Local Photographer Pens How-To Guide

Jeff Dodge’s camera and his sharp eye for good photos have made him a living for decades.

From Paris to New York, the Mount Pleasant photog has shot scores of businessmen and beautiful places over the years as a freelance photographer.

His work has appeared in magazines such as Forbes and Success, and now, he’s opening his big book of secrets for tourists and locals.

Dodge’s recently published book, “Photographing Charleston, Savannah and the Coastal Islands,” tells readers where to find the best photos and how to use their camera to capture the image.

“It’s more of a photo guide that tells people where to go to find potentially wonderful images,” said Dodge, who has lived in Mount Pleasant for 15 years. “The book travels a road from Charleston and Summerville and then it’s all along the coast to Tybee Island.”

The book also splices in chunks of history and local legend. It even gives GPS coordinates so photographers can pull right up to the best photo.

It took Dodge about eight months to take all the photos and compile all the directions. It sells in major bookstores and online for under $17. There are also tablet PC versions available. He plans a handful of local book signings in the coming weeks.

“Everyone has a camera nowadays, and with digital, everyone is a photographer,” Dodge said. “And with Charleston being named the No. 2 tourist destination in the country, right now is a great opportunity.”

The book is published by Vermont-based Countryman Press, which specializes in travel guides.

“I don’t know anyone who is combining photography and a travel guide in one book,” Dodge said.

He doesn’t think he’ll make a ton of cash off the project, but he said the 112-page glossy book allowed him to make money while exploring his passion.

“Books are never big money makers, but I got to take pictures and travel and get paid for it,” he said. “That’s exciting, and I love going out promoting it. It’s good that Charleston is never a tough sell.”