Q&A With Resident and Photographer Peter Finger

After escaping the cold of upstate New York, professional photographer Peter Finger and his wife Joana discovered  an ideal new lifestyle on Daniel Island. We recently caught up with the photographer in-between assignments to learn more about the artist behind some of the images that were recently displayed at the island’s Honeycomb Cafe.

MIT: What brought you to Daniel Island?
PF: Five years ago when my wife retired from teaching, we decided we were more than ready to move to warmer weather from the cold of upstate New York. We looked all around Charleston. We wanted to be close to downtown, but since we are both active tennis players, knew we had to find a place that offered top-notch tennis. I also wanted to have a place to walk and bike, and of course always have a place to photograph. Daniel Island fit the bill on all counts! We are two minutes from world-class tennis and only 15 minutes to downtown Historic Charleston. It’s really the best of both worlds.

MIT: How long have you been a professional photographer?
PF: This will be my 23rd year as a full-time professional photographer

MIT: What is your professional and educational background?
PF: During high school and college I was always painting and taking photos, and traveled to sell my work. I received a BFA in Fine Arts and a masters in Art Education. I taught Middle and High school for six years before I was offered a great opportunity to join a young start-up company — Apple Computer! I worked with them in regional sales and in the education market. The toughest decision in my professional life was to leave Apple to pursue my creative ambitions full-time. It took a bit of time, but as I look back, it was the best decision ever!

MIT: What are some of things that inspire you and your photography?
PF: For the past ten years I have really focused on weddings. I love shooting weddings, and couples always inspire me to do my best work. Weddings are such a wonderful celebration of love and life and each time I am honored to be an important part of that day. Nature also continues to inspire me and I am blessed to be able to travel the world shooting landscape assignments for magazines, schools and various stock photo agencies. I also love shooting models, portraits and fashion.

MIT: Where are your favorite places to travel and photograph?
PF: My favorite locations are Italy and Spain. I’m looking forward to shooting at Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks this summer. I also love the Canadian Maritimes of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.

MIT: What are your favorite spots on Daniel Island to photograph?
PF: I love shooting the water – particularly along the island’s coastline, but also the ponds found throughout the island and the Smythe Park and lake area.

A sampling of Peter’s diverse work is below. You can see more at peterfinger.com and peterfingerweddings.com.

A Lowcountry Landscape by Pat Stuckart

Local photographer Pat Stuckart has an inspired eye when it comes to the beautiful natural setting of Daniel Island and the surrounding Lowcountry. Take a look at a small number of his images in the gallery below. Make sure you visit his website for many more beautiful shots!

A Bashin' Good Time: Recap of the 2009 Bocce Bash

Approximately 500 players competed in the 9th Annual Marino Family Bocce Bash at Blackbaud Stadium on Saturday, April 25, helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars for Special Olympics of South Carolina.

This popular island event has grown by leaps and bounds since it first started, and now takes nearly 100 volunteers and dozens of sponsors to pull off. This year the defending champions, Ted’s Butcherblock, held onto their title after ten hours of competition on a gorgeous spring day on Daniel Island.

The Porches of Daniel Island

Porches are almost as southern as sweet tea and are a way of life in the Lowcountry. And this is no exception on Daniel Island! Island residents spend hours lingering on their porches, visiting with neighbors and friends, relaxing with a book or just taking in the sights and views of the island.

Tom Fazio's Beresford Creek Course

Named one of the top 50 real estate courses in the country by GolfWeek, this Tom Fazio-designed course overlooks pristine marsh, creeks and waterways. The Beresford Creek Course is a par 72 that plays 7,293 yards through massive trees and open marshes along the fairways.

Ralston Creek Course – Golfer's Paradise

Rees Jones got it right when he designed the Ralston Creek Course at the Daniel Island Club! The Ralston Creek Course has received tons of accolades and awards, including being ranked as one of the contry’s top ten Best New Private courses by Golf Digest. Set against an incredible backdrop of natural saltwater marsh and tidal creeks, this 72 par course plays 7446 yards from the championship tees.

Scrambled Supper Pictures

The 12th Annual Daniel Island Scrambled Supper took place a few weeks ago on Saturday, February 21 and we were glad to have a couple of island residents send us their snapshots of the event.

Take a look!

Scenes from the Shoreline

We asked residents to share their favorite photos of life on the water. Check out these shots!