Category Archives: HDR Photography

Beautiful HDR Pictures from Around the World

William J Clinton Presidential Library

Posted on July 10th, 2017 by

Presidential

Pamela is always been into government. Before we started dating, I had never voted (what was I THINKING!). We took a short trip recently that was coupled with our viewing of the Chihuly exhibit at Crystal Bridges. This is the main public exhibit of some of the documents, a fraction of the total library. It’s a beautiful space complete with a replica of the White House Cabinet Room and The Oval Office. There are also multiple multi-media displays recanting the accomplishments and difficulties of Bill Clinton’s two terms. If you like history (and/or the Clinton’s) it’s totally worth a trip!

William J Clinton Presidential Library
William J Clinton Presidential Library

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/5
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 2 June, 2017
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 1250
  • Shutter speed: 1/320s
  • Title: William J Clinton Presidential Library

Chihuly in the Woods

Posted on July 3rd, 2017 by

Something New

Crystal Bridges is an amazing space. It’s not because they have my favorite art. It’s not because of the founders. It is honestly about what appears, at least to me, to be part of their core philosophy around art and nature. The degree to which these two are inextricably tied, how one complements…feeds the other. Both elements speak strongly to me personally. I find the best of humanity though art. I find the best of myself in nature. I think that is what I liked so much about this Chihuly show. The jaring nature of glass in the wild. These delicate creations interwoven among the trees and rocks and fallen leaves.

Chihuly in the Woods
Chihuly in the Woods

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4.5
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 3 June, 2017
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 640
  • Shutter speed: 1/200s

Red Glass Chihuly Bowls

Posted on June 26th, 2017 by

Chihuly Bowls

This is perhaps a more familiar form explored by Dale Chihuly and on display at the Crystal Bridges of American Art. You should go visit the display and the museum if you haven’t been in a while (of have not been at all). The have some wonderful pieces and one of the few museums in the world where you get to listen to people regularly exclaim, “Well I do that”!

(not something you regularly hear in the Chihuly show)

Red Glass Chihuly Bowls
Red Glass Chihuly Bowls

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/4
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 3 June, 2017
  • Focal length: 18mm
  • ISO: 2000
  • Shutter speed: 1/250s
  • Title: Red Glass Chihuly Bowls

Glass Alien Chihuly Outdoors

Posted on June 19th, 2017 by

The Lunchbox Has Landed

One of the great artistic resources living in the Ozarks is The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It is arguably one of the finest American Art Museums in the world, and I am flabbergasted how often I run across people who don’t even know of its existence. Pamela and I recently made a trip down to Arkansas to visit the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock and on the way home we stopped in to see the Usonain house newly relocated to the grounds. We just so happened to coordinate our visit with a fun Dale Chihuly Outdoor display (another of our favorites). This is the first of a few I will be posting over the next few weeks. It reminded me of some sort of alien form (or if you are into Magic…Emrakul).

Glass Alien Chihuly Outdoors
Glass Alien Chihuly Outdoors

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 3 June, 2017
  • Focal length: 22mm
  • ISO: 500
  • Shutter speed: 1/400s

Arts et Metiers Paris Subway Station

Posted on June 5th, 2017 by

Steampunk Subway Station

I have been to Paris a number of times. I knew about this subway station. I LOVE interesting subway stations. How have I not been here until recently? It’s a bit like Jules Verne and some Steampunk designer got together and designed this place. It’s a fun place to gawk and there are always a bunch of artists photographing, sketching, thinking…tres Parisian!

Arts et Metiers Paris Subway Station
Arts et Metiers Paris Subway Station

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/2.8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 27 January, 2017
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 6400
  • Shutter speed: 1/125s
  • Title: Arts et Metiers Paris Subway Station

Phantom From Afar, The Vienna Opera House

Posted on May 29th, 2017 by

Hopping Over

It seems a world away now. It wasn’t long ago that I would pop over for a night or two in a far away land. A stranger, visiting ever so briefly, that you might not even learn my name. These days, I seem spooked to go. Not because of anything specific, but more because the world has changed. I am still trying to feel out where and how I fit in it, but I yearn to once again find my music.

Phantom From Afar, The Vienna Opera House
Phantom From Afar, The Vienna Opera House

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 21 March, 2014
  • Focal length: 18mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 2.5s
  • Title: Phantom From Afar, The Vienna Opera House

Ghosts of Gondolas in Venice

Posted on May 22nd, 2017 by

Ghosts

You know that feeling you get…only sometimes, in the absence of the light. I have tried to explain how Venice changes once the sun goes down. I never explain it right. I always make it seem sinister, or like some corny spook house. Boo! That’s not it at all. It is more like the veil between realms is…more delicate there. Maybe it’s just the history. Often the oldest of places have more…personality. I love taking these long exposures at night. Despite my near von Aschenbach respiratory malady I stayed out past sunset. Even the January cold (and rain) could not keep me from the Venetian Night.

Ghosts of Gondolas in Venice
Ghosts of Gondolas in Venice

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/3.5
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 25 January, 2014
  • Focal length: 23mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 10s
  • Title: Ghosts of Gondolas in Venice

Trains and Jules Verne in Paris, France

Posted on May 15th, 2017 by

Missing Jules

The month of photo experimentation continues! I have been to Paris, France a number of times and I always seem to miss the Arts et Metires station. It’s a steampunk revival seemingly dedicated to Jules Verne. I have been in a number of really cool Subway and train stations around the globe, but this one pretty much takes the cake!

Trains and Jules Verne in Paris, France
Trains and Jules Verne in Paris, France

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 27 January, 2017
  • Focal length: 16mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 5s
  • Title: Trains and Jules Verne in Paris, France

Dark Canal in Amsterdam

Posted on May 8th, 2017 by

Stepping Out of the Conventional

People who know me would likely never call me conventional. It’s almost a laughable notion, one in which I happily participate. I have been reminded of this over and over again trying to “find myself” (as if I really went anywhere other than where I am currently). In honor of these notions, I decided to dedicate the month of May to experimental work. The odd stuff I assume nobody but me with enjoy. I always seem drawn to the mistakes of the world. Somehow there is an purity most miss when all that can be seen is the difference. This photo is out of focus. It’s too highly contrasted. It lacks color. These are things you could say…but I see honest feeling, beauty and hope.

Dark Canal in Amsterdam
Dark Canal in Amsterdam

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/5.6
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 17 February, 2017
  • Focal length: 35mm
  • ISO: 1600
  • Shutter speed: 1s
  • Title: Dark Canal in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Canals at Sunset

Posted on May 1st, 2017 by

Sunsetting

This is one of the last trips I have planned this year. It’s sad really. I’ve been trying to wrap myself around the notion of traveling fewer places, but for longer trips…I’m having a hard time adjusting. Regardless, Amsterdam is a beautiful city. Not just physically, but the people here are so kind and accepting. Amsterdam quickly hit the top of my favorite places list. To get an idea of the beauty, I give you a sunset.

Amsterdam Canals at Sunset
Amsterdam Canals at Sunset

Photo Technical Info

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
  • Taken: 18 February, 2017
  • Focal length: 20mm
  • ISO: 100
  • Shutter speed: 1/30s
  • Title: Amsterdam Canals at Sunset