Title: Sky High Perspectives: Capturing Tidewater Through Drone Photography
Dronescapes have quickly become the new buzzword in photography circles, transforming our understanding of landscapes, and the majestic locale of Tidewater at Myrtle Beach offers some stunning vistas through the lens of a drone. The appeal isn’t simply limited to aerial photography enthusiasts, it resonates with golfers, nature lovers, and travel enthusiasts alike who want to experience a different perspective of our beloved Myrtle Beach.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure, the Tidewater Golf Club is a picturesque coastal jewel, nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Grove, north of Myrtle Beach. The course sprawls across a rolling terrain, replete with forests, saltwater marshes, and water bodies — scenery that’s tailor-made for a drool worthy aerial photoshoot.
The first thing that strikes the awe-inspired drone photographer about Tidewater is its sheer scale and diverse landscapes. Taking to the skies, the scenes range from expansive fairways lined with ancient woodland, undulating greens mimicking the rhythmic tidal waves, crystal-clear ponds mirroring the skies — all the way to panoramic vistas of the ocean. Tidewater from the sky is like a living and breathing postcard.
One of the standout holes from an aerial perspective is the par-5 13th, a sublime wonder riddled with strategy and risk-reward opportunities. The hole unfolds on your screen as a mighty battle between land and water, each vying for the golf ball’s attention. The grandeur of hole 3, a short par-3, often referred to as the “signature hole”, is only truly appreciated from higher altitudes. The hole is cunningly placed with the beautiful Cherry Grove as the backdrop, and the drone camera effectively captures the strategy of the hole and the intimidating water hazards daring golfers into submission.
However, it’s not just about capturing the greens and fairways, it’s also about the relationship between the golf club and its surrounding landscape — its natural boundaries, its historical roots, and how it flows seamlessly with the local geography. Drones lend us an excellent ability to capture this sense of eternity, of the harmonious symphony between man and natural landforms.
There is a certain magic about seeing Tidewater in various states of time and season through drone photography. The dawn’s early light casts long shadows that stretch across the course and bathes everything in a warm, golden palette. Sunset, on the other hand, blesses with a flaming pink and purple skyline reflected in the tide’s placid waters. Autumn colors of rust and gold dotting the tree-lined fairways leave you breathless. Aerial photography reveals Tidewater in a way that on-the-ground photos can’t quite emulate.
But like all good things, drone photography comes with its share of challenges. Notably, regulatory restrictions necessitate getting permits for taking pictures from the air — something that all hobbyists should pay heed to. The weather gods too don’t always cooperate — strong winds can hinder handling the drone and rain days spell doom for drone outings.
Furthermore, mastering the drone camera requires technical precision and an artistic eye. Accurately focusing on a specific area while simultaneously considering the entire frame can put even the best golf course photographer to the test. Fortunately, technology aids us here, with newer drone models featuring advanced flight and imagery settings to compensate for weather and height variability.
In conclusion, aerial drone photography provides us with a distinctive perspective in understanding Tidewater. It combines the intricate layout, stunning setting, and natural charm of the golf course with the majesty of looking from above, pulling back the curtain on a view that was previously only possible from the seat of a helicopter.
So, whether you’re a golfer, a drone enthusiast or a Myrtle Beach local, take a moment to appreciate Tidewater in all its aerial glory — a testament to the impressive architecture of the course and the unspoiled beauty of the South Carolinian coast. Thanks to drone photography, we have a newfound appreciation for the allure of Tidewater that stretches as far as the eye, and the drone, can see.