You’re walking down East River Street in Savannah, the scent of pralines and salt air thick in the breeze, when you see her. She’s bronze, nine feet tall, and forever mid-wave. Most people snap a quick selfie and keep moving toward the next rooftop bar. But there is a reason waving girl statue photos are basically the unofficial logo of the city’s waterfront.
It isn't just a hunk of metal. It is a tribute to Florence Martus. For 44 years—yes, you read that right, nearly half a century—she greeted every single ship that entered Savannah's port. Rain or shine. Day or night.
Honestly, the real story is way better than the "ghost stories" the trolley tours sometimes sell you.
The Woman Behind the Lens: Who Was Florence Martus?
If you want to take meaningful waving girl statue photos, you’ve gotta know who Florence actually was. Born on Cockspur Island in 1868, she spent the bulk of her life on Elba Island. Her brother, George, was the lighthouse keeper.
Between 1887 and 1931, not a single vessel passed through the Savannah River without Florence acknowledging it. She used a white handkerchief or a towel by day. At night, she’d swing a lantern.
Why?
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The romantic version—the one that makes for a great Instagram caption—is that she was waiting for a lost lover. A sailor who promised to return but never did. It’s a classic, tragic trope. But Florence herself? She shut that down in an interview later in life. She told legendary journalist Ernie Pyle that she was just... lonely. Living on an isolated island, she started waving at friends. Then she started waving at everyone.
Eventually, it became a duty. Sailors from around the globe began to look for the "Waving Girl." It’s said that if a ship didn't get a wave from her, the crew felt cursed.
Composition Tips for the Best Waving Girl Statue Photos
Taking a good shot of a bronze statue is harder than it looks. The metal can get "muddy" in flat light, and the background can get cluttered with tourists.
Timing the Light
Early morning is your best friend here. The statue faces the river, and as the sun rises, it hits the bronze at an angle that highlights the texture of her dress and the fur of her dog. That dog, by the way, is a Rough Collie. The artist, Felix de Weldon (who also did the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington), actually changed the dog to a collie because that's what Florence and George bred on the island.
The Power of the Cargo Ship
If you want a truly iconic shot, wait for a massive container ship to pass behind her. Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the U.S. Seeing a giant, modern Maersk ship dwarfing this 19th-century figure creates a bizarre and beautiful contrast. It bridges the gap between the old maritime world and the new.
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Angle and Perspective
Don’t just stand in front of her.
- Low Angle: Get down low to make her look heroic against the sky.
- The Lantern Shot: Focus specifically on the lantern at her feet. It’s a subtle nod to her nighttime vigils.
- The Shoes: Look closely at her feet. Originally, De Weldon drew her barefoot. Locals complained, so he added shoes. Not just any shoes—they were modeled after the exact pair she used to buy from a local Savannah shop.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Monument
There’s a lot of "fact-adjacent" lore floating around River Street. You'll hear that she missed ships. Legend says she never missed one in 44 years. That’s probably hyperbole, but her dedication was real enough that the city erected this statue in 1972 in Morrell Park.
Another misconception? That she’s buried there. She isn't. Florence is buried at Laurel Grove North Cemetery. But this spot on the river is where her spirit lives.
The statue was actually cast in Rome, Italy. When it finally arrived in Savannah, the ship’s captain refused to accept payment for the freight. He remembered her waving to him when he was a young sailor. That’s the kind of impact she had.
Finding the Best Perspective
The area around the statue is called Morrell Park. It’s a bit of a walk from the main "hustle" of the Hyatt Regency area, which is actually great for photographers. It means fewer photobombers.
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- The Riverwalk View: Capture her looking out toward the Talmadge Memorial Bridge.
- The Close-Up: Zoom in on her face. De Weldon captured a specific kind of squint—the look of someone who has spent decades staring into the sun and salt spray.
- The Night Shot: The area is well-lit, and long exposures of the passing riverboats can create beautiful light trails behind her.
Beyond the Statue: Where to Go Next
If you’re on a mission for the best waving girl statue photos, don't stop at the bronze.
Head over to Fort Pulaski National Monument. This is where she was born. You can see the old stone piers where her fascination with the sea began. It’s about a 20-minute drive from downtown, but if you want the full "Florence Martus Experience," it’s essential.
Also, keep an eye out for the Savannah Belles Ferry. One of the boats is named the Florence Martus. It’s a free way to get out on the water and see the statue from the exact perspective of the sailors who used to salute her.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your time at the Waving Girl, follow this quick checklist:
- Check the Ship Schedule: Use a marine traffic app to see when a large container ship is scheduled to pass through the Savannah River. This is your "money shot."
- Visit at Dawn: Aim for the first 30 minutes of sunrise to catch the gold tones in the bronze.
- Bring a Wide Lens: If you want to include the river and the bridge, you’ll need something wider than a standard 50mm.
- Read the Plaque: Take a second to read the dedication. It’s one of the few monuments in Georgia dedicated specifically to a woman’s civic contribution rather than a political figure.
The Waving Girl isn't just a tourist stop. She represents the "Hostess City" better than any brochure ever could. Whether you're a pro photographer or just someone with an iPhone, capturing her image is a way of participating in a century-old tradition of greeting the ships.
Head to Morrell Park just before the sun starts to dip. Look for the cargo ships coming in from the Atlantic. Position yourself so the sun catches the edge of her handkerchief. You won't just get a photo; you'll get a piece of Savannah's soul.