Five Minutes with photographer Scott Quarforth

When Scott Quarforth vacations in Beaufort, he prefers waking before dawn. Sleeping in means he'd miss another sunrise over the Lowcountry waters.

The Richmond, Va., resident mainly photographs landscapes when he's visiting his father. His photograph of the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge on a foggy day was featured as part of an ARTworks exhibit. It caught the eye of the executive director who asked whether he'd be interested in putting together a solo show. "The Lowcountry Through My Own Lens" runs through August.

Quarforth, a master's student in social work, explains where he likes to shoot in Beaufort.

Question. When did you pick up photography?

Answer. Photography just started as an elective in college. As digital cameras became more prevalent, I just picked it up and ran with it. It wasn't until about 2003 that I got heavy into it. It's just an obsession, just a hobby. I do some work for local minor league sports teams, but that's just on the side. I really just enjoy getting out into nature.

Q. What's your connection to the Lowcountry?

A. I grew up vacationing here with my family. About five years ago, my father bought a house in Beaufort. I've come down to visit since. I love the environment, the food, the nature. It's one of my absolute favorite places to photograph.

Q. Where do you like to shoot?

A. I love going out to Hunting Island State Park and shooting out there during the sunrise. I love going out to Dockside restaurant in Port Royal for their sunsets. I've been a contributor to the Beaufort County calendar contest. One of my pictures was featured in the 2010 calendar.

Q. What month was that?

A. I think it was June or July. It was a picture I took at Widgeon Point. It was a flock of ibis that were just on one of the inland lakes. I was walking up and taking pictures. I spooked them. They flew right in front of me, and I got a few photos.

This story was originally published July 13, 2012 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Five Minutes with photographer Scott Quarforth."