The Hunting Island Lighthouse has always been one, if not the first, landmark that I think of when considering Beaufort. I can’t even remember the first time I climbed up all 167 steps, but I have countless memories tied to this lighthouse. A few of my best memories there are: taking my first big crush there and having my first kiss a little later on the beach; me and my best friend/neighbor spending a day riding bikes down the Hunting Island trails while he was staying at the campgrounds; and doing flips in the grass right in front of the lighthouse with my cousin. 
When I originally formed the concept for Homeland – Beaufort County I knew that a picture of the Hunting Island Lighthouse was an absolute necessity. The lighthouse was one of the first locations that I began shooting consistently right from the beginning. I would ride my new motorcycle to the end of highway 21 for the sunrise or sunset at least once a week for the first 2 or 3 months. I truly enjoyed every part of the process of capturing this image along with its sister image Hunting Island Lighthouse, that was captured the same day.