.

A last minute foray to the beach at Grand Beach, New Buffalo, MI provided us with an interesting sunset view over Lake Michigan. The weather had been cloudy, chilly and windy all day but the clouds opened up enough near dusk that I was able to photograph one of the most interesting sunset images of our trip.

sunset over lake michigan
The sun sets over the horizon, casting a beautiful orange hue over the sky and water. The waves rush to the shore, providing a calming background noise. The sand is cool and soft, providing a comfortable seat to watch Mother Nature perform her magic. The sunset is a perfect way to end a day at Grand Beach.

The elements all worked together to create this breathtaking sunset photograph. The high winds during the day created moderate waves washing up on the beach that provided a wet sand “mirror” reflecting the colors in the sky. The half buried driftwood added a bit of foreground interest – looking a bit like a miniature mountain range on the beach. The sky, itself, was – well, it was just beautiful.

Of course, all of this splendor was not of my making. It was all provided by the artist known as Mother Nature – I was just there to observe and, hopefully, catch something to share with you.

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