Author Archives: Bri Duncan

Banyan Tree Oahu

Posted on April 29th, 2013 by

Peaceful Trees

Last week I flew to Oahu, Hawaii. One of the first things I noticed was this Banyan Tree on Waikiki Beach. Banyan trees in the states, especially in very public areas are often ravaged characters. They take abuse from the transient tourist population who tend to underestimate their significant to Asian Religion. The Buddha gained enlightenment under the shelter of one of these trees. In Hinduism Krishna is said to rest in the leaves. There is a grounded aura to these strange trees and as with all trees there is great wisdom within…patience.

Travel Photography
Banyan Tree Oahu by W. Brian Duncan

Gaudi Schoolhouse

Posted on April 25th, 2013 by

Design School

On the grounds of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain sits a simple building. It was originally conceived as a schoolhouse for the children of those working to build the (minor) Basilica. I found this work to be more beautiful than the temple itself. La Sagrada Familia is overwhelming, busy, almost ostentatious. I haven’t worked on any of my photos of this treasure of architecture because I found myself so conflicted. I am not sure how I felt visiting. I expected to be in awe, and perhaps that word is accurate, but there was more…there is a harsh difference between Gaudi’s church and the other earlier work. The schoolhouse is simple, practical, elegant. It is in many ways opposite from the site in which it sits. My only regret was it wasn’t open the day I visited the church.

HDR Photography
Gaudi Schoolhouse by W. Brian Duncan

A Dreamy Maui Sunset

Posted on April 22nd, 2013 by

Warm Relaxation

Just look at it will you. Can you feel the warm, wet sand? Can you smell the sweat scent of sweat and sunscreen? Do you feel the tension leaving your body as you listen to the Hawaiian guitar playing in the distance? This week I am traveling back to Hawaii to visit my second Hawaiian Island (O‘ahu). This photo was taken on my first expedition to the islands when we visited Maui. I can’t imagine a reason anyone would not love this place. I see myself visiting often…I hope you will too!

HDR Photography
A Dreamy Maui Sunset by W. Brian Duncan

Organic Entry

Posted on April 18th, 2013 by

Nature

I love the natural world, the thing is…sometimes I wish it was inside. It’s the forms that I love, but I could do without the bugs and snakes. I think that is why I so love the work of Antoni Gaudi. His forms are so obviously of nature. This entryway in La Pedrera looks (to me) like a cave, the door looks like a tree or a mass of vine at its entrance, the walkway could easily be a spring running through the cave. With sensibilities such as this in architecture one wonders if you would ever need to go outdoors (just kidding).

HDR Photography
Organic Entry by W. Brian Duncan

San Francisco Sunrise

Posted on April 15th, 2013 by

Dawn

We looked out the window of our hotel room and were greeted with two amazing sites of contrast. One was the amazing city of San Francisco. It’s a wonder! A city built on the most inhospitable geography. The City has burned, flooded been destroyed by earthquake…it is a wonder of modern construction and civil engineering. The other amazing site was the sunrise. Despite all we have and will do as a people, I am always most struck by the awesome power, majesty and beauty of the natural world. It is these two contrasts, both the natural and the man-made wonder that had me grabbing for my camera.

HDR Photography
San Francisco Sunrise by W. Brian Duncan

Embarcadero Stairs

Posted on April 11th, 2013 by

The Road Ahead

I read a quote recently on the internet that I found uniquely stuck in my head.

The only reason we get stuck in jobs we don’t love is because we choose not to leave.
~Simon Sinek

I belive this extends well past career choices and into almost every facet of life. We tend to externalize our problems, overplay obligations and declare that I can’t because (insert any reason). What occurred to me was the power accepting this notion has as well as the responsibility its acceptance requires. When we realize we are directing this life, it seems all the more important to make it one we want to live. I struggle with choices, but for better or worse they have been and continue to me mine to make.

Stairs

Today’s photo is of the Embarcadero Center Staircase located in Center 2.

HDR Photography
Embarcadero Stairs by W. Brian Duncan

Terracotta Chimneys

Posted on April 8th, 2013 by

Up on the Roof

I loved Barcelona, Spain. I keep saying that, but honestly it’s worth repeating. The thing that made it for me wasn’t the food, though it was excellent. It wasn’t the people, though they were warm and inviting. It was the amazing architectural master works of Antoni Gaudí. Up until this point, I would have probably pointed to Frank Lloyd Wright as my favorite architect, but after visiting Barcelona I have a hard time making that absolute statement. Surely, their styles are as far apart as night and day, but in each I find a harmony and a craft that I cant help but admire.

HDR Photography
Terracotta Chimneys by W. Brian Duncan

Barcelona 1138

Posted on April 4th, 2013 by

Homage

On many lists of the coolest subway stations in the world you will find the Drassanes Metro Station in Barcelona, Spain. It is oddly (to me) the Metro station located closest of the port area of the city and at the end of La Rambla, Barcelona’s massive pedestrian thoroughfare. I say odd because this station seems straight out of a sci-fi movie. Even more so than the shot recently that I took of the Dupont Circle Station in D.C. The station is bathed in a stark, white minimilism that reminded me immediately of THX 1138. What do you see?

HDR Photography
Barcelona 1138 by W. Brian Duncan

Barcelona to Home

Posted on April 1st, 2013 by

Airports

I have been spending quite a bit of time in airports as of late. I am a bit fortunate because most of the the time I have access to a variety of lounges. This adds just a bit of comfort to your travels and will generally get you a free drink or two (additionally adding to your perceived comfort). Truth be told I actually like airports…well really modern ones like BCN. There are a variety of exciting things to look at and do and I love experiencing other countries everyday places. You never know what amazing things you will see or find!

HDR Photography
Barcelona to Home by W. Brian Duncan

Old Lion

Posted on March 28th, 2013 by

Lions, Titans and Bears

A quick post for today…As I said in a perviously, there were some great knockers in Geneva, Switzerland! This old lion was the first of the crazy big brass knockers I spotted on the doors of Old Town. Wandering around I was constantly staring at doors of peoples apartments and businesses and stopping to take photos.

HDR Photography
Old Lion by W. Brian Duncan