Dawn's Early Light

The Story behind an Award:

     This photograph was shot in the Classic Pictorialism style with its mood and atmosphere being produced by the dawning morning light illuminating Mr. Pruitt's Flag. It was first published in July of 2012 in Coastal Isles Magazine's inaugural edition with an article I authored called the Soul of the Lowcountry Summer. In April 2013, the image won an Award of Excellence from Communication Arts Magazine. This is the leading trade journal for visual communications. (These awards are like the Oscars for people in the commercial art industry.) It's the largest creative magazine in the world and showcases the top work in graphic design, advertising, illustration, photography, interactive design and typography. Interestingly, over 5000 images were submitted and 130 were chosen to win. Of those 130, only 10 of the photographers were women. 

     When James W. Pruitt graduated high school in 1957, he started working as a storekeeper. For many years, he had a small store of his own. In 1989, however, progress decided it needed a new parking lot and shut his store down. Since then, he's been at his family's store. He was raised in the small home attached to the rear of the store. The home and the store are made of white clapboard with green shutters, and Mr. Pruitt has always hung an American flag over the door. This photo is Mr. Pruitt's flag. The store is still located in what is now known as the Northwest Quadrant of the town of Beaufort in South Carolina.

     The town of Beaufort has a fine history -  from long time past to a more modern history -  that has Hollywood remembering it fondly. Forest Gump, The Big Chill, GI Jane, The Great Santini, and The Legend of Bagger Vance are just a few of the movies that have found filming locations here. 

      Further back, in 1861, Union troops arrived in Beaufort and the area slaves were freed. They formed their own community in what is now known as the Northwest Quadrant of the city. In those days and for many years afterward, as it was settled by black tradesmen, laborers, and small businesses owners. It was known as Freedman's Village. Mr. Pruitt's store is located on Greene Street.

       In 2011, I had located my studio a block from Mr. Pruitt's store. I spotted this beautiful shot a year before, but rain moved in and I missed the shot. The following year, I spent the spring mornings waking up early... waiting for the light to be right. The title is "Dawn's Early Light."