With 15,000 species of plants, 1,000 species of birds and 200 mammal species, the Manu Rainforest holds the distinction of being the most biologically diverse place on Earth.

Tucked away among primordial swampland and the ubiquitous southern mossy oak trees lies Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a veritable photographer's haven some 20 miles north of Charleston, SC. With its 500 acres of varied flora and fauna, including some 254 migrating and year-round bird species, Magnolia has become one of my favorite destinations due to boundless photographic opportunities in a picture-perfect setting replete with southern charm.