Sunrise on Kiawah Island
Story and photographs by Patrick O’Brien
T
he alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. The
coffee goes on; I make lunch for
the family, grab a granola bar, the
camera gear, and I am out the door
by 5:50 a.m. This scene plays out the same almost
every morning when I am on the hunt for the next
magnificent sunrise.
I am currently the photographer for Kiawah
Island Real Estate and have been photographing
Kiawah for close to 20 years. If you are buying or
selling a home on Kiawah, there is a great chance
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that I have photographed it. I also provide the
marketing department all the scenic landscape
photographs and lifestyle photographs that
graphically tell the story of Kiawah Island. My
favorite time of day is early morning. It is not
unusual for me to be out on the beach or standing in
the marsh adjusting my camera settings and waiting
for first light when most people are sleeping or just
waking up. It is simultaneously peaceful and active
as the birds, dolphins, and other creatures wake and
begin the early morning search for breakfast.