The opportunity to shoot a few photos of the picturesque Atlantic Ocean had me incredibly excited as we headed to South Carolina’s Folly Beach during our recent trip to the East Coast. Although it was a bit chilly, it was as beautiful as I imagined.

My sister, Kelley, and my wife, Mary, were brave enough to test the water. Kelley’s husband, Chris, then treated me to some of the most glorious photoremedy I have experienced. Chris showed me that by tossing tiny cheese crackers in the air one could lure shore birds to within arm’s reach.

As Chris threw the crackers to the birds, I snapped away rather joyfully.

Since the birds never seemed to get their fill, Chris soon tired of the activity and handed the crackers off to me. I tossed the crackers directly overhead with one hand and maneuvered my Canon with the other.

It was truly magical. At times, it almost seemed as if I was flying in formation with the birds.

My heart soared with my new found friends. When I ran out of crackers, I joyfully returned to my travel party. That’s when I noticed that while I was smiling, they were all laughing hysterically. My heart plunged back to earth as I realized I must have done something rather stupid. My family, my trusted friends, were clearly laughing at me and not with me. I thought to myself, “That’s odd what the heck did I do this time?” As it turns out, it wasn’t what I did as much as what was done TO me.

Damn birds crapped all over me.

Photo by Kelley Kimery

This only took a little wind out of my sails. When it comes to getting a few good photos and lots of photoremedy, I say it’s worth putting up with other’s crap!