Category Archives: USA

Amazing Photography of The United States of America

The Mughal Garden of Shangri La

Posted on May 13th, 2013 by

Old Mansions

There is, for me, something fascinating about touring old mansions. In part it is the history of the place. Fantastic stories of visitors and deals made under a roof as powerful men and women visit a person’s home. I also love old building techniques. There is an impersonal nature to sheetrock and modern building techniques. I simply love seeing the works of master craftsmen and artists. Then a good portion I think has to do with all the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous I saw as a kid. Who doesn’t like to think of actually living in one of these palaces.

On my most recent trip to Hawaii I visited Doris Duke’s Shangri La. I was on the regular tour as sadly the person who helps with special access was away. There is little you are allowed to photograph, but I was allowed to handhold a shot in the fantastic Mugal Garden. The cypress tress are a sort of oddity for Hawaii, but they somehow seem to thrive here. If you happen to be on Oahu, definitely put this on your list. They have one of the finest Islamic Art collections in the western world! On my next trip, I hope to get to photograph inside the estate as well as bring my tripod!

Travel Photography
The Mughal Garden of Shangri La by W. Brian Duncan

Pali Lookout Sunrise

Posted on May 9th, 2013 by

Lookout

I have a hard time getting up before dawn, but it almost never fails that I wake up when I should. I have this strange built in alarm clock that rarely lets me sleep in these days. I always expect jet lag to throw it off, but somehow, I always wake up about the right time. One of the great things about Hawaii is that you can stay up really late and you end up waking up REALLY early. Since I am up I usually can talk myself into a sunrise or two…after all, photography is why I travel. This was one of the many wonderful weather days I had while on Oahu and sunrise was a sight to see!

HDR Photography
Pali Lookout Sunrise by W. Brian Duncan

Iao Valley

Posted on May 2nd, 2013 by

Other Views

If you look up Iao Valley, you will will see one view over and over again. Its a spectacular view after all, The Needle is an amazing peak. Sadly the day we happened to visit the park, the needle was enshrouded in clouds and mist. It rained on us trying to get a photo. We fought tourists for position. While I was waiting, I noticed the clouds were AMAZING on the other side of the valley! I grabbed this shot in a location no one else was looking at.

Travel Photography
Iao Valley by W. Brian 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

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

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

Sunset at the Golden Gate Bridge

Posted on March 25th, 2013 by

Dividing Line

I absolutely love contrasts in light. Dark and light, hard and soft, warm and cool. One of my favorite times is just before sunset really gets going. The layers of atmosphere start to warm up the light in the western sky, but the east is still blue and wonderful. There is this smooth transition from warm to cool that you can see in today’s photo. The west, to the left is very strong and warm, but towards the bridge you see a normal and wonderful day.

HDR Photography
Sunset at the Golden Gate Bridge by W. Brian Duncan

A Light at the End of a Dark Tunnel

Posted on March 18th, 2013 by

Paths

Sometimes on our journeys, we come across obstacles. A way that can only be walked by a single path. This path can at times be scary, dark and lonely. It can fill us with a sense of unease. The path can be broken, uneven, difficult to navigate in the darkness. We risk falling down. We risk making our lives worse. We risk hurting ourselves or the ones we love. But for those of us who are brave…the light is patiently waiting.

HDR Photography
A Light at the End of a Dark Tunnel by W. Brian Duncan

Bridge to the City

Posted on March 11th, 2013 by

Lucky Man

Pamela asked what I wanted to do for my birthday…I said go to San Francisco (of course). Aside from being my favorite U.S. city, it’s perhaps one of most comfortable cities for me, almost like I am called there; pulled by some cosmic force. I am very lucky, because we made the pilgrimage to The City, Pamela and me. Lucky because we are able to make the trip, both physically and financially. Lucky because I have a wonderful spouse that understands my love of wandering and wants to share in it. Lucky because we have each other to go to, Pamela, me and The City by the Bay.

HDR Photography
Bridge to the City by W. Brian Duncan