GOLDEN ISLES - GEORGIA

Over Memorial Day weekend, I finally took a long-anticipated trip to three of Georgia’s barrier islands: Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and Cumberland Island. From the surreal beauty of Driftwood Beach to the majestic feral horses on Cumberland, this journey was the perfect opportunity to capture the distinct character of Georgia’s coastal landscapes.

Driftwood Beach — The crown jewel of Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach is a hauntingly beautiful shoreline where centuries-old trees—weathered by erosion and the elements—stand petrified in time. This natural sculpture garden offers endless photographic possibilities and draws landscape artists, portrait photographers, fashion shoots, and families alike. Scattered among the skeletal remains of trees are various forms of wildlife, including crabs, isopods, pelicans, cranes, and woodpeckers. I dedicated two sunrises, an afternoon, and a sunset to photographing this unforgettable location. While the beach can get crowded—especially with tourists climbing and posing on the driftwood—sunrise proved to be the best time for quiet, uninterrupted shooting.

Cumberland Island — Georgia’s largest barrier island — is a paradise for landscape and wildlife photographers. Spanning nearly 60 square miles, the island is largely undeveloped and features a rich mosaic of maritime forests, beaches, wetlands, and sand dunes. Its most iconic residents are the nearly 200 feral horses that roam freely across the island. I spent a full day exploring a small portion of its southern end on foot—public vehicles are not permitted, and the only ways to get around are by walking or biking. At the heart of the island lies the Dungeness Ruins, the remains of a once-grand mansion built by Thomas Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie. Overnight accommodations are limited to primitive campsites or a $1,000+/night inn, so my time was limited—but I’m sure to take another visit soon to discover more of this remarkable place.