When the sun goes down and the sky gradually turns dark, I normally put my camera in its bag and call it a day. I am discovering that night time can be when many beautiful photos are snapped. Certainly the low light presents some challenges but I am getting more familiar with the shutter speeds, exposures, and lightning and loving the results.
Washington School Building, Loveland, CO
Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 24.3mm • F/14 • 20s • ISO 400
I really didn't want to shoot metal today. I kept getting a cold, empty feeling every time I imagined my picture. So I decided to take a walk at the Benson Sculpture Park and hope for some inspiration. Today was one of those days when everything seemed to be coming alive in this little suburban sanctuary, even the bronze sculptures. As I slowly walked the paths, I could hear so many different sounds, so many different voices. (And no, I did not have any pain killers on board). I felt like I was in the middle of a group of excited party planners who were making preparations for a grand celebration called Summer. Birds were merrily chirping, bees were busily buzzing, flowers were happily blooming, trees were bravely budding and water was freely flowing. As I walked around, it dawned on me that Bronze is a metal. So I just started listening even closer to all of the sounds, especially the sculptures.
Today, it was "Flora", as she is named, who spoke to me the loudest. She reminded me to let nature take its natural healing course and to make time to stop and appreciate even the smallest blade of grass. This is nourishment for the mind, body and soul.
"Flora" by Jo Hess, Benson Sculpture Park, Loveland, CO
Fujifilm X-E2 • Fuji XF18-135mm lens • 46.6mm • F/13 • 1/125s • ISO 400
“My role in society, or any artist’s or poet’s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.”
One of the more interesting buildings in Loveland, CO even though somewhere along they way, it's architectural integrity was compromised by putting in disability ramps. I am not saying there should not have been accommodations made for those with disabilities. Just saying some people still like to use stairs and some things are worth preserving.
I am liking the self portrait here. It's a true reflection of my view on religion. I prefer to view it from a safe distance, outside the building, indirectly, through the eyes of an artist and from a different perspective than many. I am grateful I live in a place and time where I am allowed the freedom to choose for myself, and you all for yourselves!
May we all know the blissful love of Creator in our hearts and lives, the kind that makes us smile on the inside.
Reflection of Church Building in Loveland
Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 18mm • F/22 • 1/20s • ISO 400
Bronze Instrument
“Music, in performance, is a type of sculpture. The air in the performance is sculpted into something.”
This sculpture is one of my favorites at the Benson Sculpture Park. I love its name, "Wall Street" and the distorted, off balance depiction of the cello. I can almost hear the warped, garbled sounds that would come from this instrument if it were playable.
Stock Market by Philippe Guillerm, 2007, Benson Sculpture Park, Loveland
Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 55mm • F/4.5• 1/100s • ISO 200